BAAQMDCArebate

Vehicle Buy Back Program

Rebate amount

Up to $2,000

Your qualifying range

$2,000 – $2,000

The vehicle must be model year 2000 or older, operable, and have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds or less. It must have been registered as operable in the Bay Area for the past 24 consecutive months. If within 60 days of a required Smog Check, the vehicle must pass the inspection before acceptance.

Earn $2,000 for retiring a 2000 or older operable vehicle. The vehicle must be registered in the Bay Area for the past 2 years.

residential

Guidance

Earn a $2,000 rebate from BAAQMD for retiring an operable vehicle from model year 2000 or older. To qualify, the vehicle must have been registered in the Bay Area for the past two years and be retired by an authorized dismantler.

Homeowner Tasks

Confirm vehicle eligibility
Ensure the vehicle is model year 2000 or older and is currently operable.
Provide vehicle registration history
Supply proof that the vehicle has been registered in the Bay Area for the past 2 years.
Deliver the vehicle to an approved dismantler
Bring the qualifying vehicle to a program-authorized dismantler for retirement.

Contractor Tasks

Verify vehicle eligibility
Perform the required eligibility check on the vehicle before accepting it for the buy-back program.
Retire and dismantle the vehicle
Dismantle the vehicle following BAAQMD program guidelines and provide necessary documentation.

The vehicle must be in operable condition at the time of retirement; inoperable vehicles will not qualify.

Only vehicles registered in the Bay Area for the past 24 consecutive months are eligible.

Ensure the chosen dismantler is officially authorized by the program to avoid disqualification.

Qualification

No special qualification flags for this rebate.

Not required: energy star certified equipment · ahri matched pair · income-qualified · has income-qualified portion · pre-approval required · permit required · contractor enrollment required · fuel switching required

Paid to:Customer

Stackability: Homeowners may be eligible for either the Vehicle Buy Back Program or the Clean Cars for All program if the vehicle is model year 2000 or older, but these are typically distinct paths. Clean Cars for All offers higher grants ($12,000) for low-income households.

Budget & Availability

March 27, 2026
Funding is open. Offers a flat $2,000 payout.

How to Submit

Contact an Air District-approved dismantler (Environmental Engineering Studies or Pick-n-Pull) to schedule an appointment. On the day of the appointment, bring the vehicle title and original proof of registration for the past 24 consecutive months. The dismantler will inspect the vehicle for eligibility and provide a check upon acceptance.

Program Resources

BAAQMDCA

Program Page

415-749-4994 vehiclebuyback@baaqmd.gov