Find answers to common questions about the Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP). From eligibility requirements to clean vehicle options and financing details, our FAQs provide all the essential information to help you navigate the program with ease. You can find comprehensive program information in the DCAP Consumer Guide (English | Spanish) and the DCAP Terms and Conditions (English | Spanish).
Need-based application processing and funds reservation refers to the process of evaluating an applicant’s need and allocating available funds accordingly. Once a Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP) application is complete, and has been submitted, it will be processed and sorted into one of three tiers. Funds are reserved when a participant is moved into Counseling Review.
Tier 1: The highest priority is comprised of income qualified participants who reside in a disadvantaged or low-income community as defined by CalEnviroScreen 4.0. Tier 1 will remain open as long as funding remains available.
Tier 2: The second highest priority is comprised of income qualified California residents who report income below 225% of the Federal Poverty Level, need credit repair, or receive categorically eligible income sources, such as SSI, Medicaid, CalWORKs, etc. Tier 2 will be closed to new applicants when 25% of grant funds remain.
Tier 3: Comprised of income qualified California residents, who report income below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level. Tier 3 will be closed to applicants when 50% of grant funds remain.
Due to limited funding, there will not be a reservation list. We encourage you to explore other incentive programs if you need immediate assistance purchasing a clean air vehicle. Subscribe to the DCAP newsletter to stay up to date on the program.
Additional funding is dependent on future state budget allocations. The program may reopen tiers if reserved funding is unused.
DCAP will close to new applicants once funds for each tier have been exhausted. Approved participants can continue the grant redemption process, while unapproved applications may be closed if funds for each tier have been fully allocated.
Funds will be closed by tiers. If funding is spent or committed, the corresponding tier will be closed:
Applicants will be notified via email if their application is moving forward or has been closed. You can also check the breakdown of each tier on this FAQ section.
Below is an updated chart that shows the income levels for each household size.
225% FPL | |
Household Size: | Household combined income must be less than: |
1 | $35,212.50 |
2 | $47,587.50 |
3 | $59,962.50 |
4 | $72,337.50 |
5 | $84,712.50 |
6 | $97,087.50 |
7 | $109,462 |
8 | $118,650 |
This chart is updated on an annual basis by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. | |
DCAP is open statewide for the Financing Assistance (non-scrapping) pathway. DCAP is open to participants with a qualifying vehicle to scrap who do not live in the following air districts:
To view a list of counties in each air district, please visit California Air Districts.
Eligible applicants for the Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP) must be California residents, and be income qualified, which means having an income at, or below, 300% Federal Poverty Level. For more information about household, residency, or income verification please see the DCAP Consumer Guide (English | Spanish).
The amount of incentive you may qualify for depends on whether you live in a disadvantaged community or low-income community. To find out if you live in a disadvantaged community or low-income community enter your address into the system using the link below. Enter your address into the California Climate Investments Priority Populations system. California Climate Investments Priority Populations system.
| Category | Most Common Documents |
| Income- Employed |
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| Income- Categorical Eligibility |
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| Income- Self Employed |
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| Residency |
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| An additional list of documents is available on the application checklist | |
| Program Pathway / Grant Amount | Vehicle Recycling Required? / Charging Grant |
|---|---|
Program Pathway: Clean Cars 4 All Grant Amount: Less than 300% Federal Poverty Level (FPL) + living in a disadvantaged and low-income communities*
| Vehicle Recycling Required?: Yes Charging Grant: $2,000 for level 2 charger installation or charge card** |
Program Pathway: Clean Cars 4 All Grant Amount: Less than 300% Federal Poverty Level Only:
| Vehicle Recycling Required?: Yes Charging Grant: $2,000 for level 2 charger Installation or charge card** |
Program Pathway: Financing Assistance Grant Amount:
| Vehicle Recycling Required?: No Charging Grant: $2,000 for level 2 charger installation or charge card** |
*Disadvantaged and Low-Income Communities are determined by the CalEnviro4.0 Map
** Not available for fuel cell electric vehicles, or zero emission motorcycles.
Even with down payment assistance, many people still need a loan to purchase/lease a vehicle. DCAP has built a network of vetted, community-based lenders who offer loans capped at 8% interest rate to access DCAP’s lending network. Individuals must participate in at least one financial counseling session with one of DCAP’s certified credit-loan counselors. For more information about financial counseling and loan support please visit the DCAP Consumer Guide (English | Spanish).
Participants can get financing from a third-party lender, but this financing must have an interest rate below 8% and not exceed $45,000. Participants can also purchase/lease the vehicle in cash, without getting a loan, and will be asked to provide a receipt showing the cash payment.
DCAP does not have a minimum credit score. However derogatory items like repossessions, and charge offs may impact your ability to qualify for a loan.
To view eligibility requirements for each pathway, click here.
Vehicles that are battery electric vehicle, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, fuel cell electric vehicle, or zero emission mobility must be purchased from a franchise dealer, dealer that is a member of the Credit Union Direct Lending (CUDL) platform, or through a DCAP broker. In addition, used vehicles:
Before finalizing the purchase or lease of the vehicle, participants must provide the dealership with their approval packet and, if applicable, a loan pre-approval letter. The dealership will use the grant as a down payment to reduce the vehicle’s cost.
Yes, however the vehicle and leasing terms still must meet program requirements.
CC4A participants will benefit from a reduced state sales and use tax credit rate of 3.9375%. Dealerships and participants will need to sign the CDTFA-230-ZEV form titled “Partial Exemption Certificate- Zero Emission Vehicle Section 6368.2.” A copy of this document will be made available in the participant’s approval packet.
a. Must be model year 2009 or older.
b. The vehicle title must:
c. Be a passenger vehicle, truck, sport utility vehicle (SUV), or van with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less.
d. Operated continuously in California for at least two years prior to the application submission date with gaps during the period totaling no more than 120 days.
Participants who choose the CC4A pathway may choose not to purchase/lease a replacement vehicle. Those participants can choose multiple alternative clean mobility options that include the following choices: public transit, car sharing, bike sharing, and electric bicycle (e-bike) passes for up to $7,500 total.
You may refer dealerships to the program by visiting our dealer page web page or by emailing our team at dealership@drivingcleanca.org. Dealerships must be approved before completing your purchase or lease.
Yes, the dealership may hold the vehicle until the payment has been received.
Yes, dealerships must be on the approved dealer list.
If you wish to use a dealership, not on the list please send the referral to Dealership@DrivingCleanCa.org
Participants who complete the purchase/lease of a qualifying plug-in hybrid or battery electric vehicle are eligible for a charging support grant of up to $2,000. Participants can choose between a public charging card, or a level 2 home installation. For more information on the charging options please visit the Consumer Guide.
