Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Find answers to common questions about the Driving Clean Assistance Program. 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 and the DCAP Terms and Conditions, available in both English and Spanish.
General Information
| Region 1 County | Application Live |
|---|---|
| Imperial | Q3 2024 |
| Region 2 Counties | Application Live |
|---|---|
| San Bernardino* | Q3 2024 |
| Riverside* | Q3 2024 |
| Kern* | Q3 2024 |
| Los Angeles* | Q3 2024 |
*Counties fall in more than one air district. Individual address will be used to determine the Clean Cars 4 All (CC4A) program administrator the participant will be referred to.
| Region 3 Counties | Application Live |
|---|---|
| Alpine | Q4 2024 |
| Inyo | Q4 2024 |
| Mono | Q4 2024 |
| Mariposa | Q4 2024 |
| Tuolumne | Q4 2024 |
| Calaveras | Q4 2024 |
| Amador | Q4 2024 |
| El Dorado | Q4 2024 |
| Placer | Q4 2024 |
| Yuba | Q4 2024 |
| Sutter | Q4 2024 |
| Region 4 Counties | Application Live |
|---|---|
| Nevada | Q4 2024 |
| Plumas | Q4 2024 |
| Sierra | Q4 2024 |
| Lassen | Q4 2024 |
| Modoc | Q4 2024 |
| Siskiyou | Q4 2024 |
| Shasta | Q4 2024 |
| Tehama | Q4 2024 |
| Butte | Q4 2024 |
| Region 5 Counties | Application Live |
|---|---|
| Del Norte | Q4 2024 |
| Humboldt | Q4 2024 |
| Trinity | Q4 2024 |
| Mendocino | Q4 2024 |
| Sonoma* | Q4 2024 |
| Lake | Q4 2024 |
| Yolo | Q4 2024 |
| Solano* | Q4 2024 |
| Colusa | Q4 2024 |
| Glenn | Q4 2024 |
| Region 6 Counties | Application Live |
|---|---|
| Monterey | Q1 2025 |
| San Benito | Q1 2025 |
| Santa Cruz | Q1 2025 |
| San Luis Obispo | Q1 2025 |
| Santa Barbara | Q1 2025 |
| Ventura | Q1 2025 |
| Regions 7-11 Air Districts | Application Live |
|---|---|
| South Coast* | Q1 2025 |
| San Joaquin Valley* | Q1 2025 |
| Sacramento* | Q1 2025 |
| Bay Area* | Q1 2025 |
| San Diego | Q1 2025 |
*Counties fall in more than one air district. Individual address will be used to determine the Clean Cars 4 All (CC4A) program administrator the participant will be referred to.
Eligibility:
- Be a resident of California.
- Apply for the program before purchasing a vehicle.
- Be a low income-consumer at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (which is currently at $93,600 for a family of four and will be updated annually).
- Have not previously participated in any CARB light duty vehicle purchase incentive program, including the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, the statewide or regional Financing Assistance Pilots, or the CC4A Program.
- Not have purchased/leased a vehicle already.
Participants are not required to have a vehicle to scrap to be eligible. Also, consumers may only apply for one incentive per household for the lifetime of the program.
If we are missing any important information, we will contact you via the email address you provided on your application. Check your inbox, spam, and junk mail for incoming DCAP emails and respond at your earliest convenience to avoid delays.
- General Fund
- Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund
Grant Amounts
Disadvantaged Community (DAC) Status:
Non-DAC: Up to $10,000 Grant
DAC: Up to $12,000 grant
Or
Mobility Option for both DAC and Non-DAC: $7,500
*Approved participants will have the option to receive either a $2,000 prepaid card to use for public charging or up to $2,000 towards the installation of charging infrastructure in their home.
*Approved participants will have the option to receive either a $2,000 prepaid card to use for public charging or up to $2,000 towards the installation of charging infrastructure in their home.
Grants do not need to be repaid if all program criteria are met (30-month ownership requirements, in-eligibility)
*Loans through the program will need to be repaid
Charging Grants
Participants who purchase a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) or a battery electric vehicle (BEV) with a DCAP grant, are eligible to receive a charging grant.
Those eligible for the charging may receive one of the following charging options:
Option 1: Universal Charge Card – $2,000 public charging credit that can be used at public charging stations.
Option 2: Home EV Charger installation – through our partner GRID Alternatives, participants may receive a grant to facilitate the installation of a level 2 EV charger installed at your home. *
*Depending on your location and the condition of your electrical panel, GRID Alternatives may have a partner electrician who can install your EV charger.
Please note: Depending on your electrical panel, upgrades may be required before the charger can be installed. Any additional costs for these panel upgrades will be the responsibility of the participant.
Income
- Employed: Previous Years Tax Return Transcripts, Other Forms (Child Support, Alimony).
- Self-Employed*: Previous Years Tax Return Transcripts, Schedule C Form 1040, Other Forms (Child Support, Alimony).
- Unemployed: Previous Years Tax Return Transcripts, Other Forms (Child Support, Alimony).
*If you filed for a tax extension provide proof of extension and the most current tax return transcript available.
If you did not file taxes:
- Employed: 2 most recent pay stubs, Awards Letter (SSI, SSA, Unemployment), Other Forms (Child support, Alimony)
- Self-Employed: Awards letter, 6 months of bank statements showing consistent business deposits, Other Forms (Child support, Alimony)
- Unemployed: Awards letter, Bank Statements (Shows Consistent Deposits), Other Forms (Child Support, Alimony), Wages and Income Statement from IRS
Household members are defined as individuals typically considered a claimant, spouse, and/or dependent(s) living together at the same address as one economic unit. In multi-family units, exclude any occupants who are not part of your family or who do not contribute economically.
Financing Options
- Have a consistent income.
- No unexplained derogatory marks on credit report.
- Can afford a loan based on current budget.
Please note that loan eligibility is not based on credit score but rather the ability to pay off the loan.
Dealerships
The DCAP grant can only be redeemed at a participating dealership. You may refer dealerships to the program by visiting our dealership page or emailing our team at dealership@chdcdrivingdev.wpenginepowered.com. Dealerships must be approved before completing your purchase or lease.
The grant can be notated separately under the “other” sections available on the contract or lease agreement. The dealer must indicate on the contract which field represents the grant.
Yes, the dealership may hold the vehicle until the payment has been received. All grant approvals have guaranteed funds and will be paid once all requirements have been met.
No, dealerships must not accept any form of collateral in place of the grant. This includes checks for the grant amount, and credit card holds.
Once the request has been reviewed, the DCAP team will notify the dealer via email of the status and will request additional information as needed.
Car Shopping
- Budget: Determine how much you can comfortably afford. The DCAP team will help you better understand your budget through financial counseling.
- Usage: Consider your daily needs—commuting, family trips, off-roading, etc.
- Fuel Efficiency: Look at miles per gallon (MPG) ratings if fuel cost is a concern.
- Features: Decide what features are important to you—technology, safety, comfort, etc.
- Insurance Costs: Get an estimate of insurance premiums for different models.
- Research Online: Use websites like Kelley Blue Book, or Edmunds to check the market value.
- Compare Prices: Look at listings for similar cars in your area to get a sense of the going rate.
Yes, you can get a loan outside of the DCAP lending network. You are still required to meet the program loan requirements.
Requirements:
- Interest Rate of 8% or less.
- Amount financed of $45,000 or less.
