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 |
|
| Income- Categorical Eligibility |
|
| Income- Self Employed |
|
| Residency |
|
| 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.
A Clean Air Vehicle Ride and Drive is an event hosted by or in partnership with
the Driving Clean Assistance Program that provides attendees with the opportunity to test drive a selection of clean air vehicles.
Learn about the Driving Clean Assistance Program incentives, test drive clean air
vehicles, meet local dealership representatives and connect with other local
resources.
Yes, you must be over 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license to participate
in a test drive.
Yes, family and friends can join as passengers. However, the available seats may
vary depending on the clean air vehicle. It is also important to note that a
dealership representative will be in the vehicle with you to provide insight on the
vehicle, answer questions, and provide guidance on the test drive route.
The Driving Clean Assistance Program values your time and effort coming to
these events. We have implemented a virtual queue system to avoid long
waiting times in physical lines. This means that depending on your place in line,
you may be able to enjoy everything else the event has to offer, while keeping
your place in line for your test drive.
After registering for the test drives at the registration table, you will receive an
event wristband which will grant you access to sign up to join a virtual queue for
the vehicle you want to test drive. You will receive an initial text confirming your
registration for your queue, as well as a link to our Virtual Wait Room where you
can find more events and program information, including, how to apply for
DCAP, your place in line, test drive route, participating dealerships and event
sponsors. Please keep an eye on your place in line via the virtual wait room. You
will also receive a text message when it is your time to join us for your test drive.
We work with local dealerships to provide clean air vehicles for the test drivers.
Therefore, the selection will vary at each event. However, all test drive vehicles
must either be a full battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric, or fuel cell electric
vehicle.
The Driving Clean Assistance Program is a brand-neutral program. This means
that we do not favor any specific auto makers. Our goal at these events is to
connect you with a variety of local clean air vehicle dealers.
No, all drivers must follow the designated test drive route. However, if there is
something obstructing the designated route, please return safely to the event
grounds and notify the event staff immediately.
Yes, you are welcome to attend as many events as you would like. We host these
events across the state of California. To see a list of upcoming events, please visit
our events page here.
There is no cost to participate in the Clean Air Vehicle Ride and Drive event.
To enter the drawing, you must have completed at least one test drive and
submitted the post event survey. After your test drive, you will receive a text
message with a link to the survey. You will have up to seven (7) days after the
ride and drive event to submit your survey for a chance to win. Although you are
encouraged to test drive more than one clean air vehicle at the event, you will
only receive one drawing entry per event.
Event attendees interested in conducting a test drive are asked to provide the
following information:
i. Full name
ii. Valid California driver’s license information
iii. Contact and emergency contact information
iv. Name of vehicle insurance provider
Yes, we will be taking photos and videos throughout the event for intended
use, e.g., marketing, social media, and websites. We respect your privacy and
will obtain consent from all attendees through a photo release form. Attendees
registering for a test drive will automatically consent to the photo release
policy. However, please let the event staff know if you do not wish to be
photographed.
Do you see an upcoming event that your dealership would like to participate in,
or want to explore bringing an event to your community? Connect with the DCAP
Dealer and Drive Events Engagement Manager via email at
Events@DrivingCleanCA.org or call (510) 806-5726.
We partner with local dealerships to make these events possible and do not
charge any fees to participate.
Once you have submitted all required documentation, you can expect to receive
a Dealership Events Packet with event instructions, run of show and test drive
route.
No, dealership representatives are not responsible for getting event attendees
into test drives. After attendees register, they will be added into virtual queues
which event staff will coordinate. When it is time for a test drive, event staff in
high visibility vests will guide drivers to the corresponding vehicle and connect
them with the dealership representative.
Registered drivers will be wearing event wristbands. Attendees not wearing an
event wristband cannot drive during a test drive but may be able to join as a
rider.
Yes, if the attendees are receptive to sharing their contact information, you may
collect these leads.
