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Vehicle Replacement and Clean Car Grants

Several states pay income-qualified drivers thousands of dollars to retire an old car and replace it with a cleaner, more reliable one. These are the closest thing to a government car voucher program.

Active state vehicle replacement programs

StateProgramAmount
CaliforniaClean Cars 4 All / Replace Your Ride, Driving Clean Assistance ProgramUp to about $12,000 plus charging help
CaliforniaConsumer Assistance Program (vehicle retirement)Up to $2,000 if income-eligible
ColoradoVehicle Exchange Colorado$9,000 new EV / $6,000 used EV
VermontReplace Your RideIncentive toward an EV or plug-in hybrid
HawaiiMaui County vehicle replacement assistanceUp to $5,000

Programs in Washington and Salt Lake County, Utah ran out of funds in 2026. Funding changes often, so check the official program before you shop.

Vehicle assistance programs: keys handed to a recipient

How these grants work

  1. Confirm your household income is under the program limit.
  2. Check whether your old car qualifies for retirement (it usually must run and be registered).
  3. Get approved before you buy — most grants are applied at the dealership.
  4. Scrap the old vehicle at an approved dismantler.

Read our full guide to the government car voucher program question.

Where to find vehicle replacement grants programs

These are the vehicle replacement grants programs we found, by state. Programs change often, so contact each one to confirm eligibility. TANF supportive services in every state can also help with transportation costs.

StateProgramArea served
CaliforniaClean Cars 4 All / Replace Your Ride (CARB)Statewide (government)
CaliforniaDriving Clean Assistance ProgramStatewide (government)
ColoradoVehicle Exchange ColoradoStatewide (government)
HawaiiMaui County vehicle replacement assistanceStatewide (government)
OregonOregon Charge Ahead Rebate (DEQ)Statewide (government)
UtahSalt Lake County VRAPStatewide (government)
VermontReplace Your Ride (Vermont)Statewide (government)
WashingtonWA EV Instant RebateStatewide (government)

Who qualifies for vehicle replacement grants?

Most programs require household income below a set limit (for example, 80% of area median income in Colorado or 300% of the federal poverty level in California), a registered, running older vehicle to trade in, and residence in the program area. Some programs give higher amounts in disadvantaged communities.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a federal cash-for-clunkers program?

Not currently. Vehicle replacement grants are run by individual states and air-quality districts.

Can I use a grant for a used car?

Often yes. Colorado offers $6,000 toward a used EV, and California programs cover new or used clean vehicles.

Ready to get on the road?

Our application is free and takes about 10 minutes. We review every application and connect you with donated vehicles and programs in your state.