Texas - $3000 Voucher for Recycling your Old Car
If you got an old car (i.e. 10 years or older) or your car has failed an emissions test and you live in Texas, the government will give you a $3000 voucher towards the purchase of a newer car (i.e. one that’s at most 3 years old) if you trade in your old car. In order to qualify for the Texas Vehicle Replacement program, you also have to meet certain income restrictions.
Sweet deal if you qualify for it. If you got an old car like that, it might just be worth $1000 or less. The income restrictions are kinda tough. If you’re single, you can’t make more than $31,200 a year. I figure if you’re still in college, though, that shouldn’t be too hard.
TECQ Vehicle Replacement Program - How To Apply
Other states may have similar deals going on. So even if you’re not from Texas, you might want to look into it further. Note that income restrictions are probably going vary from state to state given that the cost of living in some states such as California and New York is significantly higher than elsewhere.
Texas Vehicle Replacement Program - Participating Counties
Your vehicle must be registered in one of these participating counties:
Austin Program Area:
Travis, Williamson
Dallas–Fort Worth Program Area:
Collin, Kaufman, Dallas, Parker, Denton, Rockwall, Ellis, Tarrant, Johnson
Houston-Galveston-Brazoria Program Area:
Brazoria, Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Galveston
Texas Vehicle Replacement Program - Income Requirements
You must meet these 2008 net income requirements:
(These income amounts change annually in February.)
| Size of Household | Maximum Net Income Per Year |
| 1 | $31,200 |
| 2 | $42,000 |
| 3 | $52,800 |
| 4 | $63,600 |
| 5 | $74,400 |
| 6 | $85,200 |
| 7 | $96,000 |
| 8 | $106,800 |
| Over 8 | Add $10,800 for each additional member |
Texas Vehicle Replacement Program - Old Vehicle Requirements
Your vehicle must meet these conditions:
• Failed an emissions test,
• Registered in your participating county area for at least 12 months preceding application, and
• Passed a Texas motor-vehicle safety and emissions inspection within 15 months of your application and driven under its own power to the automobile dealership.
OR
• At least 10 years old and gasoline powered,
• Driven under its own power to the automobile dealership,
• Registered in your participating county area for at least 12 months preceding application, and
• Passed a DPS motor-vehicle safety inspection (if more than 24 years old) or safety and emissions inspection (if 24 years old or less) within 15 months of application
Texas Vehicle Replacement Program - Vehicle Replacement Assistance
If you meet the above requirements, the following vehicle-replacement assistance may be provided:
• $3,000 for a car, current model year or up to three model years old
• $3,000 for a truck, current model year or up to two model years old
• $3,500 for hybrid vehicle, current or previous model year
Texas Vehicle Replacement Program - New Vehicle Requirements
The vehicle you purchase must meet the following requirements:
• Must be a federal Tier 2 Bin 5 vehicle (see the list: model year 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005)
• Cannot cost more than $25,000, before tax, title and license
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February 6th, 2008 at 8:44 am
I have a 2000 Mustang and would like to trade it in on a newer one. I am still paying on it. I am single and make less than 30,000 a year, would I even qualify for this vouncher?
Thanks
Rebecca Kowalik
February 6th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
You meet the income guidelines but your car is less than 10 years old.
That means in order to qualify for the voucher, your Mustang needs to have failed an emissions test.
If you had a car that was 10 years older, it wouldn’t matter if it passed or failed an emissions test.
February 8th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
What is the income requirements if you are married with 3 kids?
February 8th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
The maximum net income is $74,400 for a 5-person household.
February 11th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
where do u have to go to get the voucher
February 13th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
where do we go to get the voucher? need to know this desperatly….
February 13th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Application: http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/implementation/air/mobilesource/vim/how_to_apply.html
You can also call 1-800-913-3321.
February 15th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
I have a vehicle I bought a few months ago. Would it qualify? It is a 1992. I make less than $20k per yr. I am a single mom.
February 24th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
What about a single mom with just one child? What are the income requirements on that?
February 24th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
They just raised the maximum net income limits for 2008. It’s now $42,000 for a two-person household (e.g. single mom plus child).
Be sure to visit the Texas state commission website for details. You can also call 1-800-913-3321 and talk to them over the phone.
May 17th, 2008 at 1:43 am
I have 1993 Nissan Maxima. I am single with annual income over 35,000. I want to change this old car though i like it. Am I qualifying ?
May 17th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
The maximum annual net income limit for a single household is $31,200, so it doesn’t seem like you’re qualifying.
May 20th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
My daughter is 18 and has a 1999 car, she will need a co-signer to buy a newer car.My family makes more then the qualify amount.Does she qualify?
May 20th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
I have a 1988 Chevy Monte Carlo, I love my car but ready for a better car, I am single w/ a child, my annual income is about 19,852, do you thinkn I’ll qualify?
May 20th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
“My daughter is 18 and has a 1999 car, she will need a co-signer to buy a newer car.My family makes more then the qualify amount.Does she qualify?”
No, she won’t qualify if she still lives with you and/or you claim her as a dependent on your tax return. They’re looking at household income. When you include her as a member of your household, though, the maximum net income limit goes up as well. It’s $52,800 for 3 people in a household, $63,600 for 4 people, and $74,400 for 5 people.
May 20th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
“I have a 1988 Chevy Monte Carlo, I love my car but ready for a better car, I am single w/ a child, my annual income is about 19,852, do you thinkn I’ll qualify?”
You definitely qualify as far as the maximum income limit is concerned. And it sounds like your car also qualifies. Althogh it’s still drivable, it’s already more than 10 years old. Now if you’ve also had it registered in your county for the past year, you’re all set.
May 21st, 2008 at 11:58 pm
My car is 1994 with everything running good. I am a student with slim fellowship around $20000 a year. So I think I should qualify this deal. My question is: Do I have to trade it to the government? May I sell it to another guy who wants to take my old car?
May 22nd, 2008 at 12:39 am
“May I sell it to another guy who wants to take my old car?”
Haha! No, that won’t work. The point of the program is to get older, more polluting cars off our streets. The government is willing to pay you a premium price for your car to make that happen. That means they want to take actual possession of your car. You can’t give just away your car to someone else, let alone sell it. Sorry, the government ain’t that stupid.
May 31st, 2008 at 2:18 am
My friends got me so excited. They know as a single parent of 2 - 1 child with a disability - many years without any child support on a teacher’s I built up a huge debt over the years. I finally paid off a car and was driving it without AC, paying down my debts - accumulating great credit but still approx. $32,000… not including my house note. I got a notice a few weeks ago that the mortgage was increasing by half! Undercharged on the escrow, added a whopping flood insurance premium, so any hope of getting a car or repair flew away.
Then my power steering went out. Now my car is drivable still - but not safe.
My car is 1998 - and I make too much money…
I understand this is for people without - but my ability to pay is only with credit.
This really hurts!
May 31st, 2008 at 2:20 am
To clarify - the kids are grown and out of my house. The expenses remain.
June 16th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
i fit every requirement other than living in the right place. i have a 1989 ford ranger and its a piece of junk that breaks down monthly at least and im trying to move to tennessee (where my girlfriend moved to) and make it on my on and go to cellege there but need a new car. is there anything else i can do to get this voucher? thanks
June 26th, 2008 at 1:02 am
I have 2 old cars (older than 10 years) and meet all the qualifications. Can I get 2 vouchers for 2 newer cars?
August 4th, 2008 at 10:17 am
I have a 1999 model car, and it meets all the requirements save one. The title is in my father’s name since I was still in college at the time. I do live in Houston, but he does not. I desperately need a new vehicle, driving across town to the medical center every day is very expensive. Is there some kind of a program to assist lower income medical personnel? (Yes, that does exist)
August 4th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
If there is a program to assist lower-income medical personnel, you’re best bet is to ask co-workers. I don’t know how much you make but since you have a decent full-time job, I doubt you’ll be eligible for assistance from the government.
Here are some other options to save on your transportation expenses:
1. Public transportation.
2. Carpool.
3. Electric bicycle. No registration and insurance requirements.
4. Scooter (e.g. Kymco or Vespa). Fuel economy: 80 to 120 mpg. For bigger, faster scooters, you may need a motorcycle license though.
Hope this helps.
August 12th, 2008 at 4:06 am
I have a 1997 buick that i am still paying a car note on i just recently got married but i meet the income requirements would i still qualify for the program.
August 13th, 2008 at 3:31 am
If there’s a lien on the car, you won’t be able to transfer title to the government. Basically, you will need to pay off the loan first.
August 13th, 2008 at 10:36 am
I have a 1988 Honda prelude it is still running but I need to get a newer vehicle. I am married and My wife is in school. I make $20.000 per year. will I qualify?My e-mail Address is Joyce_Hampton2003@Yahoo.com
August 13th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
Hi Damion. Assuming your wife has no taxable income, it sounds like you qualify. You’re well below the $42,000 threshold for 2-member households.
August 24th, 2008 at 1:08 am
i have a 1994 nissan maxima have had it for a year i live in the qualifying county but it is registered in my moms husbands name but i do not live with them how does that work
August 24th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
I have a 1997 Chevey Cavilair. It used to drive it not until it broke down on me. I dont know what is wrong with it, but it is not drivable. It has a salvage title. Will I be quailified? I meet all other requirements, please advise. Thank you.
August 24th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
tcheck
The only way I can see this could work is if your mom’s husband does all the paperwork for you. He would get the voucher though and then help you buy the new car with it.
Another option: he can transfer the title to you now and you keep the car registered under your name for a year before you recycle it. That’s one of the conditions. The car has to be registered under your name for the last 12 months. They don’t want people making a business out of buying old used cars to turn a quick profit on.
August 24th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
Will,
As long as the car has been registered for the last 12 months, the salvage title should not matter.
The fact that it is not drivable does matter. It has to be “driven under its own power to the automobile dealership.” So you have to figure out if it’s worth repairing it to get it to the dealership. You just have to fix it enough so it can be driven to the dealership.
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Ok, I qualify, in everything exept the county… my car is registered in Grayson County which is right next to Collin, the qualifing county. Is there any chance that Grayson will adopt this program any time soon??
September 22nd, 2008 at 11:54 pm
Assuming I qualify for the voucher…what’s the going interest rates are the dealerships offering to low incomer. What about people with no credits? Is there a bracket of rates?
September 23rd, 2008 at 12:32 am
Kristi:
The government is only offering the vouchers.
It’s up to you to arrange the financing of your car.
If you’re going to finance your purchase, your best bet would be to get pre-approved for a loan from a local credit union. Their rates are usually better. Otherwise you’ll have to negotiate with the dealer.
September 23rd, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Hi there I just recently married in May of this year (2008)but I meet all the other requirements will I still qualify for the voucher?
September 23rd, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Angie,
Are you saying you don’t meet the income requirements since you got married? When you complete the application, you have to state the number of people in your household. You can’t base it on last year. Sure, your last tax return lists you as single, so they can’t tell you’re married now. But since you’re basically getting free money from the government, you can’t just lie on your application. It’s called perjury and you could go to jail for that.
October 9th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
My brother lives with my husband and I but he is not a dependent and pays rent. He pays for all of his own expenses and files his own tax return. He is nothing but a roomate renting a room in our home. Will he have to list us under the size of household? He meets all of the requirements.
October 14th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
My name is Lisa and I have four boys which two are disable.I drive a 1996 Ford Aerostar Van and it is more than 10 yrs old, why is it so difficult to get a voucher toward a new vehicle?
October 15th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
which dealer will take your voucher? any or just specific, how about carmax
October 30th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Hi,
I have a 2000 pontiac grand am and it recently lost its transmission. I am a college student making less than the income max. Would I qualify with the vehicle?
November 17th, 2008 at 2:00 am
I Have A 1989 Mazda B2200 That didn’t pass emissions here in Houston so i had to take it to a hick town to get it on the road. I’m a waitress and live on my own in my apartment. I’m pretty I don’t make any where close to 30,000 a year and i NEED a new car but can’t get anyone to buy mine for a descent price for me to make a down payment on a newer model vehicle. It does work on it’s own. and it has been registered in the same County for more than a year. Will i qualify? and if so how do i apply?
December 8th, 2008 at 12:17 am
What if I go out and buy new car today (less than $25,000), could I then a month later go trade my old truck in voucher. Could I still use the voucher to help pay for my new car. Does it have to be the down payment? How long is the voucher good for?
December 13th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
I live in San Patricio County Texas and have a 1991 toyota 4cylinder pickup super cab. It is very drivable. I need to get a newer car or truck to go back and forth to work this truck is starting to need alot of repairs.
I have never made over $30,000.00 dollars in one year and this year I probably won’t make $12,000.00. Can I qualify for this voucher ?
Thank you,
Lorettaq
January 8th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
Where are the vouchers good at? Do they work at Car Max?
January 10th, 2009 at 6:10 pm
what is the address for this place.
And can the voucher be used on autotrader?
January 22nd, 2009 at 1:59 pm
Vouchers must be used at participating dealerships in order for TCEQ to monitor that they are destroyed and not re-sold.
See lists of dealerships on the web site http://www.driveacleanmachine.org. Over 700 dealerships in Dallas, Houston and Austin areas are signed-up. I work on this program - aorr@tceq.state.tx.us
January 28th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
I have a 94 Honda and the title is in my name and my son’s. My son meets the annual income requirement and the car is (and has been for 5 years at least) registered in Travis Co. If we put the car in his name, will he be approved for a voucher?
January 31st, 2009 at 9:02 pm
I had a letter come in, so I’m guessing tha tI qualify, but I just have one question. My car is worth about $4000 trade in value, so if I got a newer car, is that $4000 trade in value plus the $3000 voucher, making it $7000, or it only just $3000 for the Vouncher? If you can help, just email me at knick713@gmail.com or reply to this
January 31st, 2009 at 10:57 pm
It’s only going to be $3000. The deal is worth it only if your old car is worth less than $3000.
February 1st, 2009 at 1:57 am
Thanks, I’ll defenitly not be using that voucher then. That saves alot of car shopping time
February 10th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
I have a 2002 Dodge Neon that the transmission just blew out on me, and I need a new car ASAP. What do I need to do besides sending in an application, meaning how do I go about getting an emissions test done on it to qualify for for the new car voucher?
February 11th, 2009 at 11:17 am
I just bought a 1998 chevy blazer cash and have had the title in my name for only a couple months. I make less than 31,000 and year. Do I still qualify for the voucher since I’ve only had it registered in my name for 3 months. It was purchased here in Houston.
February 12th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Veronica,
I’m sorry but your car won’t qualify because it fails to meet one of the conditions: “Driven under its own power to the automobile dealership”. If the transmission just blew out on you, I doubt you can drive it to the dealership.
February 12th, 2009 at 4:48 pm
Loraine,
One of the conditions for the voucher is that you car must be “Registered in your participating county area for at least 12 months preceding application.” The condition is meant to prevent people from going out and buying old cars in order to make a quick buck.
February 13th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
What if I have more than 1 vehicle that passes the criteria? Will they give me 2 vouchers or is one the maximum?
Thanks
February 19th, 2009 at 2:07 am
Does anyone know how long it takes to get the voucher. I couldn’t find that info on the website. We meet all criteria and applied last week online and sent the app with income papers in the mail. Was just wondering how long it takes to actually get the voucher once you’ve applied. We live in the same city as the mailing address. My sis did this for her car but she doesn’t remember how long it took.
February 19th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
Naw I can drive it. It just wont shift, so it stays in one gear the whole time. I would just have to drive it really slow, but its drivable I had to drive it home from the shop and it made it home. So driving it to the dealership aint a problem, i just need to know what else I need with the application.
March 3rd, 2009 at 9:37 pm
Where can I find a list of all the participating dealerships in this program?
March 3rd, 2009 at 9:38 pm
and can you combine the coupons together if you have 2 cars and qualify for 2 coupons?
March 6th, 2009 at 12:55 am
Hi!
My situation is Complicated. I have a mother who has 1997 Lincoln town car and she makes about 17K year so she would qualify for income, but her car is not register in any of those counties that is listed above, So she would not qualify.
Question is I live in Dallas County. I’m trying to get rid of her car and buy her a new one. Only thing is that I made about 120K last year…
Is there maybe a way in my situation to get the voucher?
March 26th, 2009 at 8:31 pm
i moved down here from a state that doesnt require emissions test.i have a 92 van that i cant get to pass inspection it will cost more than its worth to fix it.can i qualify for help to replace it with a new one?
April 5th, 2009 at 8:04 am
Can you purchase a qualifying car from an individual and still get the rebate?
April 11th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
I have a 1996 chevy blazer (older than 10 years old) Its all payed for and i changed the title into my name about a year ago. I know i qualify for everything else, but the income part im not sure on. Im a college student and i dont make much money at all because i work part-time. My parents dont pay for anything, i just live at there address. 4 people living here and the income limit is $63,600. I think my mom and step dad make more than that a year. Should i change my address to somewhere the income will qualify or what can i do plz help!
April 24th, 2009 at 8:34 am
I can’t believe how many clueless people are on here. READ THE INFORMATION GIVEN, PEOPLE. God. Like the doofus saying “Can I buy a car from someone and get the rebate?” Durrrr. It’s not a ‘rebate’ it’s a voucher, and if you had read the whole thread, you’d know the answer.
I swear the internet has made people stupider.
May 8th, 2009 at 12:52 am
I wont to know if i would be able to get a voucher for my “96″ chevy corica even if it don’t pass the emession test but runs good because i have to drive it every day to i get a newer car so if any one know please tell me thank you.
May 13th, 2009 at 10:02 am
I qualify for everything except the county requirements. I live in Harris County, but my car is registered in San Jacinto county???
June 3rd, 2009 at 5:57 pm
my van registration was registered in Rockwall Co. but it expired 10 months ago. Do I have to rerigister it and wait 12 months to qualify?
June 5th, 2009 at 3:09 pm
My parents and I tried to get the deal from the dealership and they said that it would take atleast 3 months to get the voucher but then another dealership told us it should take no longer than 2 weeks to get the voucher. I am trying to get a new car for my birthday in august. We fit the requirements for the car being 10 years or older and in Harris County, as well as income. There is 3 of us in the household and we make less than what is required. So my question is how long will the process take to get the voucher and how will we know that we are eliglble to get the voucher?
June 5th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
ALso what if the tags on the car is expired as well…do it still qualify even though its driveable and 10 years old?
June 18th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
i have a 1995 suburban and would like a voucher to trade it in for another vehicle can you send or e-mail me a voucher ?
June 23rd, 2009 at 1:18 am
can a 2006 with a reconditioned title be purchased from a dealer with the voucher?
June 23rd, 2009 at 10:49 pm
What if I’ve lived in one of the participating counties for over a year but my car is registered in a non-participating county. If I switched it would I qualify?
June 23rd, 2009 at 10:56 pm
How long will this program run? I live in Travis county but my car is registered in McLennan county.
June 28th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
Is this replacement program supposed to continue for ever? Or How long will it contunue, I mean, is there any year or deadlines, like 2009,10,11,12….?
June 30th, 2009 at 10:21 pm
I have a 1993 dodge Dakota, just got it inspected, still runs but spend a ton on the upkeep. I am in college, and make around $15000 yearly. I claimed myself this year…will I be able to get a voucher? I would like something newer.
July 9th, 2009 at 3:23 am
How long will it take to get the Voucher to you if you qualify?
July 9th, 2009 at 7:42 pm
I HAVE A ‘97 GRAND MARQUIS AND STLL RUNNING. I SEE THAT WE QUALIFY UNDER THE REQUIREMENTS OF INCOME AND THE CAR BEING OLDER THAN 10 YEARS. MY QUESTION IS THAT I LIVE IN THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY SO WOULD WE QUALIFY FOR A VOUCHER FOR A NEW CAR?
July 11th, 2009 at 11:40 am
Ihave a 1998 nissan car.It is still run and only a/c not work.I am student and make around $19000 in year hardly .I claimed myself this year..can i able to geta voucher?I will like to something new.
July 12th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
IF A BUY A USE CAR THAT IS TEN YEARS OLD CAN I USE IT TO GET THE VOUCHER
July 21st, 2009 at 8:57 pm
Hi, I have the old car, i meet the income, but my county is not listed, I live 1.30 hours from Dallas, can i still get a voucher? or will you add more countys pretty soon? Please let me know Thanks Jackie
July 25th, 2009 at 8:40 am
Hello,
I meet all the requirements, have a car older than 10 years and its been registered as well as driveable but my question is….once the paperwork is submitted, how long does it take to get a response and a voucher?
August 2nd, 2009 at 8:50 pm
Does your vehicle have to be a gas guzzler?
August 12th, 2009 at 6:25 pm
Hi, I have a 1993 Toyota Camry. I am married with three children. Our annual income is $43,000. I bought my car around October of 2008. When I bought the car, I did not register it under my name until February of 2009. Even tough it was not under my name, I added it to my insurance since then. I owned this car for a period of 10 months, which six of them, the car have been under my name. I would like to know if I am still eligible to receive the voucher.
August 17th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
I have an Camry 1999 car. My car ’s title is under my uncle’s name. And his income is under $30,000 per year. Is there anything ealse about the requirement of the car to have a voucher? my car is 4dr, does my car need to be 6dr to have an voucher?
August 20th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
hi I have a 1998 and i make under 25k a year but I dont have a current texas driver license … Can i still qualify for the voucher??
P.D. and i wont get my DL until next year cause i have a VISA and til i renew it i qualify for my DL again… …
February 17th, 2010 at 5:25 pm
i have a 1997 toyota. i recieved the voucher once but never used it,it expired can i apply again and get it again and this time i will buy a car ?
May 25th, 2010 at 1:15 pm
1st - I am single but was head of household when my mom lived with me. She passed a year ago. My last tax filing status was single. I would qualify if she were still living; any chance of a grace period?
2nd - My son qualifies @ single making less than $30k & has a 1991 auto. However, he would not be able to get financing. Would it be possible for him to qualify and me to do the financing without doing the co-signer route?