All CAV decals are for first time applications only by new owners of a qualifying vehicle. Decals expire according to the dates below and are non-renewable.
The California DMV began the new Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) decal program on January 1, 2019 for qualifying vehicles that have never received a CAV decal. Each year the California DMV has established a new CAV decal color. CAV decals expire on January 1st of the fourth year after the year they are issued. This provides an access period of three full years plus the partial year from when the decal was issued. For example, if a decal was issued anytime in 2021, it expires January 1, 2025.Clean Air Vehicle Decals are non-renewable.
Please note that the CAV decal program will end, and any remaining valid decals will expire on September 30, 2025.
CAV Decal Expirations
CAV Decals Issued on | Will be Valid Until | Decal Color |
|---|---|---|
January 1, 2024- December 31, 2024 | All decals expire on September 30, 2025 | Burgundy |
January 1, 2023- December 31, 2023 | All decals expire on September 30, 2025 | Green |
January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2022 | All decals expire on September 30, 2025 | Yellow |
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021 | January 1, 2025 | Blue |
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020 | January 1, 2024 | Orange |
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019 | January 1, 2023 | Purple |
Qualifying Vehicles
Qualifying vehiclesmust meet one of the following:
- California's Zero Emission vehicle standard, these are 100% electric or hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles.
- Plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles certified to meet California TZEV standards.
- Dedicated Compressed Natural gas (CNG) vehicles that meet both the California SULEV and Federal ILEV emission standards.
Note that CNG and electric after-market retrofit/upfit vehicles on the eligibility listmay require additional documentation by the applicant and time to verify eligibility once the DMV application is submitted.
Income-Based (IB) CAV Decal Program
Beginning on January 1, 2020 and ending January of 2024, some new owners have the option to apply for an income-based program that may allow CAV decals to be available to new owners of qualifying used vehicles, if specific requirements are met. Learn more on DMV's website.
CAV Decal and Clean Vehicle Rebate Program Combination
If you are applying for a CAV decal for a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle, and your gross annual income is above the thresholds provided below, you must choose between a CAV decal or a Clean Vehicle Rebate Program (CVRP) rebate. This is due to requirements of the CVRP program.
Be aware that a smaller subset of vehicles will qualify for the CVRP program than the CAV decal program, so be sure to refer to eligible vehicles for the CVRP program.
Gross Annual Income | Battery or Plug-inHybrid | Hydrogen Fuel Cell |
|---|---|---|
At or Above: $150,000 for single filers $204,000 for head-of-household $300,000 for joint filers | CAV decalonly | CAV decal (new owner has 60 days from date of purchase to choose between the two programs) |
Between: $135,000-$150,000 for single filers $175,000-$204,000 for head-of-household $200,000-$300,000 for joint filers | CAV decalonly | CAV decal AND CVRP rebate |
Under: $135,000 for single filers $175,000 for head-of-household $200,000 for joint filers | CAV decal | CAV decal |
* Based on list of CVRP eligible vehicles.
