Car programs in North Carolina
These programs in North Carolina may help with a car, repairs or car costs. Contact each program to confirm eligibility and availability.
Wheels4Hope
Area: Raleigh/Cary, Durham, Greensboro, Wilmington
Repairs donated cars and provides them at a low cost to working families referred by partner agencies.
Working Wheels
Area: Asheville / Western North Carolina
Provides donated cars to working families and runs a car repair program. Visit website
Rolling Start
Area: Sylva (Western North Carolina)
Helps people in western North Carolina get reliable vehicles.
Government car help in North Carolina
Work First is North Carolina's TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) program. If you receive or qualify for it, ask your caseworker about transportation supportive services. Depending on state rules, these can help pay for car repairs, insurance, registration, gas or sometimes a vehicle when you need it for work or training.
Find your local office through the federal TANF state directory.
Statewide resources in North Carolina
- 2-1-1: dial 211 for free, confidential referrals to local transportation, repair and gas help in North Carolina.
- Community Action Agencies: local agencies in North Carolina often run car loan, repair or emergency programs.
- Working Cars for Working Families: the National Consumer Law Center's car program directory.
- National charities: Free Car Foundation, 1-800-Charity Cars and Recycled Rides accept applications or nominations nationwide, including from North Carolina.
- Veterans: the VA automobile allowance and adaptive equipment grants (see free cars for veterans).
- Medicaid rides: free non-emergency medical transportation for North Carolina Medicaid members.
How to apply for car help in North Carolina
- Gather your ID, driver's license, proof of income, proof of address and proof of work or a job offer.
- Get a referral from a caseworker, workforce center, shelter, church or veterans service officer if you can.
- Apply to the programs above that fit you, and to our free application.
- While you wait, ask about repair help, gas vouchers and transportation help.
Help by need
- Low-Income Families
- Single Mothers
- Veterans
- Car Repair Assistance
- Car Payment Help
- Car Insurance Help
- Gas Vouchers
- Transportation Help
Frequently asked questions
Does North Carolina have a free car program?
Yes, there are local programs in North Carolina that help with cars, car loans or repairs, but most have limited vehicles and waiting lists. See the list on this page.
Who qualifies for car assistance in North Carolina?
Most programs look for household income under about 200% of the federal poverty level, a valid driver's license, a job, job offer or school enrollment, and the ability to pay for insurance.
How do I apply for free car help in North Carolina?
Apply directly to the programs listed on this page, ask your Work First caseworker about transportation help, and fill out the free Free Car Assistance application.
Nearby states
- Alabama
- Florida
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- Mississippi
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- Washington, DC
- West Virginia
- All states
Reviewed November 2026. We research North Carolina programs using official state agency and program sources and trusted national directories. Programs, amounts and eligibility change often, so please confirm details directly with each program. How we research.