National Clean Diesel Rebate Program

2012 School Bus Replacement 

Funding Opportunity (Pilot) 

Program Guide
Transportation and Climate Division

Office of Transportation and Air Quality

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

National Clean Diesel Rebate Program

2012 School Bus Replacement 

Funding Opportunity (Pilot) 

Program Guide

EPA-420-R-12-029

November 2012
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Table of Contents

1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 1

1.1 Rebate Program History ...................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Scope of Work ..................................................................................................................... 1

2. Rebate Program Structure .......................................................................................................... 2

2.1 Eligible Applicants .............................................................................................................. 2

2.2 Eligible Vehicles ................................................................................................................. 2

2.2.1 Vehicles Eligible for Replacement ............................................................................... 2

2.2.2 Eligible Replacement Vehicles ..................................................................................... 3

2.3 Available Funding ............................................................................................................... 3

2.4 Amount of Rebate ............................................................................................................... 3

2.5 Maximum Number of Vehicles per Applicant .................................................................... 3

3. Rebate Process ............................................................................................................................ 3

3.1 Step 1 - Application............................................................................................................. 5

3.2 Step 2 - Selection................................................................................................................. 6

3.3 Step 3 – Notification and Obligation................................................................................... 6

3.4 Step 4 - Purchase Order Submittal ..................................................................................... 6

3.5 Step 5 – Vehicle Delivery and Scrappage ........................................................................... 7

3.5.1 – New Vehicle Delivery ................................................................................................. 7

3.5.2 Scrappage/Disposal of Old Vehicle .............................................................................. 7

3.6 Step 6 - Request for Payment .............................................................................................. 8

3.7 Step 7 - Payment ................................................................................................................. 8

3.8 Cancellation of Rebate Application .................................................................................... 8

4. Rebate Program Administration ................................................................................................ 8

4.1 Terms and Conditions ......................................................................................................... 8

4.1.1 Use of Replacement School Bus .................................................................................. 8

4.1.2 Scrappage of Old School Bus ....................................................................................... 9

4.1.3 Ownership of Replacement School Bus ....................................................................... 9

4.1.4 Restriction for Mandated Measures .............................................................................. 9

4.1.5 Documentation Requirement ......................................................................................... 9
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4.2 EPA Responsibilities ........................................................................................................... 9

4.3 Disbursement of Funds........................................................................................................ 9

4.4 Emission Reductions Reporting .......................................................................................... 9

4.5 Program Audit ..................................................................................................................... 9

4.6 Record Retention Requirements....................................................................................... 10

Appendices

A. Sample Rebate Applications 

B. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) Classes and School Bus Types 

C. Rebate Application Checklist 

D. How to Find Your Vehicle’s VIN, Engine Model Year, and Engine Family Name 
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1. Introduction

The Diesel Emission Reduction Act program (DERA) was originally authorized by Title VII, 

Subtitle G (Sections 791 to 797) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-58). DERA 

was amended by the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-364), codified at 

42 U.S.C. 16131 et seq, adding, among other provisions, a rebate program option. These 

provisions provide the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the authority to award 

grants, rebates or low-cost revolving loans on a competitive basis to eligible entities to fund the 

costs of a clean diesel strategy that significantly reduces diesel emissions from mobile sources 

through implementation of a certified engine configuration or verified technology. The objective 

of this program is to achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions in terms of tons of 

pollution produced and reductions in diesel emissions exposure, particularly from fleets 

operating in areas designated by the Administrator as poor air quality areas. 

1.1 Rebate Program History

The National Clean Diesel Rebate Program was authorized by the Diesel Emissions Reduction 

Act of 2010. Prior to the issuance of this document, no previous EPA direct rebate program has 

existed. Through the National Clean Diesel Rebate Program, EPA will offer financial support to 

eligible applicants to reduce diesel emissions from a variety of mobile sources. 

This initial round of rebate funding, known as the 2012 School Bus Replacement Funding 

Opportunity, will provide financial assistance to public and private fleet owners for the 

replacement of older school buses with new, cleaner school buses. EPA anticipates offering

additional rebate opportunities in future years to retrofit, repower or replace other types of diesel 

engines in various sectors. Future rebate funding opportunities will be based on program goals 

and available funding, among other factors. 

1.2 Scope of Work 

The 2012 School Bus Replacement Funding Opportunity will provide rebate incentives to 

selected eligible applicants to replace school buses powered by model year engines ranging from 

1994 to 2003 with new buses powered by a certified 2012 or newer model year engine, or 

operate solely on electricity. Eligible replacement school buses may operate on conventional 

diesel (ULSD), battery or hybrid drivetrains, or alternative fuels. See Section 2.2 for specific 

information on eligible vehicles. 

The project parameters for the 2012 School Bus Replacement Funding Opportunity ensure that 

all projects that receive funding meet the DERA national priorities. The eligible projects will

maximize public health benefits, are the most cost-effective, serve areas that receive a 

disproportionate quantity of air pollution from diesel fleets (schools), include a certified engine 

configuration, maximize the useful life of the certified engine configuration, and conserve diesel 

fuel. 

In addition, the 2012 School Bus Replacement Funding Opportunity supports EPA’s 2011 – 

2015 Strategic Plan that defines goals, objectives, and sub-objectives for protecting human health 

and the environment. Specifically, it supports Goal 1 (Take Action on Climate Change and 

Improve Air Quality) and Objective 1.2 (Improve Air Quality). Activities funded will reduce 
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diesel emissions from the existing fleet of school buses, thereby reducing local and regional air 

pollution. 

 

This document describes the minimum criteria and requirements of the 2012 School Bus 

Replacement Funding Opportunity. 

2. Rebate Program Structure

2.1 Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants include regional, state, local or tribal agencies with jurisdiction over 

transportation or air quality, including school districts and municipalities. Private entities that 

operate school buses under a contract with an entity listed above are also eligible. If the applicant 

is a private entity, the applicant must certify on the Rebate Application that it has an existing and 

executed contract to provide transportation services to a specific public school district at the time 

of the rebate application. Private schools and other organizations that operate school buses are 

not eligible to apply for this rebate, unless they operate those school buses under a contract with 

an entity listed above. 

The applicant must own and operate the school bus, for which funds are being requested, at the 

time of application. Ownership must be documented by providing a copy of the current vehicle 

title and vehicle registration if registration is required by law in the state where the vehicle 

operates. If vehicle registration is not included in the application package, the applicant must 

submit documentation that registration is not required in its jurisdiction. If the existing vehicle 

title is not available at the time of application, a copy of the current and valid vehicle registration 

may be used as alternative ownership documentation until a duplicate title is obtained. 

2.2 Eligible Vehicles

2.2.1 Vehicles Eligible for Replacement

Diesel-powered Class 3 through Class 8 school buses powered by an engine with model year 

1994 to 2003 are eligible for replacement. A school bus, for the purpose of the 2012 School Bus 

Replacement Funding Opportunity, is defined as a vehicle used for the purpose of transporting 

10 or more preprimary, primary or secondary school students to schools or homes. See 

Appendix B for assistance with determining the class of the proposed school bus to be replaced. 

The existing school bus must currently operate on diesel fuel, be in regular use and in operational 

condition to qualify for funding. In order to be considered operational, the bus must be able to 

start, move in all directions, and have all operational parts. School buses to be replaced must 

have accumulated at least 10,000 or more miles over the most recent 12 months, or been in use 

for at least three days per week during the current school year. Applicants are required to certify 

in the Rebate Application that the school bus or buses to be replaced meet these operational 

requirements.
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2.2.2 Eligible Replacement Vehicles

All replacement buses must be powered by a certified 2012 or newer model year engine, or 

operate solely on electricity. Eligible replacement school buses may operate on conventional 

diesel (ULSD), battery or hybrid drivetrains, or alternative fuels. All replacement school buses

must be of the same or smaller vehicle class as the original school bus and operate in the same 

manner and over similar routes as the original school bus. All replacement buses must meet 

Federal safety standards and required warranties. The applicant takes sole responsibility for 

ensuring the replacement bus is in operational condition. 

2.3 Available Funding

For the initial 2012 School Bus Replacement Funding Opportunity, EPA anticipates having up to 

$2,000,000 available for rebates, subject to availability of funds. Funding will not be provided 

for administration expenses. 

EPA reserves the right to partially fund applications, reject all applications and make no 

selections under this program, or to make fewer selections than anticipated. 

2.4 Amount of Rebate 

EPA will provide rebate amounts for Class 3 – Class 8 school buses as specified in Table 1. 

Table 1: School Bus Rebate Program

Rebate Amount per Bus Class

Bus Class Rebate Amount

Class 3 - 5 $20,000

Class 6 - 7 $25,000

Class 8 $30,000

2.5 Maximum Number of Vehicles per Applicant

Applicants may submit only one Rebate Application, that includes up to five eligible 

replacement school buses. 

3. Rebate Process

The 2012 School Bus Replacement Funding Opportunity consists of the following seven steps, 

as illustrated in Figure 1. Details of the requirements for each step are described in Sections 3.1 

– 3.7 below. 

 

Step 1 – Application Submission 

Step 2 – Selection of Participants

Step 3 – Notification of Selectees

Step 4 – Purchase Order Submittal

Step 5 – Delivery and Scrappage 

Step 6 – Payment Request

Step 7 – Payment
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Figure 1 – Rebate Program Flow Chart

Step 1 - Application 

Eligible Fleet owners submit 

applications to EPA from November 13, 

2012 through December 14, 2012.

Step 2 - Selection

EPA randomly selects from eligible 

applicant pool. All other eligible 

applicants will be placed on the waiting 

list in random order. 

Step 3 - Notification and Obligation

EPA sends selection letter to Selectees 

notifying them of selection status. 

Funds are obligated and held at EPA.

Step 4 - Purchase Order Submittal

Selectees have 90 days from date of 

selection letter to submit to EPA a copy 

of the purchase order for the new bus. 

Step 5 - Delivery and Scrappage

New buses are delivered and old 

buses scrapped. 

Step 6 - Payment Request

Selectee submits proof of receipt of 

new bus and compliance with all other 

Terms and Conditions (invoices, 

pictures of scrapped old bus, etc.) 

within 9 months from selection letter 

date.

Step 7- Payment

EPA liquidates the obligation (sends 

the rebate amount to Selectee)
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3.1 Step 1 - Application

All applicants must submit a Rebate Application (EPA Form 5600-260) and required supporting 

documentation to EPA by Friday, December 14, 2012, 4:00 pm EST. The application may be 

downloaded from www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/documents/2012-clean-diesel-rebate-application.pdf 

as a fillable Portable Document File (PDF). See Appendix A for a sample Rebate Application. 

You must have Adobe Reader to open and fill in the fields of this form. For more information 

about PDFs, please see www.epa.gov/epahome/pdf.html. 

Email the completed Rebate Application, along with a scanned copy of the vehicle(s)’ titles and 

registration, to: CleanDieselRebate@epa.gov. Include the subject line: DERA School Bus 

Rebate Application: [your organization’s name]. If the applicant does not have access to 

email, please call 734-214-4442 for assistance. 

The Rebate Application includes identifying information such as organization name, address, 

Dun and Bradstreet (DUNS) number, Employer ID Number (EIN), and the name of the 

organization’s Authorized Representative, who is able to sign on behalf of the applicant 

organization. If an applicant does not have a DUNS or EIN, they must obtain one prior to 

applying for a rebate. An organizational Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Number 

System (DUNS) number must be included on the rebate form. Organizations may obtain a 

DUNS number at no cost by calling the toll-free DUNS number request line at 1-866-705-5711, 

or visiting the D&B website at: www.dnb.com. 

Applicants must also be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM), prior to 

submitting an application (previously known as the Central Contractor Registration). Information 

can be found at www.sam.gov. 

The Rebate Application requires applicants to supply the following information related to the 

school bus to be replaced. 

 1) Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) 

 2) Engine Model Year 

3) Vehicle Class

 4) Engine Manufacturer 

 5) Engine Family Name

 6) Annual Miles Traveled

 7) Annual Fuel Consumption 

 8) Annual Hours Idling 

 9) Location of operation of the school bus (County and State) 

 10) Rebate Amount (See Section 2.4 for eligible rebate amounts) 

The model year of the existing vehicle’s engine must be between 1994 and 2003, as described in 

Section 2.2.1. See Appendix D for additional assistance with determining the VIN, engine 

model year, or engine family name.
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A copy of the vehicle title and registration must be submitted with the application package. The 

applicant must be listed on the title as the sole owner of the vehicle. A school bus with an active 

lien-holder does not qualify to participate in this program. See Section 2.1 for additional 

information. 

Annual miles traveled and fuel usage should be obtained from driver or maintenance logs. Hours 

idling may be based on actual hours idling or estimated based on known usage. By signing the 

Rebate Application, applicants are certifying that the VIN, engine model year, family name, 

miles traveled, fuel usage, and idling hours reported are true to the best of their knowledge. EPA 

reserves the right to request copies of documentation, such as activity logs, to verify the above 

information. 

EPA may contact an applicant to clarify any information provided by that applicant. 

3.2 Step 2 - Selection

All applications that are submitted to EPA by Friday, December 14, 2012, 4:00 pm EST, will 

be assigned a unique identification number, and applicants will be selected through a random 

number generator. EPA reserves the right to adjust final selections based on geographic 

diversity. 

Eligible applicants who are selected (Selectees) will move on to Step 3 in the Rebate Process. 

All other applicants will remain in random number order on the wait list. If a Selectee does not 

complete the remaining required steps in the rebate process within the required timeframe 

(described in Steps 3 – 7 below), that Selectee will be removed from the program and the next 

applicant on the wait list will be selected for participation.

Both the Selectee List and the Applicant Wait List will be posted at 

www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/dera-rebate. 

3.3 Step 3 – Notification and Obligation 

EPA will notify Selectees and those applicants that are on the wait list within 30 days of the 

application submittal deadline. Once Selectees receive the selection letter from EPA, they may 

purchase the eligible replacement school bus and complete Steps 4 – 7 below. 

3.4 Step 4 - Purchase Order Submittal

A copy of the purchase order for the new school bus is required to be submitted to EPA within 

90 days of date of the selection letter. The date of the purchase order cannot pre-date the date of 

the Selection Letter. The proof of purchase may be a procurement request, purchase order, or any 

other document that clearly shows a transaction being initiated between the applicant and a 

school bus vendor for the purchase of an eligible school bus. Proof of purchase must be on 

official school bus vendor or purchaser letterhead and include the following information for each 

bus: (1) purchaser name, address, and phone number; (2) vendor name, address, and phone 

number; (3) vehicle make, model, engine model year, and purchase price; (4) vehicle purchase 

date; (5) vehicle delivery date, predetermined and agreed upon by both vendor and purchaser. 

Selectees that submit false or misleading information may be barred from future participation in 

DERA and other federal funding programs or may face other penalties.
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The proof of purchase document should be scanned and saved in PDF format and emailed to: 

CleanDieselRebate@epa.gov. Include the subject line: DERA School Bus Proof of Purchase: 

[your organization’s name]. 

3.5 Step 5 – Vehicle Delivery and Scrappage

3.5.1 – New Vehicle Delivery

Selectees must take delivery of the new vehicle prior to submitting the Payment Request to EPA. 

New vehicles must meet the requirements described in Section 2.2.2. 

3.5.2 Scrappage/Disposal of Old Vehicle 

Each bus being replaced must be scrapped or rendered permanently disabled prior to Selectee 

submitting the Payment Request to EPA. The older bus being replaced must be scrapped and 

permanently disabled by: 

1. Drilling a minimum 1⁄2” diameter hole completely through the engine block and manifold, 

and; 

2. Cutting the chassis in half. 

Proof of scrappage must be provided with the Payment Request. Scrappage documentation 

includes photos of: 

1. Side profile of the bus 

2. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

3. The engine tag that includes:

a. Engine serial number 

b. Engine family identifier

4. Chassis cut in half

5. Engine block, prior to hole being drilled

6. Engine block, after hole has been drilled

The Selectee must also provide a letter confirming the scrappage requirements have been met. 

The letter must be signed by the authorized representative listed on the rebate application forms. 

The letter should include: 

1. The date the buses were scrapped. 

2. A listing of the buses with model year, engine serial number, and VIN. 

3. The name and contact information for the entity that scrapped the buses, if other than the 

applicant.

All scrappage documentation should be submitted, with the Payment Request, in PDF format or 

as JPEG image files.

Scrappage may be completed by the Selectee or by a salvage yard, or similar service, provided 

all scrappage requirements have been met and all necessary documentation is provided. 

Equipment and vehicle components that are not part of the engine or chassis may be salvaged 

from the bus being replaced (e.g., seats, tires, etc). The engine and chassis may be sold for scrap 
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metal, provided that the bus is disposed of in accordance with federal and state requirements for 

vehicle disposal. 

3.6 Step 6 - Request for Payment

Selectees may request reimbursement from EPA by submitting a Payment Request, proof of 

scrappage (see Section 3.5.2), a copy of the school bus invoice, and a copy of the bill of lading 

(proof of delivery) for the new bus. The Payment Request requires Selectees to provide detailed 

information on the new vehicle, such as the Vehicle Identification Number, Engine Model Year, 

Vehicle Class, Engine Manufacturer, Engine Family Name, and vehicle cost. The Payment 

Request must be submitted to EPA no later than 9 months after the date of the Selection Letter

(see Section 3.3 for information about the Selection Letter). 

To request reimbursement, email the completed Payment Request, proof of scrappage, a copy of 

the school bus invoice, and a copy of the bill of lading (in PDF format) as attachments to: 

CleanDieselRebate@epa.gov. Include the subject line: DERA School Bus Payment Request: 

[your organization’s name]. 

3.7 Step 7 - Payment

Once EPA has received and approved the Selectee’s Payment Request and supporting 

documentation, EPA will issue the rebate funds electronically to the Selectee. EPA anticipates 

that payment will be issued to the Selectee within approximately 10 business days from when 

complete documentation is received by EPA. 

3.8 Cancellation of Rebate Application 

If a Selectee fails to submit all of the required forms and other documents by the deadlines 

established in Section 4.1, the rebate application will be cancelled and any reserved funds will be 

offered to the next eligible applicant on the waiting list. EPA will notify the Selectee prior to 

cancelling any reserved funds. 

4. Rebate Program Administration

4.1 Terms and Conditions

Applicants are required to comply with the following terms and conditions. By signing the 

Rebate Application (see Appendix A for example), applicants certify that they have read and 

agree to the requirements of this document and the program terms and conditions. 

4.1.1 Use of Replacement School Bus 

The replacement bus must be of the same or smaller Vehicle Class (3 – 8) and operate in a 

similar manner and over similar routes as the school bus it replaces. In addition, the Selectee

agrees that they will:

1. Register the replacement school bus as required by state law (if applicable);

2. Maintain insurance as required by law;

3. Not make modifications to the emission control system on the replacement school bus or 

engine; and,

4. Be available for follow-up inspection of the school bus for three years after receipt of the 

rebate, if requested by EPA or its designee.
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4.1.2 Scrappage of Old School Bus 

Selectees must scrap the school bus being replaced in accordance with Section 3.5.2 (Disposal of 

Old Vehicle).

4.1.3 Ownership of Replacement School Bus 

Selectees must maintain ownership of the replacement school bus for three years from the date of 

purchase, and the bus must be used for the purpose of transporting 10 or more preprimary, 

primary or secondary school students to schools or homes during that three-year period. If the 

replacement school bus is sold before the end of the three-year period or used for purposes other 

than described above, the Selectee may be required to return up to the full amount of the rebate

to EPA. The amount required to be returned is at the discretion of EPA, and will be determined 

on a case-by-case basis. 

4.1.4 Restriction for Mandated Measures 

Pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 16132(d)(2), no funds awarded under the 2012 School Bus Replacement 

Funding Opportunity shall be used to fund the costs of emission reductions that are mandated 

under federal law. In addition, federal funds for school bus replacements must not be used in 

combination with any other federal funding.

4.1.5 Documentation Requirement 

If an applicant is selected, that Selectee is responsible for providing the Payment Request and 

required supporting documentation to EPA. Selectees are responsible for maintaining copies of 

all submitted forms and documents, and EPA responses, for a period of 3 years from the date of 

payment. 

4.2 EPA Responsibilities

EPA will review rebate applications for eligibility within the timelines established in Section 3. 

EPA will promptly notify applicants by email of the status of an initial application within 30 

days of the close of the open application period. 

4.3 Disbursement of Funds

EPA will issue rebate funds within 10 business days of determining that a Selectee has submitted 

a completed Payment Request and all supporting documents, including proof of scrappage of the 

old vehicle and proof of the new vehicle delivery. If necessary, EPA may request additional 

documentation from a Selectee prior to issuing funds if EPA determines that any required 

information is missing or incomplete. In such a case, EPA will provide the Selectee with a 

reasonable amount of time to submit additional information. 

4.4 Emission Reductions Reporting

EPA will use the vehicle information supplied by applicants to calculate emissions reductions 

attributable to the 2012 School Bus Replacement Funding Opportunity for the purposes of 

program evaluation and reporting to Congress on the effectiveness of the program. 

4.5 Program Audit
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EPA will conduct random reviews of Selectees’ documentation to protect against waste, fraud, 

and abuse. As part of this process, EPA may request copies of rebate documents from prior 

Selectees who have received rebates, or may request documentation from current Selectees to 

verify statements made on the application and payment forms. Selectees are expected to comply 

with recordkeeping requirements (see Section 4.1.5), and must supply EPA with any requested 

documents for three years from date of rebate issuance, or risk cancellation of an active rebate 

application or other enforcement action.

4.6 Record Retention Requirements 

Selectees must retain all financial records, supporting documents, accounting books and other 

evidence of Rebate Program activities for three years. The retention period starts on the day the 

Applicant is notified that their application has been selected for funding. If any litigation, claim, 

or audit is started before the expiration of the three year period, the recipient must maintain all 

appropriate records until these actions are completed and all issues resolved. 
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Appendix A

Sample Rebate Application – Public School District
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Sample Rebate Application – Private Fleet Owner
13 

Appendix B

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) Classes & School Bus Types 

CLASS GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING

Class 3 10,001 – 14,000 lbs.

Class 4 14,001 – 16,000 lbs.

Class 5 16,001 – 19,500 lbs.

Class 6 19,501 – 26,000 lbs.

Class 7 26,001 – 33,000 lbs.

Class 8 33,001 lbs. +
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Appendix C

Rebate Application Checklist

The following information is required in order for an application to be considered eligible and 

therefore entered into the random selection pool to potentially receive funds through the 2012 

School Bus Replacement Funding Opportunity. 

EPA must receive the Rebate Application by Friday, December 14, 2012, 4:00 pm EST. 

1) Review eligibility to apply (Section 2.1).

2) Review fleet and determine vehicle eligibility including (section 2.2): 

a. School bus engine model year requirement 

b. Operation specifications 

3) Certify Eligible Entity Information (Private Fleet Owner Applicants only). 

4) Complete Rebate Application (EPA Form 5600-260) available for download at 

www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/dera-rebate. 

a. Complete Vehicle Information required on the rebate application for each school 

bus to be replaced (up to five). 

b. Include Dun and Bradstreet (DUNS ) and Employer ID Number (EIN).

c. Provide name, title, contact information, and obtain the signature of the 

applicant’s Authorized Representative. 

5) Attach a scanned copy of the vehicle title and registration for each bus to be replaced. 

Note: A school bus with an active lien-holder does not qualify to participate in this 

program. 

6) Email the completed Rebate Application with a scanned copy of the vehicle(s) title and 

registration for the vehicles to be replaced to: CleanDieselRebate@epa.gov Include in 

the subject line: DERA School Bus Rebate Application: [your organization’s name]. 

7) Selected applicants must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM), 

(previously known as the Central Contractor Registration) prior to submitting an 

application. Information can be found at www.sam.gov.
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Appendix D

How to Find Your Vehicle’s VIN, Engine Model Year, and Engine Family Name 

D.1 How to find the VIN Number

The VIN, or vehicle identification number is most frequently located on the driver's side dash 

and is visible through the windshield. The VIN can also be located on the Vehicle Title. The 

vehicle identification number or VIN is 17 letters and numbers and there are no letters “I” or “O” 

so there is no confusion with the numbers 1 and 0. 

D.2 How to find the Engine Model Year and Engine Family Name 

The engine model year can be found on the label which is affixed to the engine itself. Do not be 

confused with the Vehicle Model year that can be found on the Title. The engine model year can 

differ from the vehicle model year. The EPA engine family name is an 11 or 12 character 

number/letter designation included on the engine nameplate for all heavy-duty truck engines sold 

in the United States. 

In general, both the family name and model year can be found on the nameplate that is 

permanently affixed to the engine. The exact location and appearance of the nameplate varies by 

engine manufacturer.

If the engine label does not list the EPA-issued engine family name or is difficult to read, the 

manufacturer of your engine may be able to assist you in determining the engine family name if 

you are able to supply information on the model year and make of the engine, or the engine serial 

number. Some manufacturers also have online tools where their customer can enter engine serial 

numbers and determine the engine family name.