Journal · June 30, 2026 · updated July 13, 2026
How to Apply a Tesla Referral Code at Checkout (2026)
The one thing that trips people up: a Tesla referral has to be attached before you place the order — Tesla won't add it afterward. Do it in this order and the 3-month free FSD (Supervised) trial shows up in your order summary before you pay. This is the exact flow I used on my own order.
Before you start: timing is the whole game
Tesla attaches a referral at the moment you start an order, and it can't be added once an order or reservation number exists. So the very first thing to do is open the referral link (or have the code ready). If you configure a car first and order without one, you cannot add it later.
The three steps
Open the referral link first
Open the referral link (or copy the code) before you configure anything. Tesla can't attach a referral once an order or reservation number exists, so it has to come first.
Configure your Model 3, Y or Cybertruck
Build your car on Tesla's official store as usual — paint, wheels, interior, options. The referral stays attached to your session while you build.
Confirm the referral in your order summary
Before you pay, check that the 3-month FSD (Supervised) trial (or the $400 solar discount) is listed. If it's there, place the order; the trial activates at delivery.
What if you already ordered?
If you placed the order without a referral, you can't add one — Tesla's system ties the referral to order creation. Your options are limited: if you haven't taken delivery and are willing to cancel and re-order (subject to Tesla's order/deposit terms), you could start fresh with the link first. Otherwise the trial won't apply. This is exactly why the timing step matters.
Using a code for Tesla Solar
Tesla Solar is a separate referral from a vehicle, worth $400 off Solar Panels or Solar Roof. Apply the referral before you place the solar order, the same way. Because it's separate, one buyer can use a code for a car and a different one for solar. Full detail: do referral codes work on solar?
Related questions
Can I add a referral code after I've ordered?
No — Tesla will not attach a referral once an order or reservation number exists. You must click the referral link (or enter the code) before you configure and pay. If you already ordered without one, you can't add it retroactively. See the checkout walkthrough.
Is the Tesla referral program still active in 2026?
Yes. It was reworked (not ended): Tesla dropped the old cash discounts, removed Model S and Model X in March 2026, and made the buyer reward a 3-month FSD (Supervised) trial. Any page still promising "free supercharging" or a "prize drawing" is describing a program Tesla retired years ago. See the dated changelog.
What's the difference between a referral code and a referral link?
They're the same thing in two forms. A referral link (ts.la/<code> or tesla.com/referral/<code>) is simply the owner's code wrapped in a URL — opening it pre-applies the code for you. Full detail in code vs link.
Do Model S and Model X still get a referral benefit?
Not in the US. Model S and Model X were removed from the referral program in March 2026, so a code adds nothing on those orders. Model 3, Model Y and eligible Cybertruck still get the 3-month FSD trial.
Sources:
- Tesla Support — Refer and Earn
- Electrek — Tesla referral program guide
- Not a Tesla App — referral FSD incentives