Junk Vehicle Affidavit Inspections

Public Health | Environmental Health

Notice: Delay of Service

Due to limited staffing, expect up to three weeks for Junk Vehicle Affidavit Inspections to be completed by Skagit County Public Health.

What is considered a junk vehicle?

Junk Vehicle Affidavits completed by Public Health are for abandoned vehicles defined under RCW 46.55.010. Vehicles must meet at least three of the following conditions:

At least 3 years old
Extensively damaged
Apparently inoperable
Have fair market value equal only to the approximate value of the scrap in it

All vehicles inspected by Skagit County Public Health are stamped “Salvage Only" meaning they cannot be re-titled or sold. Property owners or authorized requestors are responsible for costs of the removal and disposal of any junk vehicles.

Is my vehicle eligible for an inspection from Skagit County Public Health?

Skagit County Public Health can perform Junk Vehicle Affidavit (JVA) inspections only in limited situations. Only vehicles that meet the definition of a junk vehicle and were abandoned are eligible. Vehicles brought to the property or accumulated by the owner are not eligible for inspection.

Inspections can be performed for vehicles:

Abandoned by former tenants.
Abandoned by a deceased relative.
Illegally dumped on your property.
Discovered on property after you purchased it.

Inspections cannot be performed for vehicles:

You own or have a title for.
Registered in your name, even if the title has been lost.
You brought onto your property.
Purchased for parts, restoration, or as a hobby project.
You plan to sell, repair, or keep.
That do not meet the definition of a junk vehicle under RCW 46.55.010.

How do I request a Junk Vehicle Affidavit inspection?

To start the inspection process, please call Skagit County Public Health at (360) 416-1500 to talk to an Environmental Health Specialist to determine your eligibility.

Skagit County Public Health charges a non-refundable fee of $55 per vehicle.

After the junk vehicle affidavit process is completed, the property owner can call a tow truck or scrapper to remove the vehicle. The property owner is responsible for any removal or disposal costs.

Is there anything I need to do to prepare for a JVA inspection?

All vehicles scheduled for a junk vehicle inspection must be accessible to Skagit County Public Health staff so we can verify the vehicle’s identity and assess its condition.

Before the inspection, please ensure vehicles are free of overgrown vegetation (such as blackberry bushes), debris, or other obstacles that could prevent staff from safely accessing and inspecting the vehicle. If a vehicle is not accessible at the time of the scheduled site visit, you may be subject to an additional hour of staff time billed according to the current Schedule of Charges.

What are my next steps once I receive a Junk Vehicle Affidavit from Skagit County Public Health?

If there is a registered or legal owner for the junk vehicle located on your property. Skagit County Public Health provides the owner's information on the Junk Vehicle Affidavit.

Next, you mail a copy of the completed Junk Vehicle Affidavit to the vehicle's registered and legal owners.

Then the vehicle owner has the opportunity to claim their property. If the owner does not claim their property within 15 days of mailing the notification, you may arrange for the vehicle to be disposed of.

Who is responsible for the vehicle removal and disposal?

All removal and disposal costs are the responsibility of the property owner or authorized requestor. Skagit County Public Health does not remove vehicles or dispose of vehicles. All Junk Vehicle Affidavits completed by Skagit County Public Health are stamped as "Salvage Only" meaning junk vehicles cannot be re-titled or sold.

What options do I have if my vehicle doesn't qualify for an inspection from Skagit County Public Health?

If your vehicle does not meet the criteria for a JVA inspection through Skagit County Public Health, other agencies or departments may be able to help depending on your situation, property location, and their specific requirements. Contact the agency directly to learn more about available options and next steps.