Four stars for the DMV (well, sort of the DMV...)! Came in here when I first moved to the PNW and had to actually GO IN to register my car. It was the best DMV-type experience I've ever had. The person who helped me was friendly and courteous (ever heard THAT when speaking of a DMV employee? Not likely!) and made the experience slicker 'n goose-snot. I left a happy customer and to this day recommend Ballard Licensing to anyone who has a need. read more

I had such a great experience with the people in this office. Especially as opposed to trying to make an appointment at the DMV. This office had a short line, everyone was very polite and kind, and I walked out with my new plates. Love this place. read more

Always pleasant staff and quick service! I renew my tabs online for pickup here and I recommend them!

You can get the job done here, but the service is not terribly professional. The first time I went here with the person who was buying my car from me, the counter woman forgot to tell us to fill out a form... so later it dawned on us that one of the many forms were missing, and we had to go back... only to hear a little, pudgy counter dude yell at us for not filling out the form and then yell at the first counter lady for not having given us the form... weird and silly. read more

We LOVE the Ballard Licensing office! Excellent Service!

Wow. I've registered vehicles in Southern California and in New York. Both were disasters. The folks at Ballard Licensing are warm, friendly, competent, and efficient. I was in and out in no time at all. Highly recommended! read more

I was in and out very quickly to pick up the registration sticker, which was purchased online before I arrived! This location is a lot less congested than the one in the city. The staff and owner were extremely friendly and warm. When they saw people waiting in line, they quickly opened up another window. Also, they have free parking in the back. I highly recommend this company! read more

Super friendly small business! I had a bit of a hard time finding it because I wasn't familiar with the area but once I found it, it's a nice little area. Employees were kind and courteous and I got out pretty fast. read more

Phone never answered; voicemail box full; promised call back (by two employees) after multiple visits did not occur.

Outstanding service. The agents are happy to inform you of the regulations that need to be followed in order to accomplish your licensing needs. I will continue to give them my business for years to come! read more

I procrastinated for so many months anticipating that changing my car registration would be a painful experience. Ballard Licensing made it SO easy! Fred (the owner) is committed to providing excellent customer service and you can see it in the way the employees take care of you. Even the agent at my bank said that they were thorough and helpful. I normally don't write online reviews so the fact that I am writing this - for a licensing company - means that they are great. Stop procrastinating! read more

Who would have thought you can find friendly people when registering your car and getting your plates! I found out that this is a private company, that sub contracts with the State, that explains why the experience is so good compared to getting your drivers license, which you have to do at a state office. Way to go Ballard Licensing - great job! read more

This is a very low key operation, but they know their stuff and are easygoing and helpful. If I'm not mistaken, they are contracted but aren't directly gov't workers. I'm sure it drives them nuts to explain to everyone that they don't actually process or provide driver's licenses, but then, the name is confusing. In fact, WHY can't both be in the same place? But you usually don't have to wait too long and they are friendly. Call ahead, ask when it's usually less crowded, plan to wait a few minutes for the free 20-minute spots at the back of the lot or be sure to pay for parking and sadly be aware that the locksmith next door has shut down operations. Remember to bring checks! And just a small tip from someone who has moved dozens of times: always double-check anyone else's input of your information. It seems obvious to us that "they" should check, but the truth is that it's our responsibility and no matter how common your name, car or street name is, to someone who does this all day, it's hard to proofread perfectly. read more

These folks are great. Apparently I enjoy getting my tabs last minute. So when I'm almost out of time, I go online, get my tabs and walk over to Ballard Licensing to pick them up. It's just that simple. When I do drive there, there are some 30min free parking spots in the lot in back. Easy. read more

Ballard Licensing - Fred's business card. Great guy. - Registration Services Near Me - Seattle, Washington

So nice to find great customer service from Business open on Saturdays until 6:00 p.m. even during COVID-19. Travelled from other Western WA town - where Offices are closed. Then - hung out in awesome town of Ballard. Worth it! Thank you! read more

Open weekends. Efficient and pleasant. Not the most fun errand on your to do list but these folks do it better than anybody else in the Seattle area. read more

Okay, I can see why no one answers the phone, there was a long line right as the office opened, but please consider changing your voicemail to let people know that, it currently says to leave a message and your call will be returned, thanks. read more

This will be the first 1 star review I've ever felt compelled to give, but at this point I feel obligated to let people know the kind of service you will get here. I initially called to inquire if this was the correct office to come to for vehicle licensing. After listening to a 3 minute rant that had nothing to do with my question I decided to head over and try to get my new license plate and registration anyway. In retrospect, this would have been a great time to decide to go elsewhere. Standing in line my husband and I were witness to the clerks being nothing but rude, arrogant and unhelpful to the people ahead of us. I recognized the woman's voice from the phone and cringed, but was relieved when another clerk called us to come up. I'll try to make a long story short enough for a yelp review: I believe the biggest problem was that she had ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA WHAT SHE WAS DOING! She was accusatory, threatening, unhelpful, treated us like we were criminals and tried to charge us over $1,000 more then what we actually owed. She then THREW the car title back at us, literally jumped out of her chair and said that she wasn't touching our paperwork and refused to help us. Really?!!! I have never been treated so disrespectfully in all of my life. We came home, I called the actual Motor Vehicle Department and explained the situation. They didn't seem to think there was anything unusual or difficult about our situation and suggested we might try going to a different Motor vehicle office. She also did not seem a bit surprised that I had this experience at this office and even offered to help me initiate a complaint against them. We then went to the Motor vehicle office downtown, walked in, didn't have even 1 person in line ahead of us, handed the clerk our paperwork, gave her a small explanation of the situation and what had previously happened. She wondered why there would have been a problem before, processed our paperwork, collected our fee (minus the additional $1,000+ that the Ballard office wanted to collect) and handed us our license plates and registration within minutes! Go to the Ballard licensing office if you want to be treated like garbage, pay more and possibly even question the validity of your transaction. BALLARD VEHICLE: PLEASE GET YOUR EMPLOYEES SOME TRAINING. YOU SHOULDN'T EVEN BE IN BUSINESS. read more

Needed to transfer a title and showed up after 5pm expecting a chaotic, crowded, anxiety inducing experience amplified by the recent covid restrictions. Instead I was second in line upon arrival, greeted by the one and only Fred Maxie, helped by a friendly lady who guided me through the process and walked out no more than ten minutes later. Coming back the next time I require a service they can provide is a no brainier. read more

I've lived in Ballard for the last 3 years. Initially, came to this place out of convenience for my car tab renewal. But, I think it's safe to say I would travel here from other neighborhoods just for the service. The staff here are so kind and welcoming, making a typically undesired chore much easier. I renewed my tabs online this year and walked into the shop to pick up. There was a line, but the owner pulled out those who were picking up tabs already placed online, so I was there for about 5 minutes tops. Very speedy trip! Great staff and lovely owner. read more

It might be a little weird to write a review for a dept. of licensing but I gotta say this office is pretty great. I've had to go here a few times for various reasons. I'm always in and out really quickly. The staff is great and they make it really easy. read more

Every time I go here I need another document and lose another hour of my life ... never find out until I've driven there, waited in line. Somehow calling first is insufficient to get this information. read more

One of the women working here was extremely rude and condescending to me. I needed to pick up my tabs because they'd expired and I had done all the info online. Unfortunately I lost my license somewhere a few days before and had a temporary paper copy from the DOL without my picture. The worker told me they needed anything with my picture and name on it but when I showed her a photo of my ID she acted extremely power tripping about how only through the grace of her she would make an exception. I usually have my tabs sent to me in the mail and I cannot believe that the city of Seattle allows this "family business" to employ such terrible people to do a city service. I even told her that my family had just suffered a loss and the woman had zero compassion and basically threatened to decline my ID and make me come back to get the tabs that I had ALREADY PAID FOR just because she could. If you want a taste of Hell on earth, knock yourself out. read more

I've been here twice now and each time it's been a great experience. The wait time is less than 5 min (both visits were weekdays between 4:30 and 5:30pm). First time was to verify I transfer a title correctly and they even printed out a proof of sale receipt for me to use. Second time was a title transfer and bill of sale. I've also used them via the internet to renew my vehicle tabs. Parking is available in the back (north side of building), but have not used it and unsure if you have to pay. Fast, friendly, and courteous! read more

Came to pickup some paperwork for a friend today and the girl that I spoke with was very rude and was more interested in her phone then trying to help me out. She was not fun to work with. I have been before and everyone has always been very helpful. read more

There was no wait just before noon on a Friday. The woman who assisted me was super helpful and made it pretty painless!

Thank you! Thank you! You are the only licensing place open on Saturday's and you answer the phone with no hold time and allowed me to understand all i needed to do to make tab replacement easy!!!! This is the place you only want to GO!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for being there for me and customer service is not dead thank to you! read more

I just recently visited Ballard Licensing because we were never sent tags or the registration form in the mail along with our new license plates. When I talked to the lady about never having received these items in the mail, I was met with a condescending, accusatory, and borderline rude tone. I had mentioned that my boyfriend had called about this as well and she made a snarky comment about why he had sent me to do this for him, insinuating that I wasn't also the owner of the vehicle. I had to calmly respond that I also own the car and that my name is on the registration. She then continued to talk to me as if I don't know anything about the process (I am a younger female) and was insinuating that I had to have done something wrong. After some time, I was able to get my point across and she finally listened to what I was asking for and it was straightforward from there. I walked away from the office with tags/registration in hand but with a feeling of frustration from the experience that I had. Might I add - I never write reviews but felt compelled to write this one. read more

Waited in line for ages. Finally get to the front of the line and one of the women leaves her post to ask who has fast tabs and for them to jump ahead of me. I go next after two people jump in front of me to pick theirs up. Then it's my turn. The same woman is condescending, not listening to what I am asking her to read and going on about she handles licensing from the state. Well, that's not what I asked and had to read a line or two from a letter I was explaining about all while she is getting ruder and ruder at me to the point that even those in line were starting to mouth off at her. Being from a fine family, I remembered I was brought up to have manners. I politely excused myself, said thank you and walked away. Right before, I asked a couple times if my finance company was wrong and she kept stating that she was right and they are wrong. I find it funny that a minimum wage employee working at a licensing office knows more than finance people at a bank that have BA degrees and up. I seen the job posts in their office and it appears they need help badly with how many people have been standing in line each time I've gone through the place regularly this week. Sounds like they're putting anyone to work and it doesn't matter how they treat customers. It seems from all of the reviews, this is what happens regularly at that office alone. read more

Ballard Licensing is a gift to our communiuty. The extrememly professional staff "know their stuff," are efficient and I actually enjoy the times I have been there over the past few years. They are not like any DOL experience I have ever had. Thank you for all the help you have provided me and my family over the years. You guys are the best! read more

Super friendly nice helpful Even when we asked same questions multiple times :) Best customer service read more

This office rocks! Super friendly and efficient staff. The staff helped me understand the paperwork I needed and remembered me when I came back with the correct documents. The staff works rapidly when there is a line and still makes time to ensure everyone feel welcome. Thx read more

I had a very complex title transfer involving my deceased Dad's van, with my previously deceased Mom's name still on the title, estate documents, death certificates, tax id numbers, you name it. It took a while because the staff had to research the correct procedure. But, they hung in there and go it done for me! Everyone was friendly, patient, helpful, and very professional. I've been going to Ballard License for decades. They are the best! read more

Came here on the first day of new software and the staff was amazing. Rebecca kept me entertained and did absolutely everything she could to help me with my transfer of license out of state. The owner, Fred, even came and introduced himself to me and spent some time getting to know me. I will be a forever customer here now and highly recommend it! read more

I went in to get the title of my car transferred to my name. The woman working at the counter printed the registration for me to look at. She put my first name in as "Jordon" even though my name is "Jaden". I then told her to correct that. Then she showed me the new copy, and she put the wrong address in! She had my driver's license, all she had to do was copy that information. Apparently she was too busy chatting with her coworkers to do her job effectively Very poor attention to detail. read more

Today I stopped by the Ballard Licensing to get an updated car title and registration. The process took some time since Anne, who was helping me, had to manually type in my info. While she was inputting my information 4 of her co-workers, at separate occasions, walked by to remind her to take her lunch. Each time she acknowledged them and confirmed that she would take her break as soon as she finished. I would understand if someone reminded Anne once but to remind her 4 times was excessive, patronizing, and unprofessional. What put it over the top was when one of the ladies (she was Asian) walked by twice and each time glared at me, expressing her annoyance that my transaction was taking too long. By the second time someone reminded Anne to take her lunch, the logical solution would of been for someone to swap their lunch time with Anne or someone else takeover. As a customer witnessing all this was awkward and felt like I was an inconvenience. An experience that started pleasantly turned out to be a horrible one... read more

Came here right at closing in a rush and staff was polite as could be! Friendly, very helpful, and accommodating even though I was holding them up. Never thought this type of experience was possible at a licensing establishment. Thank you:) read more

Here's a great would you rather question for ya. Would you rather spend your day at the DMV or take a cheese grater to your shins and then stand in salt water? Torn? Well, thanks be to the Ballard Licensing Agency for not making me choose bodily harm! They're open until 6 everyday including Saturdays, which is rad. Registering my car took an entire five minutes and I was on my way. While the address says they are located on Market, the parking lot is behind on 56th. read more

In January my husband and I went into the Ballard licensing office to get WA plates (we just moved here from out of state). We had all of the documentation required to apply for tags with the exception of a copy of our title since our vehicle is still financed. We were given temp tags for 60-days and they told us they would call us once they had received a copy of our title from Nissan and our tags were ready to be picked up. 60 days went by and we never received a phone call. That being said, we called right at 60 days and were told that they still hadn't received the title from Nissan, but they would give us a 30 day extension while they waited for the title; HOWEVER, they also informed us that it was our responsibility to make sure Nissan sent a copy of the title!!! This isn't the first time I've moved from one state to another and had to get new tags and NEVER has anyone at a DMV told me that it was my responsibility to make sure they got what they needed EVER nor was there ever any issue with them getting the information they needed from the lien holder!!!! If that were the case, why the hell am I paying THEM $250 to do their jobs for them!!! When we went into the licensing office to pick up the 30 day temporary tag, the woman that assisted us in their office told me that she couldn't extend it for 30 days despite what another employee told us over the phone when we called. She told me their policy was only to extend it another two weeks and that it basically wasn't their problem if Nissan didn't send them a copy of the title and that we needed to follow up with Nissan directly. From what we understood, all they did was fax a form letter to Nissan with our information on it requesting a copy of the title on two different occasions. It does not seem like they have any other procedure in place to follow up by phone or any other method. So in other words, if Nissan didn't get it to them in time OH WELL!! Keep in mind we had already paid $250 for the application, which we're assuming should include any required administrative fees for getting a copy of our title from Nissan! We called Nissan immediately after leaving their office and we were told they did not receive ANY fax from the DMV requesting a copy of our title despite what they told us. The woman we spoke to put a rush on our request and we were fortunate to receive a copy of our title in the mail two weeks later, the day before our second temporary tags expired. I went into the licensing agency this afternoon, copy of the title in hand since Nissan said they would NOT fax it directly to the licensing agency, and the old woman I spoke to was not only rude from the get go, but she didn't seem to have any CLUE as to what she was doing or what I was attempting to do by being there. I explained to her that we had previously applied for WA plates, but they were waiting on a copy of our title from Nissan, which I now had in my possession. She kept telling me that she couldn't give me temporary tags since my husband wasn't with me even though I wasn't trying to get temporary tags!!!!!!! When I told her I was in there a few weeks ago and the woman I spoke to had no problem helping me, she rudely said "well it sure wasn't ME!!" Once she finally got her head out of her behind, and realized what I was actually trying to accomplish, she said she had to go talk to her manager to see if she could help me. She left the counter to go talk to another woman and returned shortly thereafter to tell me that her manager said supposedly when I came in a few days prior she gave me a form that needed to be filled out by my husband that gave me the power of attorney (THIS NEVER HAPPENED!!!!) and there was nothing she could do to help me today because my husband wasn't with me!!!! Let me just say the woman she spoke to WAS NOT the person that helped me the last time I visited their office nor did any of what she said make any sense or even happen!! When I questioned where she came up with all this crap, she said "well maybe she just overheard the conversation" even though she seemed confused when I told her that woman never helped me and I was in two weeks ago NOT the other day. WTF!!?!?!?!? This office is filled with a bunch of crazy old bats who don't know what the hell they are doing and obviously don't have or follow any formal procedures because no one knows what the hell they are talking about and every person you speak with gives you a different answer or just makes up some crazy sh----t that makes you feel like you're in the twilight zone!!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

I went in to Ballard Auto/Vessel Licensing this past Saturday to pick up my new auto tabs which I had renewed online. Saturday afternoons at most licensing offices are usually packed with customers, long wait times and employees that seem lacking any sense of urgency. I'm happy to report that Ballard Licensing on Saturday was an entirely different experience. Sure there were several customers in line, but Ballard Licensing had not just one, but TWO employee greeters going down the line to help advise customers while they waited to speak with a licensing agent. When I told the greeter that I was there to pick up tabs that were already paid for online, the greeter pulled me aside, ran behind the counter to the licensing agent area and retrieved my new tabs. I was in and out in less than 3 minutes, and didn't even have to wait in line to speak to an agent. Fantastic service! I will definitely revisit Ballard Licensing the next time I need new tabs. A quick shout out to the gentleman that helped me, Fred thank you so much for your fast and friendly service. read more