Place sucks. Caused me two trips (time off of work) and messed up everything. This including messing up my title transfer from another state and not telling me what I needed to do in advance when I gave them everything, as they failed to review the details on my title properly the first time, which then got flagged by the state, and wanted me to come back again to fix everything (uh no! don't have time to take off of work for stupidity). Wouldn't take accountability, even when I told them they could have called me when they noticed later and got a alert from the state, and avoid another (third) trip to them. They were very condescending with me throughout process, not understanding I was from out of state and didn't know the rules and regulations here. They could have been kind and compassionate, not completely defensive jerks.Now I will have to make another trip to the DMV and take time off of work to clear up their ridiculous and dumb mistake. Go elsewhere, save yourself. You are welcome. read more

We have always use this location for our car tabs and boat registration. They are easy and have wonderful service. Fred the owner greets you like an old friend. Very detailed in his explanations. You are in and out in a Jiffy. I have been sending my friends and family here for years. There is no better place to get your automotive and boat paper work done. To another 20 years Fred. Keep it up. read more

I hunched into this office today, defensive, apprehensive, less than 10 minutes before close. I meant to arrive sooner but... I didn't. I wasn't going to haul out my whole ridiculous, no doubt time consuming, car story as they're closing, but figured I may as well make sure I have everything I need before I come back tomorrow. Turned out: didn't need an emissions test, didn't need to pay my multiple parking tickets, didn't matter that my tabs had been expired since October (she laughed at the idea - not with mock, but reassuring mirth) and I realized that I could get it all done! Right there! Right that instant! Why not? No hurry! But I've lost my debit card recently (2 weeks ago - finally admitted it was completely lost 2 days ago - the replacement is coming) and have been paying for everything with cash. I didn't have enough for it. No checkbook. She asked if I had one in my car. ... Maybe. 'Well, go look.' I jogged, dug... dug... dug... (messy car) found! Jog back in. Friendly guy waiting for me to come back before shutting the door. I went through it all again. Done. Wait - I want the plates with the waterfall on them - is that hard to change? 'Uh... no.' But we start over, do it all again. Conversation amongst three employees about which the waterfall one is (state parks and rec). Write a check - done! Soo friendly, soo patient, ridiculously, needlessly nice, not judgmental for those of us who may spend a lot of time, thought, money, energy in certain directions, but not practical ones... and now I'm a completely legal driver (except for those parking tickets - damn) for the first time in over 13 months. (there was a driver's license issue too. This office does not handle driver's licenses - that was a separate thing.) read more

Good thing I love this place is they open on Saturdays. It's located in Ballard square (I think that's what you call the shopping center). In front of the building on the top back, there are some parking. However, you have to pay. If I remember it right, there are a couple 30 mins parking spots that could possibly be free. The staff is very nice and friendly. They get into business and don't waste time! I felt bad that I had to change my mind about how I paid 3 times! I wasted their time! Darn... (if you use debit card, there will be extra $2 charge. If you use credit card, there will be $3 extra charge. I used check!) If you have problem finding parking or you don't want to pay for parking, you can try to park around Ballard Common park. read more

About a gazillion times more efficient, more friendly, and faster than the DMV. I transferred the title and got new tabs for my scooter in about 5 minutes. Giddy up. read more

Amazing and fast service! I recently had to get new plates and register my car from out of state. Ballard Licensing made it easy and even helped me with navigating the bureaucracy of my car loan company and WA DOL. They were even open on the snowiest day in Seattle's recent history, another big plus! Thanks again! read more

I just got off the phone with an older gentleman and was asking him about specialized plates, like the Washington National Parks plate. He clearly had no idea what it was(despite being given a visual description of the plates with Mts on them). He asked me if I was trying to get a national parking pass (???) and then told me I couldn't do this by mail. All of the info he tried to give me runs counter to what the DOL website says and what another woman I spoke to just minutes before at their office said. He sounded very confused and defensive. I told him I would really like to speak to someone who was a little more clear on the process. He totally lost control, became very unprofessional and yelled at me. How does someone who doesn't know basic questions about license plates and is unable to interact in a professional way with customers working in a customer service job in this economy? read more

Everyone I interacted with was so kind and helpful, particularly Fred (the owner) and Sabrina. Sabrina went out of her way to explain what I needed (I was renewing my tabs but had some complications with it). I was in and out with my registration and paperwork submitted within 15-20 minutes! I can't recommend it highly enough, I've never had such a pleasant experience at a DMV. read more

I had been putting off transferring my title to the car I won in my divorce settlement. My ex had put me through the ringer and made nothing easy - including not having the title of the car signed to me when he was asked. I came to Ballard Licensing because I just couldn't stand the thought of dealing with mean grouchy folks. Shannon was a dream to work with and had my title transferred to my name, my tabs updated, and everything signed and done within 10 minutes. She made this process so easy. Thank you Ballard Licensing!!!! read more

Holy crap. Am I about to review a f*cking licensing agency? Yes. Why? Because I assumed it would take at least 30 minutes to get to the counter. It took 10 seconds. Because I assumed the registration process would take five minutes. It took two. Because I thought the staff would be sullen and pissed off. They were pleasant and even having fun. Getting enthusiastic about a licensing agency is like getting enthusiastic about PVC piping. But you know what? Ballard Licensing Agency kicks ass. read more

Judging by all the positive reviews here, I am inclined to believe that Ballard Licensing (or rather a particular employee -- the older age lady who "helped" me) had an off day. When I went to register my car yesterday, I was asked to produce not only the Car Title, but also the Retail Installment Sale Contract for my car. Then, to top it off, I was asked to get a current odometer reading for the Odometer Disclosure Form even though I had previously stated the information on my Car Title (although at an earlier date). Had the lady not told me to get a current odometer reading (which required me walking all the way back to my car), I would have ended up giving my business to this place. Instead, I just took back my papers, walked out, and never returned. Why am I a little annoyed? I decided to go to University License Agency today (the next day) and all I needed to produce was my Car Title. THAT'S IT. Can anyone explain to me why dealing with Ballard Licensing was such a hassle? I was equally perplexed when I walked out of University Licensing Agency this morning in under 30 minutes and had new WA license plates in hand. As I had previously stated, in all fairness they were probably just having an off day, but it simply doesn't make sense in relation to the procedures taken by two different licensing agencies. BTW, it is also a 3% surcharge if using a credit card (this appears to be the case for most licensing agencies), so bring debit/check/cash! read more

When I lost my front license plate I went online to see if it could be done without a trip in the car. Sure enough, the State site said it was easy. So, I tried, and I ran into a snag. They said I needed a notarized Affidavit of Loss. What? It seemed to be an unnecessary step, so I drove down to Ballard Auto & Vessel Licensing and got my plates in a matter of minutes. Thanks for making it easy! read more

I absolutely love our local Ballard DMV. Everyone that works there is very quick and efficient and I especially love ordering my tabs online. Thanks Fred the owner for 31 years in business. read more

WTF? A fast and dare-I-say pleasant state licensing office? Well smack my ass and call me Shirley. Bring your checkbook or prepare to pay a credit/debit card fee. read more

I have never been so pleased with a government office in my life. So much so that this person who NEVER writes a review made a point to sign up to Yelp just to put the word out there. Being a Military wife in the middle of her second move of the year had let things slide a little. I had 2 cars in storage for over 6 months and let the tags expire. My husband was in Afghanistan and just found out that in 2 short months when he gets back we are moving to Belgium. We need to get a car on a boat ASAP so it will be there when we arrive. After contacting the shipping office I found out that not only is it 10.5 hours away, but that they require up to date tags, title, and what seemed like my first born son. So I booked my flight back for the end of the week and started to get my stuff in order. After tracking down my WA title (in 63 boxes) I headed to the DMV here in MI. After 2.5 hours there I was told that they would be glad to register the car here but that they would take the title and I wouldn't get another one for up to 2 weeks. I was frantic. I headed back to my computer to see if I could renew online in Wa and print my registration offline. Again a dead end. I was almost in tears when I called this office in Ballard. After explaining the time crunch over the phone. They had me register my car online and call back. After taking my credit card info over the phone Kari (sp?) left the office went down to the fed ex building and had them sent to me over night. They even called me back to give me the tracking number. The comparison in knowledge and courtesy that was demonstrated at the two different offices just goes to show what a great job they are doing in Ballard. They saved me in what could have been a total disaster. Thanks again! read more

There is an aura of blessedness around Ballard Licensing. I was brand brand new to Seattle, had just bought a used car, and needed to transfer the title. I needed a licensing place with wide open hours on Saturday so I picked this one. As I parked my car in one of the many available street spots, a friendly man helped me unjam my credit card from the Pay to Park machine. Then I stopped briefly in the secondhand store nearby, and the owner engaged me in a friendly chitty chat. Then finally on to Ballard Licensing, where the wait was about 2.5 minutes, the clerk processed my title in less than five minutes without asking pesky questions about how it was "gifted" to me, and the other people waiting in line HEARD I WAS NEW IN TOWN AND WELCOMED ME TO SEATTLE. I am attributing all this good luck to Ballard Licensing. read more

This is a great place to get your vehicle tabs. It has 30 minute free parking and they are open Monday through Saturday, 10 to 6. Ive been going there for years and there is no better place in the entire city to get your tabs. Fast, friendly and helpful service every time. I see a few negative reviews from some whiners from out of state. Well, for the record, this place don't make the rules or set the prices. These agencies are privately owned and simply process paper work for the state of Washington. They make only a very small fee from each transaction and have to abide by the rules set forth by the state. When you move from one state to another, its always a big hassle and it helps to have your paperwork in order. read more

Ballard Licensing is awesome. I don't think I've ever waited in line longer than 5 minutes in the several times I've been to this place. Everyone I've spoken with here has been friendly, helpful, and efficient at their job. Once I get to the counter, it only takes a few minutes to get my tabs or my new plates. They are open until 6pm on weekdays, so I've always had plenty of time to get there after work. They have Saturday hours too, which is a huge bonus. You can park for free in the parking lot behind the building on 56th. There's about five or six spots that have 20 minute parking. There's no way this licensing office will ever take that long, so you're totally in the clear. read more

We're having one heck of a time getting our car licensed in WA. Our tabs from our previous state are 1.5 months past expiration because we've been waiting for either that state's DMV to release our title to the lienholder or for the lienholder to finally get it to Ballard Licensing. Finally, after weekly calls to Ballard Licensing to see if they had received it (and follow-up calls to the lienholder when they said "no"), I finally decided to ask Ballard Licensing their opinion on where to start my fit-throwing. She asked who our lienholder was. I began to speak, saying "Wells F..." before she stopped me and said, "there's your problem." I've learned Wells Fargo Dealer Services is terrible at everything. But I digress. She very helpfully and pleasantly offered to start a request from their end. I never considered that the licensing company could be helpful in expediting this process. This was just yesterday, and no news on if their attempt elicited any response, but I was thrilled with how helpful the person that took care of my request was. I docked a star because you can't bypass their long intro recording when you call. On top of that it is still outlining their hours for the week of July 4th. Which, having to call every week for 6 weeks, has gotten on my nerves. I know I need to choose option 1, but I'm not allowed. Until I'm reminded of their normal business hours, that they don't issue driver licenses, that they were closed on a day 2.5 weeks ago, etc. Good news, though, now that they have directly made a request, they have our information to call us, so if/when the title comes, they'll call me and I won't have to listen to that recording again! UPDATE: I believe I posted this review on a Friday after having called them. Maybe a Thursday. At any rate, they called the next Monday to say our title was in! I'm not sure if this was further proof of their awesomeness or just a coincidence, but I'm going to give them the credit. When we went to pick our plates up on a Saturday, there was a decent line, so I left my husband in line to go down to the BECU to get cash to pay in lieu of the plastic-payment transaction fee. They were too quick upstairs, though, and my husband met me at the line for the ATM, plates in hand. read more

Silly me waited until the last day to renew my tabs. Fortunately for me I knew this location from last year and recalled there were no lines so figured it would be a hit at lunch time. I pulled into the lot out back and was able to get one of the free 20 minute parking spots. Walked in. One person in line ahead of me. One person working behind the counter. Three minute wait. When it was my turn I got the uh oh! "You need to get your emissions done." So I was off to the nearest emissions place before they closed at 5pm. I made a second trip to Ballard Licensing after getting the emissions completed and arrived about 15 minutes before closing. There were two people ahead of me. Four tellers at their station and only one was open. I was worried that I'd be waiting a long time but I think I was waiting 4 minutes tops. It was a smile and have a great day all the way. I'll be back next year. read more

Does anyone remember the Peaches record store that used to be here? Why doesn't something cool move into those spaces? Yup, getcher license here. Park for free 20 minutes, and if your line moves fast enough you can run down for a Fizzy-rappuchizzno at the Starbucks before you beat feet back to your car. Mmmmmlicensetabs'ncarmelFrappuchino...... read more

Finally went in to get my "affidavit in lieu of title" today. Parked in back (free for 20 min), walked in, was in line maybe three minutes (with four people ahead of me), was at the window being helped by a very friendly employee for about 1.5-2 minutes. All done. Total time spent from parking to on the road again - less than 10 minutes and awesome customer service to boot. Highly recommend this place!!! read more

As many have said, these guys are great. I first started using Ballard Licensing for my work. We have 7 loaner vehicles that all would need tabs throughout the year. My experience was so good with them, however that I take all my personal title and registration transactions to them. At one point, one of their staff also pointed out that our business could save some money by switching our loaner vehicles to fleet registration, which we did. All in all, they are always looking out for my best interest, and therefore they have earned my repeat business! read more

Free parking for 20mins on the street behind Market for customers in bays 1-6. I paid for parking (only 75c!) so hopefully this will save some other yelpers a few quarters. Living in both Australia and the UK for many years you get used to what Governmental type service companies can be like. Coming to this place really blew my mind in how efficient and friendly that can be at extracting large sums of money from you to pay the excellent state of Washington. read more

Had to make an emergency visit during virus shutdown. They are set up to keep people safely separated. It's not that busy so I got in and out quickly bc of the friendly and expert staff. There's even plenty of the free parking spots. Owner has some pretty cool original sports art up in there too, if you do end up in line. It's great having people who know what they're doing so conveniently nearby. read more

YAHOOOOO Always nice. Always know their stuff. I am always in line for about 5 minutes, so what? I am grateful to have this. read more

UPDATE JULY 8, 2014: Soon after my review went live I received a comment from Ballard Licensing apologizing and asking me to contact them by email so that the manager could give me a call to provide the service they strive for. I greatly appreciate the immediate attention. I have emailed them and will update again on the final result. I also added a star. read more

Both my husband and I work downtown and live in Everett, so getting to a notary in Everett before they close isn't likely given our commute. Thus, we needed a notary in Ballard where we commute from where we could stop after work to get a home building document/permit notarized. Ballard Licensing is conveniently adjacent (and up some stairs) to the bus stop at NW Market & Ballard Ave where my husband stops off at, so naturally we went to Ballard Licensing due to convenience. No lineup at all, notary signed on the spot and we only had to pay $10. Score! It'll be our go to notary now, because of convenience and efficient, cost-effective service. read more

This place rules. They work the line so don't be put off if you see it snaking out the door. Notary services, they provide witnesses, too. Friendly courteous service with an owner who cares. I wish California would get a clue and privatize these services. read more

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

Quick, painless motor vehicle registration in the heart of Ballard. We needed to register my boyfriend's new motorcycle, and renew the registration on another motorcycle. We left this generally irritating errand until the last minute on a Saturday, and found that our local licensing office had already closed at 1pm. Looking to Yelp for guidance, I was relieved to find that this office in Ballard is open until 6pm on Saturdays. The queue is well organized, and moves quickly. We arrived at 2pm and waited less than 5 minutes to be helped. I do not remember the name of the older woman who helped us, but she was fantastic. Fast, friendly, professional, and didn't ask too many questions or give us a hard time. The entire process took under 10 minutes. She printed out all the necessary paperwork, gave us two new Washington license plates, and explained the breakdown of our charges. The total for the registration and renewal came to $515. They charge a 3% fee for using a credit card, which added an additional $15 to our tab. For those of you complaining about how expensive it is, try registering a vehicle in California (spoiler alert, it's triple the price). I highly recommend Ballard Licensing. read more

Had an ok experience here. Was told that I needed additional paperwork to obtain title despite king county telling me differently. So not sure if king county misinformed me or what. Service was ok, nothing special. Fortunately there wasn't much of a wait the two times I went. read more

Amazing service on a Saturday! Last day of the month, so it was busy! They are open until 6 on Saturdays.

After several rather frustrating interactions with one of the employees here, I braced myself for my most recent visit here... What a relief!!! Annie helped me get my car registered in the most helpful, warm, and cheerful way. We even got to talking a bit and she gave me some suggestions for Washington nature sight-seeing since I'm a recent transplant. Thank you Annie! read more

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

went to change the name on the title of my parents car to mine and the lady screamed at my mom. my poor mom had researched everything we needed, i don't have an ID right now and online she was told we wouldn't need one so we came with 3 other forms of identification. the lady behind the counter was extremely demeaning, told my mom to "calm down" and acted as if we were stupid. if she had nicely explained what she needed to get across that would be fine but your staff is literally combative with clients. don't work in customer service if you can't talk to people. read more

Update your website with your "temporary hours". It makes people upset when you show up based on your website hours and you are closed with this sign read more

Ballard Licensing - Registration Services Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Horrible customer service (at least via phone). Not sure why they even have a phone number since they 1) don't pick up 2) don't return your calls, even during business hours, on repeated days. Explained below... I renewed my license tabs and paid to have them mail them to me. Paid on 8/13, still not here 12 days later (9 business days; they quote within 5). Left messages and no one picks up or returns. For now they get the lowest rating- my tabs are about to expire and it is Ballard Licensing's fault. Please avoid, or if you are the business, improve. read more

I went here to pick up my renewed tabs for my car. I was in and out within five minutes. The place is on the second floor of the BEC you building in downtown ballard. I spoke with the owner who is a very nice man. I was just going to pick up new tab but I had forgotten my license which wasn't a big deal if they lived close by I told him such and he was able to accommodate me so that I didn't have to drive home by looking at my receipt. he told me that they are both locally minority and woman owned and I just wanted to shout out such a great local business. Even better this is the only licensing agency in the area that will be open until 6 PM read more

I was renewing my tabs, it's was quick and the people were all extremely friendly. Will go here from now on!