Did you know that most of the time you don't even have to go in to this fabulous establishment to get your license tabs renewed? I ran in to owner of this organization and he told me it could all be done on-line. I was a little skeptical, but not anymore! In 10 minutes I not only had new tabs on their way, and in two days I had my new tabs and license plate in my hands!! What's even better is that when I got to the part on the website where i thought I was going to get taken for shipping, I found out shipping was already built in to the reasonable fee they were charging. From here on out, I'm going to avoid the possible wait at the office all together and renew online! www.fastcartabs.com read more

I renewed my car tabs here today - in and out in less than 10 minutes! My past experience was also very pleasant (transferred a car's title); there wasn't a line and the customer service agents were very helpful and attentive. The owner, Fred, is welcoming, kind, and approachable. Without a doubt, I'm going to continue to use Ballard Licensing for my licensing needs. read more

We live in Seward Park, no where near Ballard. We were coming from the gym and saw the tabs were expired. Oops! I'm with Alice C. (previous rating) I never thought I would write such a great review for a vehicle licensing spot. We parked on the street not knowing they had parking in the back. We were in and out in exactly 10 minutes and there was a line of 5 people in front of us. I have never experienced such fast friendly service. There were even a couple of older gentlemen chatting it up in the front. It seemed like a neighborhood hangout. What do they put in the water in Ballard? It must be great so we will be back. 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

Very fast in and out service to get my new tabs. And they had at least 3 people working to expedite the line! I will definitely be coming here to get any future licensing stuff. read more

It is refreshing to go to a government run office that is run so well. Never too long of a wait and always friendly customer service. Wish all government offices were run like this. Plus, nice that they have local sport spirit such as advertising a Sonics tee shirt:) read more

Nice staff, lines are never too long, limited services (actually probably make it much easier to navigate). Easy parking behind the building ($). Had my tabs mailed here and it took literally 30 seconds to pick up. read more

I've never had a GOOD experience at the DMV until today. Fred Maxie, who has owned Ballard Licensing for 21 years, was so incredibly friendly and helpful. I never thought I'd have a good dmv experience. It made my day! 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

I came here to register my out of state vintage car. It took 10 minutes, 5 in line and 5 to register. No hassles even though Illinois titles are always messed up somehow. It is not a pretty location or nicely decorated but no one goes to this places to hang out so it is perfect for what it is. 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

I haven't been to any other location to get my car registration but I haven't had any difficulties at this location. There is 30 minute free parking behind the building on NW 56th St and that should give you enough time. They are also open on Saturdays which is nice but I would recommend going in off hours. You can also do everything online and quickly pick up in the store as well which is really convenient than waiting for the tabs in the mail. 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

great service, nice attitude. Makes getting a new license a pleasure!

I've been twice now and I always get the same woman - blonde and second from the left and am glad for it. She always has something cheerful to say and goes above and beyond in answering questions. I never thought I'd be saying that about anything connected with the DMV! read more

Easily the most pleasant licensing experience of any kind that I have ever experienced. Waited very briefly in a short line and then completed my title application and registration for my car with a very pleasant and helpful staff member. She also gave me advice on the best drivers license office to go to and just genuinely seem to enjoy her job. read more

I've gone here several times to have tabs renewed or to transfer ownership of a vehicle. For the most part they have been really helpful and quick with their services. read more

What an epic experience. After waiting 3 hours at the Dept of Licensing to get my license I expected a similar experience with getting my car registered. Oh boy was I wrong! The entire process took less than 20 minutes. I was shocked. The people behind the counter were incredibly kind and made the process so simple. I highly recommend this place! read more

What a pleasant surprise, the staff here is super friendly and very good at their job! Had five people in front of me and I got to the front in five minutes. The lady who helped me was very friendly and fast to renew my tabs. In and out in a total of 10 minutes! read more

Opened until 6pm on a Saturday! This was a complete lifesaver for us. :) We came to register a couple of out-of-state cars. Everyone was super friendly and efficient (including the owner). They also offer a bunch of nice services, like reminders when your tags are about to expire. We'll definitely come back. read more

Chau was helpful and very friendly. She made the process of transferring my registration from another state simple and seamless. Great follow-up and fast service :) read more

Convenient location but I had to wait for an hour while others were served in front of me. Not efficient and frustrating process.

Love love love. They take the time to explain your options. Sometimes saving you money. I use Ballard licensing for all of my licensing needs. Go early they open on time usually only a few people there then. I have dealt with all the people who work there and they have all been helpful and friendly. Go to Ballard licensing skip the other places. read more

I've used Ballard Licensing for over 20 years and have always found Fred and his employees to be very helpful and pleasant to deal with. It's by far the easiest place for licensing your vehicle. Don Hines read more

My experience here today was absolutely fantastic! I was really reeeeally worried about registering my car in WA since we are both new to the PNW, my tags were 2 months expired & out of state, no WA state license PLUS I didn't physically have the title to the car. Normally this would be a waste of time in the DMV even trying to go in without all my stuff in order but today, in less than 20 minutes total time I had not only registered in WA state but I got my plates also! Wham Bam thank you Ma'am! The entire staff was helpful and reassuring,- definitely will go here in the future and recommend their services to anyone! Thanks Ballard Licensing! read more

Quick and painless. Snohomish DOL gave us shit about the price of the car, bought it private party, first question- "What's wrong with it?" because it wasn't "retail" value; guy was rude and smelly. Ballad licensing was so much different- painless, very few words spoken, fast, and no shit about the private party price- well worth the trip from Everett. A+ great service, nice people, great place. read more

I have just returned from renewing tabs for my motorcycle. I really don't know how many times I've been served by Ballard Liscensing, but every time they have been gracious and professional while remaìning friendly. It is truely a great "secret" liscencing agency. The wait is never long and there are plenty of people on staff to help. Go there! ' ' read more

Fred, the owner, has such a delightful attitude and is very helpful. We were there on a Saturday at mid day. It was a bit busy, but the line went quickly. We were on our way with the new registration in basically no time at all. Shout out to Ballard Licensing! read more

I was excited to find a place close to me and liked the reviews. I was one of 3 people in there today. I'm disappointed as when the person behind the counter asked for my license plate. I told him "Charlie, Bravo, Echo - 123" (not really my plate). He responded "What? What's your license plate?" I repeated. He then said "Letters BEFORE numbers. License plates have both. Letters BEFORE numbers." I wasn't able to get my tabs as I needed emissions. I'd just had $4k of engine work completed and asked if this would wave the emission. He just said I still have to have emissions. I asked about the failing emission/$400 and that I just spent $4k. He said I had to deal with the emissions people. I asked for a 3-day pass, gave him the cash and then he just threw my paperwork at me. I asked him what was I supposed to do with it (as I'd never bought a 3-day pass before). The he got polite about me needing to fill it out when I was ready to use it. To sum up, this person didn't seem to have the time or patients to deal with me even though there wasn't a line and the place was pretty dead. They didn't seem to be knowledgeable in the tab process and the only point in which they were polite was at the end. read more

Ok so let me start by saying ballard wasn't my first choice... First I went to Siler in Burien but after they tried to pad the "fair market value" of the vehicle by nearly 2,000 dollars above kelly blue book value and the nada value and then tried to charge me 500 in taxes for the title transfer, I took my business elsewhere .... Oh boy am I glad I did. Ballard gave me a fair value on the car and didn't try to scam me and the state out of "tax money" like siler licencing agency did. plus it only took 5 minutes to do everything including waiting in line. the lady behind the counter was extremely nice and joked around with me while the Siler agency had acted like I was a hassle and was rude to me even taking the time to comment on the stupidity of my choice to ride a motorcycle. I'm extremely glad that I found this business and will be going there every time I have to renew my tabs or do a title transfer as they treat their customers like human beings and not like a distraction from the book they were reading. Kudos to Ballard Licensing for not being an immoral company like Siler. read more

I never usually leave reviews but I had to share my awesome experience today. My plates got stolen and I popped in to get a replacement. Not only I was served quickly and expeditiously but the owner went out of his way to walk me to the car park and help me attach the plates to ensure I don't get stopped before I can pop to the garage and secure those properly. Customer service at its best! Highly recommend this place! read more

Although there was a significant line 15 minutes after they opened on a Wednesday, I had a great customer experience! They were so helpful, patient, and courteous, even when I forgot to tell them I wanted special plates (so we had to do ALL the data entry over again). I know renewing tabs is a pain but I highly recommend this place!! read more

they so deserve all the kudos everyone keeps giving them on here. they are so patient and so kind even when dealing with people who are having crappy days and dealing with crappy situations. They make everything simple and easy and don't ever give you the runaround. I'm sad to move away from this neighborhood and have less access to them. le sigh. read more

Renewed my tabs here twice - and they are quite possibly the best tab renewal location ever. I've never had to wait in line - there is always parking in the load/unload zone in front (or for free in the back) and they never give me that dreaded "you honestly waited until NOW to do this?" look or speech my mom always does. read more

Saturday hours! Friendly service! No lines! Our experience at this place was nearly perfect, especially given that we were doing something as unfun as car registration. The whole thing took maybe 20 minutes. The downside? Not their fault, but we'd really thought we could also get our drivers' licenses here as well -- not so much. (The girl helping me suggested the DMV on 185th & Aurora). The only other problem is the lack of signage -- no signs outside that we could see. Oh well...at least my car is now legal, even if I'm not. ;) read more

I went here for my job, with very little info and instructions. I was sent to get a two day renewal (or something like that) so we could get an emissions test. The woman asked for the license plate # and of course I didn't have it...it's not my car. Conveniently enough, I didn't have my cell phone. I had been traveling all around Ballard and was not in the mood to go all the way back to my work. I asked if there was a payphone, and she let me use an office phone. Talk about customer service! That would never have happened anywhere else. Thank you Ballard Licensing! read more

What a great service! I was a little worried when I saw a line out the door and in the hall on a Saturday afternoon but it moved very quickly. I was helped in less than 10 minutes. Very friendly people!! read more

From our experiences at other licensing offices over the years we expected to spend a long time at the Ballard Licensing office and that we would have to explain ourselves several times. But we were extremely pleasantly surprised when we got there and the clerk was really nice, understood exactly what we needed, and did it in about 5 minutes. We're definitely going back there next time! But make sure to pay by check or cash and remember that they don't take your Visa card. The credit card system that the State of Washington has implemented there does not take Visa and they charge from $2 to 3% (depending on how much you are paying) to use the cards they do accept. read more