Washington Emissions Testing

So as far as ease and convenience this place is great! I passed and got my WA plates with no problem.
As far as customer service and politeness and professionalism, this place loses stars. Adrian was extremely condescending and actually screamed at me for not stopping in the exact spot he wanted. It was my first time there ever and I didn’t know exactly what to do. When I pulled up there were 3 people just staring at me and gave me no direction until Adrian waved me to a station. I pulled up super slow and I had my window down so I could hear him. He berated me for not stoping when he said stop and I went an inch past. He was very rude and snide. I don’t know if he was racist or sexist or both… Anyway another worker was also making fun saying, «Adrian is so mean» and then giggling. I mean truthfully they work at emissions… Maybe they hate their job, but don’t be rude or condescending, racist or sexist. I was literally the only car there so there was no rush or line. I apologized for going the inch past what he said and he ignored me and continued to act like a complete ass speaking down to me, shaking his hands, and demanding where I go.

Got me in and out quickly and only cost $ 15. Perfect location if you’re renewing your tag in Georgetown.

This Washington Emissions Testing is actually pretty efficient. I drive an old car and pretty much had to take my car for a smog test every 2 years. and have always chosen to go here for smog test.
For the past 3 times over 5 – 6 years that I’ve stopped by this place, it never took me more than 15 min to wait, pay $ 15 for a fee, get a smog test done and be out of this place. More over, i found the staff to be polite and friendly.
I also like that now the process of renewing WA vehicle license is efficient and pretty integrated with this facility. Once the people here finished testing and determined that your car passed the test, they automatically update your car’s test result in WA auto registration site for you so you can go back home and renew your license plate in no time.

easy, fast, affordable. I was in and out in 5 minutes. PASSED!

I just visited this place and passed the emission test :) Yayyyy!!! It was my first time getting an emission test on my own and I had a good experience. I had checked the waiting cameras from home before going. There was no waiting at the moment and I was taken right away. The man explained me patiently what to do. I even got to sit in a nice small cabin like thingy with a fan in front of me. They even have a well maintained restroom :)
All in all a very good experience :)

For a «Government» agency, this place is AWESOME! No one likes having to do this but the staff here, at least the guy I had was happy and loving his job. There was no line and I was out of there in 5 minutes. yes its a scam, but that’s not their fault… this test will soon be over anyway, in fact my car is an 08 and anything 09 or newer doesn’t have to have it. So grin and hand them the 15bills, maybe it will go towards something we all can benefit from. The Post Office can take some serious attitude lessons from these guys!

I did business with the North Station a few weeks ago. I pulled up in my car with ease and no hassle. I was greeted by this woman with a Huge attitude. Her yelling at cars and flaying around with crazy hand signals. Made me confused at best. She then sent me to another lane. As, I was about to leave in general after dealing with this horrible woman and her bad attitude. I reluctantly was redirected into this other woman’s lane. Her name is Mary. She was professional, friendly, precise and very pleasant to do business with. I did come to find out. The woman who was yelling at cars and acting very unprofessional. Turns out she is the Assistant Manager at this establishment. Her name is Julie. Thumbs down and finger shaking at her Customer Service! Why is she an Assistant? I know several qualified persons. Who would do a better job!
5 Stars for Mary, Julie learn People skills!

Picking the quickest line is a bit like being at the checkout lines of a grocery store. Otherwise, get in, get the OBD read, and get out. Quick and simple.

I’ve yet to find anyone that’s super stoked about having their car inspected by emissions. I’ve been coming to this location for years, even before I lived in this neighborhood. I like the physical location off Aurora Avenue. Also, having been to two other locations, I prefer the service I receive here. The staff has always been knowledgeable and respectful of my time. They have often provided me tips like where to buy a cheap gas cap close by.
During colder months, I can always find a heater next to the chair I’ll be sitting in. During the warmer months, you’ll likely find a fan where the heater was before to keep you cool (ish). I have to say, I feel bad for anyone that has to get in my car since I’m irrevocably short and invariably getting in my seat means the person’s knees will be hitting them in the face.
Now, I don’t understand all that gobbledy gook they talk about. However, they explain it to me in such a way that I can understand and hold it for a short period of time which is helpful if I have to make a quick correction before being re-​inspected.
As with all such required visits in places like this, lines can get long. My favorite thing about this location is that if the line is too long, you can go grab lunch nearby and come back later. There are a few decent eateries within a 10 block radius of here.

Easy breezy.
Before I could renew my tabs I was required to pass an emissions test. I was so pleased to know how convenient this location was and that you can see the wait times (with cam pic) online!
If you’re headed north on Aurora/​99, it’ll be on your right just after the Vietnamese restaurant. There are two driveways, so if you miss one, don’t freak out! You pull up to the card machine to get your ticket and drive up to one of five lanes. While you’re waiting, leave your car on and parked.
When you’re directed to drive forward, be sure to also turn off any fans/​heat/​radio when you come to a stop. Give the person your ticket and then they’ll ask about method of payment. They accept cards/​cash, checks if local, $ 15.
Then you’re directed to turn off your car (leave key in ignition) and sit in a little cubby with a chair and electric heat fan (it was cold when I went). The attendant will look for your VIN, hook up some stuff to the exhaust and look up things on the computer and in/​around your car.
After a few minutes, you receive a print-​out.
I passed, mom!

So easy!
I’m kind of clueless when it comes to car maintenance… I mean, I know to get the oil changed and put air in the tires, but with everything else, I’m kinda dumb. So when I got my registration in the mail with a note that I need an emissions test, I was like WOMP WOMP. And add to the fact that it has to be a Washington Emissions Testing facility (as opposed to the Smog drive-​thrus I was used to in California), I was super stressed. I had no idea how easy it would be, though!
I drove up to this location with literally 5 minutes to closing, and I was done with 2 minutes to spare. There are about 5 drive-​through lanes, and you just drive up, pay the $ 15 fee, let them run their test, and you’re done! It was painless and stress-​free.
I don’t imagine I’ll be returning again unless I have to, but I highly recommend this location due to the proximity to the downtown area (and other major Seattle suburbs) and the speed of getting it done.

Came at 10:30AM on a Tuesday. I pulled up, handed them my card, sat down in the chair, sent one text, and they were done.
I’m from Cali and emissions testing there usually takes more than 30 mins! Was so impressed.

Perhaps after all of the great service everyone else got, my attendant was so tired he fell asleep… because that is what he was. Asleep. Yep. Someone had to wake this guy up.

I have been here twice now over the past few years. This place is extremely efficient! I literally pulled up, gave my credit card to pay the standard $ 15 fee, and was out of there in 5 minutes. They have a chair where you can sit while you wait.
Staff were professional, courteous and friendly.
I would definitely go back — but only when the State makes me!

No line or waiting when I went last week at 1 in the afternoon on a Monday. Fast & efficient. I think they even sprayed a little air freshener in my car. :) Nice touch.

I was in and out in 5 minutes. The place was clean and the attendant was nice. They had a heat lamp for me while I waited.
No line at 4:45pm on a Wednesday night — I was a happy girl! 2^nd time at this emission place and happy both times.

I was bummed that I had to get an emissions test to register my car in Washington, since my car passed a smog test in California less than a year ago. But Washington Emissions Testing Station 4, you sure won me over.
I went on a Friday at 10am, and was surprised to find not a single car in line before me. I’d clock the entire transaction at about five minutes. So, five minutes and $ 15 later, I was driving away, proof of a clear emissions test in hand.
To know how much this pleases me, you’d have to understand how this process goes down in California. Smog tests are not conducted by the state in CA; rather, drivers must take their cars to gas stations or auto repair joints that have the testing equipment. Rates vary, and you’re contending with folks who blew a gasket (literally) to nab an appointment. Last year, I scored a «deal» and paid $ 58 for the test and another $ 8.25 for the «certificate» (which was submitted electronically to the DMV, btw. Wish I could charge $ 8 every time I click send.).
In addition to the speedy and (comparatively) cheap service, I was touched by the folks at Station 4’s thoughtfulness — since customers have to wait outside in the corner of a little booth during the test, they provide a chair and a heat lamp for our comfort. Well, at least the stall I pulled into did. :)
Also of note: the sign and the entrance are quite difficult to spot. I drove past once and had to make a u-​turn. If you’re driving north on Aurora, the driveway is after Mekong Village and before Rick’s Auto Repair.
Thanks again, Station 4. Next time, I won’t dread coming to see you so much.

You know… I really hate getting the Emissions Testing letter in the mail. It’s yet another chore, another bill, etc. But in the 2 – 3 times I took my old car to get it tested, I was always surprised with how fast the trip was.
There are usually other people in line ahead of you but like a gas station or car wash, there are lanes that divide the line. It’s also good to go during the work day if you can. That way you avoid longer lines in the early morning of evening when other people are most likely to be there.
Once you pull up all of the directions are pretty clear. Everyone you speak to is friendly and the test itself takes no more than 5 mins. You pay ‘em some money and drive off. It’s easier than giving blood!

It’s the time of a couple years that I had to do emission. And, woohoo, I passed (my car passed)
It’s very close to where I live about 5 mins drive. I love when all the officers were ready to test and break the news to people whether it’s good or bad. Everyone there was nice! I was in and out within 20 mins and paid $ 15 test fee.

Seriously, the friendliest government office kind of place I’ve ever been to. My situation is kind of weird because my car is registered out-​of-​state, requiring an emission test in the place where it currently is parked, but the lady was totally helpful in setting me up anyway. I was the third car in line and think I got out of there in less than fifteen minutes. It’s also nice that they are willing to take cash, check, or card– I had cash and paid in $ 5s to help out with the sign (We are short $ 5 bills!) and they were happy about that.
$ 15 and 15 minutes to keep my car legal and the air clean? I’m okay with that.