Out of State Car Registration/Emission Testing, etc. (Seattle: transfer, inspector)

[Bubbus]

I will be moving to the Seattle area from Georgia. I am thinking of bringing my '92 GEO, which gets excellent gas mileage instead of my gas hog Explorer.
What do I need to know about emissions, car registration, etc.? I live far enough out of Atlanta that it isn't an issue.

[Pittgal]

Yes, emmissions are required out here when vehicle is over 5 years old....here is the info Washington's Vehicle Emission Check Program

[MaikeerinWA]

This link may also be useful:

WA State Licensing: Moving to WA

[jinj]

It depends on what zip code you will be living in also, just the urban areas. I do not have to do this. http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/air/pdfs/Zip_codes07.pdf

[woodinvilleguy]

Basically, you need to take the car to get inspected at the police station. I don't know if all of them do it. I think they basically just look to make sure the car isn't stolen. It isn't like a Texas state inspection. Then you take that info to the registration office and pay money to get the plates. I would call the registration office to see if you need to get an emissions test before getting plates. The emissions test is quick and easy as they are state run unlike some states where it is privately run and a gimmick to squeeze more money from people.

[St.Croix to Seattle]

We did not need any police inspection or emission testing....just brought the titles for all our cars and paid the transfer fee of about $75.00 per car...we are in Kitsap County...be prepared to go to two different places for your driver license and car registration....fairly simple-very friendly people at both places

[allforcats]

Originally Posted by woodinvilleguy

Basically, you need to take the car to get inspected at the police station.

Living in western Washington with legally-owned and -maintained cars for over 20 years -- this is the FIRST I've heard of such a "police station inspection" of a newly-acquired auto!!

Where did you get your car?? -- an IRS auction or other governmental auction? What was the purpose of the inspection? What was the result of the inspection? Was the inspector a police officer? Was the inspection a quick once-over, or did it take hours or days? Did the inspector provide you with a certificate of something? This is strange and fascinating and I've never heard of anyone, before you, being required to do this!

[jinj]

Police station? haha, that is so wrong.

Look at the zip code list above, to see if you need an emissions test, they cost $15.

[509]

Originally Posted by allforcats

Living in western Washington with legally-owned and -maintained cars for over 20 years -- this is the FIRST I've heard of such a "police station inspection" of a newly-acquired auto!!

Where did you get your car?? -- an IRS auction or other governmental auction? What was the purpose of the inspection? What was the result of the inspection? Was the inspector a police officer? Was the inspection a quick once-over, or did it take hours or days? Did the inspector provide you with a certificate of something? This is strange and fascinating and I've never heard of anyone, before you, being required to do this!

Had to do it when I moved to Idaho. Then had to do it when I moved to Washington with the same vehicle. Also had to do it when I bought a used vehicle in Idaho and brought it to Washington.

Did NOT have to do it when I bought a new vehicle in Idaho and brought it into Washington.

All they do is check the VIN numbers and probably run them through the law enforcement syste.

All this was 25 years ago....not sure if it is still done, but I would not be surprised.

[woodinvilleguy]

Originally Posted by allforcats

Living in western Washington with legally-owned and -maintained cars for over 20 years -- this is the FIRST I've heard of such a "police station inspection" of a newly-acquired auto!!

Where did you get your car?? -- an IRS auction or other governmental auction? What was the purpose of the inspection? What was the result of the inspection? Was the inspector a police officer? Was the inspection a quick once-over, or did it take hours or days? Did the inspector provide you with a certificate of something? This is strange and fascinating and I've never heard of anyone, before you, being required to do this!

Not a newly aquired car. The cars moved with us from CA to WA.