Emissions and Car Title Transfer, Tags, etc... (Seattle, Spokane: 2013, how much)

[Nicomis]

So moving time approaches in just over a month. My car (more like a family member) is a 1996 Buick Riviera with 261,000 miles. I bought her new, and I have no doubt she makes it across country, as the supercharged 3.8 v6 is bullet proof. However, I'm not sure she is going to pass emissions anywhere, even with a new Catalytic converter last year.What are the exceptions, and what are the rules on the emissions thing? How much to transfer the title? I will likely buy something new in February if it's gonna be stupid expensive, and just keep the current tags on it.I have kept Georgia plates on it for the 2 years I have been in Florida (dad's address, we have the same name), because it would cost me $500 to change it over to Florida plates and title. Any crazy fees like that in Washington?

[mkarch]

IIRC it was around $150/each when I registered my out of state vehicles in Seattle. Emissions testing is required every other year, and it looks like 1996's are required to be tested in 2013. You're also required to change your drivers license within 30 days and that costs around $35.

Washington Vehicle Emissions Check Program - Welcome

You may be eligible for a waiver if the test fails and repairs cost over $150.

I have heard that the police are more likely to target inexpensive cars with out of state plates. If your current tabs are expired, best to get them taken care of immediately.

[Nicomis]

Originally Posted by mkarch

IIRC it was around $150/each when I registered my out of state vehicles in Seattle. Emissions testing is required every other year, and it looks like 1996's are required to be tested in 2013. You're also required to change your drivers license within 30 days and that costs around $35.

Washington Vehicle Emissions Check Program - Welcome

You may be eligible for a waiver if the test fails and repairs cost over $150.

I have heard that the police are more likely to target inexpensive cars with out of state plates. If your current tabs are expired, best to get them taken care of immediately.

16 years ago she was a $35,000.00 car lol. I don't get police hassle much because she looks good. That model looked more like today's Buicks than other Buicks of it's time. Tags are good till next year too. I'll abide by the law if it won't cost me too much, and that doesn't sound too terrible, unlike Florida. Thanks.

[mkarch]

Originally Posted by Nicomis

16 years ago she was a $35,000.00 car lol. I don't get police hassle much because she looks good. That model looked more like today's Buicks than other Buicks of it's time. Tags are good till next year too. I'll abide by the law if it won't cost me too much, and that doesn't sound too terrible, unlike Florida. Thanks.

If you're under 80 years old and driving a Buick you will stand out. American cars in general are not that common here.

[Hemlock140]

Originally Posted by mkarch

If you're under 80 years old and driving a Buick you will stand out. American cars in general are not that common here.

Strange but true.

You will have to take it to the State Patrol to be inspected for vin# verification ($65) and make sure it's not stolen first, then as a new car to the state it will need smog testing before you can register it. They will ticket you if you don't change it to WA plates within 30 days, like your driver's license.

[twelker]

What all does Washington require for vehicles. Here in Texas we are required to have state tags, state inspection.

[509]

I have lived in Washington state since 1981 and have NEVER had to have a emissions test.

Is this a Seattle ONLY thing??

[mkarch]

Originally Posted by 509

I have lived in Washington state since 1981 and have NEVER had to have a emissions test.

Is this a Seattle ONLY thing??

Metro area thing - only some of the counties require it. Now that you mention it, a good portion of the registration fees were for RTA and KC metro, so those may not apply depending on which county the OP registers in.

[poopskooper]

Emission testing is required in only selected areas of Clark, King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Spokane counties ...not every part of those counties, just in the heavily congested areas of those counties.

Click here for the list of zip codes where it is required.