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Ballard Licensing
Categories: Automotive Public Services & Government Departments of Motor Vehicles Local Services Notaries Automotive, Departments of Motor Vehicles, Notaries [Edit]
2232 NW Market St(between N 22nd Ave & N Ballard Ave)
Seattle, WA 98107
Neighborhood: Ballard
(206) 781-0199
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 9 am - 6 pm
Sat 10 am - 6 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
About This Business:
Don't let a DUI, Speeding Ticket or Criminal Charge Ruin Your Life! Law Office of Scott Lawrence, PLLC offers aggressive criminal defense with an… read more »
49 reviews for Ballard Licensing
49 reviews in English
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Review from Gallagher W.
Seattle, WA
4/26/2012
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! -
Review from Shannon B.
Seattle, WA
2/2/2012
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. -
Review from Matt R.
12/29/2011
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. -
Review from Corinne K.
Seattle, WA
3/9/2012
well, I just took my brother here for his licensing test and we had a great experience! I took my drivers test several years ago at the Greenwood location which is now by appointment only. I remember well we had to wait in line for a very long time. At the Ballard location we got there, he took his test, passed both, and we were out of there within 30 minutes. I was shocked as it took me about 2.5 hours to get everything done including photo for me to get my license back when I was 16. I am very sick and it was nice not having to sit in here waiting for hours while I cough and sniffle away. The staff are all friendly!
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Review from Nicole L.
Seattle, WA
11/30/2011
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? -
Review from Melody P.
8/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
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.Listed in: Shops for my junkie
Comment from fred m. of Ballard Licensing 8/9/2011
Thank you for your business! We appreciate your positive… More » -
Review from Sarah C.
Seattle, WA
6/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
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.) -
Review from Sarah H.
Seattle, WA
1/28/2012
I visited this office on a Saturday morning and I was able to snag one of the free 30 minute parking spots. The staff were actually pleasant and very friendly. There were four staff working and all seemed to work very efficiently. I had to register my out of state vehicle and it took maybe 15 minutes tops. You can pay by cash or check without a fee, or you can pay by debit or credit card for an extra $2-3. However, they do not accept VISA cards of any form!!! Would definitely return to this location.
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Review from Jeanny M.
11/29/2011
This place is amazing! They are open late weekdays and on Saturdays. We needed them on Saturday, called ahead (got a real person) and showed up a few minutes later. There was just one other person in line but they had at least three staff available so we hardly waited. Our person was extremely nice, friendly, and knowledgeable. What a lifesaver! Bring your checkbook though because they don't accept card (licensing offices tend to not accept card, so we were prepared). Or cash, if you're a baller. :)
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Review from Sarah L.
10/25/2010
Seriously, if I could have any job, I would work for the government. Because you barely need a High School education to work behind the counter...
I received the worst service of my entire life here...I wish this doesn't sound as dramatic as it does, but seriously, this was ridiculous.
My father was transferring his car's ownership title into my name. Easy. Right? Apparently not so. The woman behind the counter, tried to conduct a PERSONAL TELEPHONE call when trying to make the transfer and the following occurred:
First, she misspelled my name. Then she entered my parents address where my address should be. But also incorrectly entered the make and color of my car (For the record, its a Honda...about 80% of us have one).
So I went on my marry way, thinking that everything was taken care of, until 6 months later when my car tabs were due. I realized I didn't get a notification in the mail, so I went back to the Ballard Licensing to investigate the issue...
FAIL women behind the counter making a personal call. One more idiotic move. You forgot to have my dad sign the final wavier to transfer the car title to my name! WTF? Wow. I just mean. Wow. You suck. -
Review from Jammypac B.
Seattle, WA
3/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
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. -
Review from Marcy N.
2/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
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. -
Review from M. L. C.
Seattle, WA
11/11/2011
most helpful speedy DOL i think I have ever been too. It's nice that it's right by my work as well, plenty of time to go down and take a quick lunch break and renew tabs. Still slightly annoyed they don;t take credit cards.
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Review from Katie S.
San Francisco, CA
6/10/2009
These are quite possibly the nicest folks you'll ever meet at a government agency... other than the ones over at the Greenwood DMV.
I came in here at noon yesterday, fully expecting to wait in line for car tabs (that were a month overdue- oops!). Not so. No line. No fuss. My new tab was provided with a smile and efficiency and my car is legal once again!
Open until 6pm and closed only on Sundays. Avoid the U District location and just come here if you can.Listed in: Miscellany in Seattle., Best of Ballard!
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Review from Emily T.
6/28/2008
Here's a great would you rather question for ya. Would you rather spend your day at the DMV or take a cheese grater to your shins and then stand in salt water? Torn? Well, thanks be to the Ballard Licensing Agency for not making me choose bodily harm!
They're open until 6 everyday including Saturdays, which is rad. Registering my car took an entire five minutes and I was on my way. While the address says they are located on Market, the parking lot is behind on 56th. -
Review from mel r.
Emeryville, CA
4/11/2008
Let me introduce you to a Mel you don't know: Procrastinator Mel(P.M.), she's the one in the background that says "nah, I don't need to renew my registration right now, I can do it later". That evil little bitch regularly fights with Fun Loving Mel all the time about doing stuff, putting off stuff, and overall is distracting
So the main me F.L.M. realizes on March 31st that, HOLY CRAP REGISTRATION IS UP TODAY!!! To which I try to frantically renew online, only to be foiled due to not having a Washington state driver's license; they won't let me. Now, I know, I know, I've lived here almost 2 years and have yet to get one of those little pieces of plastic, but see, that is the other me's(P.M.) fault.
So now I'm frantically searching for a licensing place that will get me in at 4pm at the last minute without an appointment. I start getting the cold sweats thinking about the HELL that is the DMV. The lines; the weirdos waiting in said lines; and the disgruntled employees that wield the power to make or break your day with one pudgy donut infused finger.
I rush into the Ballard office; FYI it's not the easiest to find from Market, as it's not marked within the strip mall location; hoping I won't get defeated by the man in the quest for proper tags all the while cursing P.M. for her laziness. Another FYI about this place, no credit cards, its cash or check only.
I arrive to a long line at almost 5pm.
F.L.M: Hi, here's my plate number and my name, I need to renew my tabs
DMV Clerk: ok, no problem. Uh oh, the name on the registration does not match your license, you'll need to call your bank to change it or get me your title.
F.L.M: The bank will not give me the title, as the car is not paid off yet. (Why does this matter lady?!)
DMV Clerk: well, I can't change your name on the title or register you car like this.
F.L.M. who's now going for her knife: I registered my car like this last year. Why are you changing the policy on me now?! I'm just trying to pay for stickers, not change my name. (Blood rushing to face)
DMV Clerk: OH, I misunderstood! $81 please and here you go
Ok, so DMV's get me heated as there is normally miscommunication between the clerks and the customers. So in all fairness, after the misunderstanding was cleared, this location was quick, efficient and I didn't have to stab anyone; 4 stars. I'd give 5, but I can't because I just loathe DMV's. -
Review from David H.
Seattle, WA
12/13/2008
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. -
Review from Melissa K.
Garden Grove, CA
6/30/2011
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!
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Review from Jena E.
7/3/2009
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. -
Review from Sonya L.
6/18/2010
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.Listed in: Bodacious Ballard
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Review from Katie S.
Seattle, WA
7/13/2008
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...... -
Review from cathy g.
Seattle, WA
12/13/2008
YAHOOOOO
Always nice.
Always know their stuff.
I am always in line for about 5 minutes, so what?
I am grateful to have this. -
Review from Beth K.
Seattle, WA
9/1/2011
Friendly, fast, approachable. I live near Magnuson Park and I prefer to drive to Ballard to deal with this office.
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Review from Ryan H.
9/16/2009
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. -
Review from Chicka D.
Seattle, WA
3/29/2011
I just had to write a review after reading the snotty one posted below that says "Seriously, if I could have any job, I would work for the government. Because you barely need a High School education to work behind the counter..." I don't know why somebody finds it necessary to smear everybody in a line of work when they have a bad day (and how ironic that that reviewer criticizes the workers for misspelling something when she herself misspells "merry" and "waiver").
So let me just state this: I have ALWAYS received professional, courteous, and efficient service at this place. The people behind the counter have always been attentive, and they have made eye contact and spoken pleasantly in an honest way, not because they have to; I've never had to deal with grunts and barely audible mutterings.Aremarkable thing in this day and age.
All that, plus no waiting in line for more than a few minutes? Amazing but true.
I hate dealing with tasks like car tabs and emissions tests but I have to say the staff have made this pesky duty easy-peasy. -
Review from pearlmilktea p.
Schofield, WI
9/15/2007
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. -
Review from Michele P.
Seattle, WA
7/8/2011
I've lived in Ballard for ten years and I have never ventured into Ballard Licensing. Frankly, it seemed a bit dodgy. I needed notary services though and I turned to yelp for help. Ballard Licensing got good reviews so I tried them out. So glad I did. The service was quick and friendly. I needed a large number of documents notarized and they even cut me a deal on the price. Five stars and two thumbs up.
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Review from Priscilla N.
Seattle, WA
Updated - 6/30/2009
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!!!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/9/2009
LOVE this place. I am about to donate my old beater car (or maybe trade it in if this Cash for… Read more »
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Review from Jamie U.
Ballard, Seattle, WA
2/16/2011
Friendly, fast, convenient!
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Review from Megan R.
Seattle, WA
3/29/2011
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.
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Review from W M.
Seattle, WA
1/27/2011
This is a very low key operation, but they know their stuff and are easygoing and helpful. If I'm not mistaken, they are contracted but aren't directly gov't workers. I'm sure it drives them nuts to explain to everyone that they don't actually process or provide driver's licenses, but then, the name is confusing. In fact, WHY can't both be in the same place? But you usually don't have to wait too long and they are friendly.
Call ahead, ask when it's usually less crowded, plan to wait a few minutes for the free 20-minute spots at the back of the lot or be sure to pay for parking and sadly be aware that the locksmith next door has shut down operations. Remember to bring checks!
And just a small tip from someone who has moved dozens of times: always double-check anyone else's input of your information. It seems obvious to us that "they" should check, but the truth is that it's our responsibility and no matter how common your name, car or street name is, to someone who does this all day, it's hard to proofread perfectly. -
Review from Jessi B.
Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA
8/24/2007
with fear in my heart, i ascended the staircase toward the little room that held my fate. i expected the worst. i deserved the worst. my registration was not only expired, but it was a california registration. i had moved back home 9 months prior but for a multitude of reasons (procrastination being the top one), i had not yet officially introduced my car to washington state.
and so here i was, less than 24 hours away from an 8-day road trip with an expired california registration and tabs that screamed "PULL ME OVER!". i opened the door, expecting to stand in line for 30 minutes and then spend another 30 begging for mercy.
there were 2 people in line. i got to a teller within 5 minutes. he listened earnestly while i spilled my dark procrastinator secret and asked reluctantly "...what can i do now to make it all better?"
10 minutes later i had a 90-day temporary registration and was driving back to work. the whole thing was taken care of during my lunch hour, including the drive there and back (through construction).
i'll be coming back here for all of my future vehicle and/or vessel licensing needs. -
Review from Jeff D.
Seattle, WA
2/26/2011
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. -
Review from Charleen T.
Walla Walla, WA
10/21/2007
This place was great. No lines with which to deal. I was in, I was out. There were no forms to complete. All I showed them was my old registration. It took less than five minutes. I would suggest parking at the rear entrance as you will likely have more luck finding street parking. There is also a parking lot, but nothing's free, baby. :)
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Review from Tammy W.
10/1/2010
Now that I can renew my car tabs online from the comfort of my own home, I don't frequent Ballard Licensing as much as I used to. I love that they are open on Saturdays and until 6:00 p.m. during the weekdays, so us suit types can take care of business after work hours. If you don't have a computer or internet access at home, you can use one of their computers and not even have to talk to a real person! But, you won't mind talking to a live human being, as the folks there are super nice and not the surly bunch of guv'ment workers you would expect. I like how each employee decorates his or her window with their own flair. Oh, and they have notary service too.
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Review from Ed K.
San Francisco, CA
8/6/2006
Time for tabs, titles and such? Would you like a simpson-esque experience where surly smokers stare blankly at your simple request to title your vehicle and you rub elbows with angry joe publics carefully planning their arguments why they should not have to pay the Monorail (RIP) tax? Then skip the Ballard location and go elsewhere. But if you want good service, cheerful and helpful people in a quaint Scandewegian nook of Seattle, come to here and rejoice. I had an agent help me figure out how to get my dented, gas guzzling but gifted Ford F-150 titled here without the tax.
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Review from Gwen C.
2/3/2010
Car got stolen. Tag with tabs on it got stolen, leaving only a front plate, but i got my car back. As i don't drive a lot but it's handy for middle-of-the-night Denny's runs and grocery trips, it's good to have the car back.
Called University Auto Licensing, they claim they can't replace a tag with a police report, "you gotta send that in."
Called Ballard Licensing. "Yeah, no problem. Should be five to ten minutes, tops. Bring the police report in case it's not in the computer."
Lies. It took about 2 minutes. New tags with a smile and genuine concern for the car ordeal. I've been a lifelong Bel-Red customer but they're on notice now if Ballard Licensing is always this good, and they knew where to get plate bolts. Top notch.
(Oh and a notice to newcomers: This is not the DMV. Hell, Washington doesn't have a DMV, it's called the Department of Licensing. Washington uses the same system as most provinces in Canada: tags and tabs come from subagents like Ballard Licensing, and licenses come from the Department of Licensing. It lets there be more offices in more places. Washington Administrative Code requires that payments to subagents be in checks or cash, so whining that they don't take cards is patently unfair. Don't worry, you'll either figure it out or leave Seattle in a fit of pique within five years anyways. That said, they're super-nice here and they don't care where your tags are from so long as your check is good or your money's green, and the DOL at 185th and Aurora is also pretty cool though not as awesome as the late, lamented Greenwood DOL location. If it's late, by the way, the Lynnwood DOL is open 'til 7 weeknights.) -
Review from Rachel B.
Seattle, WA
8/31/2011
They are the bomb!! In called at 5:50 got there at 6:01 and they were holding the door for me! My tabs expire tomorrow and my work schedule does not allow for any breaks that coincide with DOL hours until next Tuesday so I am very great full that they helped me out. Thank you so much!
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Review from Yuh-Line N.
New York, NY
7/26/2010
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.
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Review from Roger J.
Seattle, WA
7/11/2011
I really appreciate the professionalism and friendliness of the staff.
