FOMOCONUT,
In Pierce County you are required to have a passing emission test in order to get new tabs. The first two years do not require testing however on the third year and every other year thereafter you have to get tested. There are two options (perhaps more):
1. Register the vehicle to an address outside of the emission area with family or friends.
2. Fail the first test then show receipts that you spent $150.00 to try to get in compliance, then fail the second test and you get an exemption. It adds up to a $75.00 permit per year. I have heard of folks that detune their vehicles in order to pass then tune them back to normal. I did that years ago with a 68 GT Mustang.
