News Briefs

Department of Licensing takes steps to comply with Real ID Act

Starting July 1, 2018, the Department of Licensing (DOL) will begin marking all standard driver licenses and ID cards with the language, “federal limits apply.” The change aims to bring Washington into compliance with the federal Real ID Act, which requires all states to mark identification documents that do not comply with the federal law. DOL expects to be in full compliance with the REAL ID Act by fall 2018.

Over the next two years, all Washington residents will have to make a choice about their identity documents. By Oct. 1, 2020, standard driver licenses and ID cards will no longer be an acceptable form of identification for boarding domestic flights and entering some secure federal facilities, like military bases and nuclear power plants. DOL’s enhanced driver licenses and enhanced cards are Real ID compliant, and valid for travel as are passports, permanent resident cards and military IDs.

Standard driver license and ID cards can continue to be used for driving, applying for or receiving federal benefits and for entering a federal facility that does not require ID.

An enhanced driver license or ID card is completely voluntary and optional. Some commonly needed documents to get and EDL/EID are certified birth certificate, U.S. passport or military ID.  A full list of document options to obtain an enhanced driver license or ID card is available on the http://www.dol.wa.gov.. 

For a full list of federally accepted documents and information about REAL ID and what it means for Washington, visit the DOL website.

Keep valuables safe, not in your car

The end of the school year and onset of warm weather provides wonderful opportunities to get outside and enjoy parks, trails and waterways. Criminals know and understand this but they see a completely different opportunity — an opportunity to steal your valuables.

The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office is reminding the public that every spring/summer our local predatory criminals are also attracted to our parks, boat launches, and trailheads, not to enjoy them but simply because they know everyone else will be. They know people will leave their cars parked and unattended, probably for several hours while they’re out having fun, hiking, boating and enjoying our beautiful scenery.

They also know the odds are high several of these parked cars will become their treasure-troves with electronics/wallets/purses/money/credit cards/ID and other valuables sitting in plain sight or somewhat hidden under a seat, towel or “secured” in a glovebox. 

These criminals are looking for any opportunity, a mere few seconds, to steal your valuables.  

The SCSO are asking for your help stopping property crimes by eliminating their opportunity. 

If at all possible, leave your valuables at home.  If not, be sure to secure them in your trunk, out of sight or take them with you.

 

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