Customer Service Center Operations Manual

Administrative
Outdoor Flag Policy
CSCOM-204.4

DESCRIPTION:

<<<<<REVISION
This procedure provides guidelines for appropriate handling, display, and replacement of United States (U.S.), Virginia, Honor and Remember, and Prisoners of War/Missing in Action flags (POW-MIA) at DMV facilities. In the event of the death of a government official, or other official occasions, DMV facilities will be notified with specific instructions concerning flag display.   END REVISION>>>>>

Flag Handling

• The flag should NEVER touch anything beneath it, such as the ground or floor.

Flag Replacement

<<<<<REVISION

• If the United States, Virginia, Honor and Remember, or POW-MIA flag becomes worn or tattered, it should be boxed and returned to headquarters as surplus. The damaged flag will be destroyed by stockroom personnel.
  • If you need to replace any flags, use the Electronic Ordering System (EOS) to order a new flag, available under Secure Apps on the intranet.   END REVISION>>>>>

Flag Display

• Outdoor flags DO NOT have to be taken down during inclement weather (rain, snow, ice, etc.) if they are "all weather" flags.
  • Currently, DMV only purchases "all weather" flags that are made of nylon sail material.
  • If any offices have older flags made of another material (cotton) they SHOULD NOT be flown during inclement weather. Those offices that do not have all weather flags should place an order for "all weather" U.S., Virginia, and POW-MIA flags using the Electronic Ordering System (EOS).
• Outdoor flags should be flown on the correct poles.
  • If you are facing the front of a DMV facility, the U.S flag should be flown from the pole on the left, and the Virginia flag flown from the pole on the right.
  • If the poles are in front of each other, the U.S. flag should be flown on the front pole furthest from the building.
• The Virginia flag should NEVER be flown higher than the U.S. flag. If the U.S. flag is flown at half staff, the Virginia flag must be flown at half staff.
• Outdoor flags may only be flown at night if there is a lighting device aimed at the flags, directly illuminating the flags (lights from the parking lot or building are not permissible). If the flags have no direct lighting source, they must be removed at night.