DESCRIPTION:

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. 

Flag Handling

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

Flag Replacement

• 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.

 

Flag Display

<<<<<REVISION

• CSCs will receive guidance from CSMA Management when to fly the United States and Virginia State flag at half-staff (or half-mast). If unsure what position the United States and Virginia State flags are to be displayed, refer to the Virginia flag status alert. END REVISION>>>>>
• 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.

<<<<<REVISION

• 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 before leaving for the day. END REVISION>>>>>

<<<<<REVISION

Honor and Remember Flag

• In observance of the service and sacrifice of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who have given their lives in the line of duty, the Honor and Remember flag shall be displayed under the Virginia state flag on the following days:
  • Family and Wives’ Day (April 5)
  • Armed Forces Day (third Saturday in May)
  • Memorial Day (last Monday in May) – display on the Saturday before the holiday – DMV Closed 
  • Flag Day (June 14)
  • Independence Day (July 4) – display on the Saturday before the holiday – DMV Closed
  • Gold Star Mother’s Day (last Sunday in of September) – display on the Saturday prior– DMV Closed
  • Veterans Day (November 11) – display the day before the holiday- DMV Closed  END REVISION>>>>>

Prisoners of War/Missing in Action Flag

• In observance of members of the armed forces of the United States who are or were prisoners of war or reported missing in action (POW/MIA) all agencies and institutions shall display the POW/MIA flag directly under the U.S. flag on the following days:

  <<<<<REVISION

  • Armed Forces Day (third Saturday in May)
  • Memorial Day (last Monday in May) – display on the Saturday before the holiday – DMV Closed
  • Flag Day (June 14)
  • Independence Day (July 4) - display on the Saturday before the holiday – DMV Closed
  • National POW/MIA Recognition Day (third Friday in September)
  • Veterans Day (November 11) – display on the day before the holiday – DMV Closed END REVISION>>>>>

Code of Virginia: § 2.2-3310.1 
United States Code: 4 USC §1 thru 10