Auditor will no longer process passports

Passports will not be available through the Spokane County auditor’s office after Aug. 31. Auditor Vicky Dalton said it is no longer cost-effective for her licensing office to process the applications. “The recent loss of another position means we have to concentrate on our primary service of motor vehicle licensing and renewals,” Dalton said. The office began handling passport applications in 2004 to make money, but Dalton said only direct labor costs and supplies were covered after a 2008 reduction in federal payments and a decline in applications. Information on offices that handle passports is available at http://iafdb.travel.state.gov.