Ask A Cop: Store clerk's ID dilemma -- can someone use a copy on their phone to buy booze?

Q: As a store clerk, when asking for ID for alcohol or tobacco, is a copy on a person's cell phone considered valid? A customer once argued with me, saying the state accepts proof of insurance on a cell phone, so why not your ID? -- Paula 

A: "Paula, that's a good question. The answer to it is 'no.' You need to have a hard copy of a Washington state driver's license or other valid ID that's legally acceptable. Now, you can have your insurance on your phone, but that insurance on your phone doesn't count unless you have legal ID to back it up, because the names need to match." -- Pierce County Det. Ed Troyer