Several websites targeting drivers across the country are promising easy online driver license renewals, but appear to be delivering little except credit card charges, according to information provided by Island County Auditor Sheilah Crider.

“These companies are using paid advertising results on the major Internet search providers like Google and Yahoo to lure customers away from the official Department of Licensing (DOL) website,” she said. “This is leading to extra fees paid to unknown companies who appear to be offering little more than services already available for free using the official DOL website.” Customers have reported these sites are charging as much as $35 dollars for “customer service” assistance in renewing a driver license.

“Be suspicious of anyone who wants to charge you a fee to get a government form,” Crider said.

If you have any question about what is being asked of you on a website, double check the Internet address and verify it includes wa.gov which indicates it’s a Washington state government site.