Woman named Isis can’t use license plate that reads ‘IAMISIS,’ DMV says

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KCRA) - A woman named Isis is shocked by the California Department of Motor Vehicles’ decision to revoke her personalized license plate that reads “IAMISIS.”

Isis Wharton received a letter Friday from the California DMV regarding her car’s personalized license plate, which reads “IAMISIS.” The letter claims the plate could be interpreted as showing support for the Islamic State group known as ISIS, so she must turn the plate back in to the DMV.

Wharton, who was named after the Egyptian goddess Isis, says she was surprised and hurt by the letter. She purchased the $50 license plate in 2022 as an extension of her identity and has paid the $50 renewal fee every year since.

“I’m proud of my name. I’m proud that it’s on my car. I feel like, driving around, it looks cool,” she said.

Wharton says she has never had any issue with renewing the license plate, but now, the DMV says the plate goes against Section 206 of the California Code of Regulations that allows the agency to refuse plates that associate with anything illegal or violent.

“Regardless of your intention, the configuration ‘IAMISIS’ can be construed as ‘I am Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS),’” the letter read in part.

The letter said Wharton can request a hearing about the DMV’s decision on her license plate. If she doesn’t, her personalized plate will be canceled and regular plates issued instead.

Leslie Jacobs, a professor at McGeorge School of Law, weighed in on the situation, saying Wharton’s personalized license plate is protected under the First Amendment.

“The free speech clause protects people saying their own messages on personalized license plates. So, most likely, the DMV is not going to be able to prevent her from saying that,” Jacobs said.

For now, Wharton is unsure what’s next, but like the nurturing goddess she was named after, her family is giving her support.

“My mom was so upset. She loves my name, and she’s always been a big advocate for anyone that’s been offended by my name. So, she was like, ‘Don’t just change it,’” Wharton said.

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