California Woman Named Isis Challenges DMV Over License Plate Ban

In Sacramento, a woman named Isis Wharton is challenging the California Department of Motor Vehicles’ decision to revoke her personalized license plate, “I AM ISIS.”

Wharton received a letter Friday from the DMV stating that her plate was non-compliant with state requirements. The agency argued the message could be interpreted as supporting the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), which it said violated Section 206 of the California Code of Regulations prohibiting plates tied to illegal or violent activity.

Wharton, who purchased the plate in 2022 and renewed it annually since then, says she was shocked and hurt. “I was surprised. My first reaction: I was super surprised. I was confused since I’ve had it for so long. And I was honestly super hurt,” she explained.

Legal experts say Wharton may have a strong case. Leslie Jacobs, a professor at McGeorge School of Law, noted that courts have previously ruled personalized plates are a form of private speech protected by the First Amendment. She pointed to a 2020 U.S. District Court decision where the DMV’s attempt to censor personalized plates was found unconstitutional.

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

Wharton, named after the Egyptian goddess Isis, says she’s proud of her name and her plate. “I’m proud of my name. I’m proud that it’s on my car. And I feel like driving around. It looks cool.”

The DMV has given Wharton until September 25 to request a hearing. If she misses the deadline, the agency will revoke her plates. She says she is working on a formal response.

Attempts to reach the DMV for comment have not been successful.

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