For many people, the license plates on their cars have become a reflection of their individuality and, in some cases, a form of expression of freedom of speech. That’s why one woman from Sacramento, California, was upset and even hurt after the California DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) decided to revoke a license she had been using for years. While the woman is currently not allowed to use her ‘IAMISIS’ plate, she’s fighting back.
Isis Wharton is the woman in question. Wharton’s personalized IAMISIS license plate is under fire and suddenly no longer allowed after the California DMV sent her a letter on Friday saying the plate could be interpreted as showing support for the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. Hence, the DMV also ordered Wharton to turn in the personalized plate.
Some people online have surmised that the California DMV is just looking out for Isis Wharton and trying to keep her safe, with social media comments such as “Feels like the DMV are looking out for her tbh” and “But your average generic Angry Road rager possibly with a Gun won’t take the orgins of her name into consideration.”
Oddly enough, Isis Wharton has been using her IAMISIS license plate since 2022 after paying $50 for it every year for renewal. For the record, Isis Wharton was named after the Egyptian Goddess, Isis, whose religious domain is motherhood, healing, and magic. The name Isis has sadly been misconstrued over the years, thanks to the ISIS extremist group in the Middle East. Wharton, however, is upset at the California DMV’s decision.
“I’m proud of my name. I’m proud that it’s on my car. I feel like, driving around, it looks cool. 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,'” defends Isis Wharton, transcript courtesy of Fox19
People online understand Isis, but worry about her safety
Meanwhile, a lawyer has chimed in on the matter. Leslie Jacobs of McGeorge School of Law states that Wharton’s IAMISIS plate is protected under the First Amendment. At the time of writing, it appears Wharton is still unsure of what to do next, but she is now working on a formal response. Isis Wharton has until September 25 to request a hearing. People online have since expressed their opinion on the matter, saying that the name Isis might stay ruined for a long time in the US and that the DMV’s decision is likely for the best.
“Yeaaaa my friend sued for the 1A right on plates in CA. But this is like asking to get vandalized or worse…” says a Reddit user
“They ruined a perfectly good Egyptian deity.”
“That is… Definitely for the best.”
“Understandable both ways, but is it really worth all the fight to have it displayed? I would assume having the plate would invite some kind of violence, property damage, or similar from certain people especially in the current political climate.”
Others have defended Isis Wharton’s decision because ISIS so far hasn’t really been relevant and has lost much of its power since 2017. The faction still remains a threat in Syria in 2025, though not on the same degree as it was pre-pandemic, after US-led forces wiped out the ISIS caliphate. Additionally, Wharton might have been born before ISIS came into power, so she’s rather happy with her relatively rare name.
“She needs to doubleback and get them with MSSISIS, OR M155ISIS, OR ISISISME.”
“Why should she change her name? They’re the ones that suck!”
“We really need to stop allowing evil to claim words. The next terror group should call themselves Jesus”
