US Woman Named 'Isis' Fights To Keep 'IAMISIS' License Plate

US Woman Named 'Isis' Fights To Keep 'IAMISIS' License Plate

Isis Wharton has maintained her controversial license plate since 2022.

A California resident is currently challenging government officials who have determined her license plate violates state regulations. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) sent Isis Wharton, 26, a formal notice requesting she change her "IAMISIS" license plate displayed on her white Kia, as officials worry the wording could be misinterpreted as referencing the terrorist organization Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

According to Ms. Wharton, she has possessed this license plate since 2022 and has consistently paid renewal fees annually without encountering any problems until recently.

"I felt bewildered because I've had this plate for years, and I was genuinely very upset," Ms. Wharton explained to ABC 7. "I just completed my registration process a couple months ago, and they didn't mention any issues then either."

The custom license plate on her sedan displays "IAMISIS" in yellow text against a black background, surrounded by a decorative barbed wire-like frame. Ms. Wharton is determined to retain her license plate, emphasizing that her name bears no connection to the terrorist organization.

"My name existed thousands of years before the terrorist group formed. It's harmful to target someone's name, and I believe situations like this deserve more thoughtful consideration," Ms. Wharton stated.

"I was named after the Egyptian goddess, who represents healing and motherhood, so my name carries a much more peaceful meaning than they're suggesting."

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Ms. Wharton must submit an appeal by September 25, or the DMV will issue new plates for her vehicle. The DMV guidelines indicate that plates may be rejected for various reasons, including configurations that might provoke violence or display criminal gang associations.

According to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the organization now known as ISIS originated as al-Qa'ida in Iraq (AQI) in 2004 before adopting the ISIS name in 2013.