'IAMISIS' plate pulled, but owner says it's just her name

A Sacramento woman is appealing a DMV ruling over potentially offensive messaging.

- BY KAREN GARCIA

ISIS WHARTON'S California license plate "creates a risk of inciting violence," a DMV letter to her read.

Since 2022, a Sacramento woman has paid $50 yearly fees for her personalized license plate, which says “IAMISIS.”

Now, the California Department of Motor Vehicles has recalled the plate. Officials have deemed it possibly offensive.

For Isis Wharton, the plate is simply factual. She's appealing the DMV's decision.

On Friday, Wharton told The Times that she received a letter that said the license plate, among other things, “creates a risk of inciting violence.”

The DMV stated the “IAMISIS” personalized plate could be construed as “I am Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.” ISIS is considered a transnational terrorist organization by the United States, responsible for acts of violence around the world.

“At first when I opened the letter I was very surprised that they were doing this after so many years,” she said. “I felt hurt and offended by them implying that my name was something that would incite violence.”

Wharton said her license plate is a reflection of her name and the ancient Egyptian goddess she was named after.