Kansas revokes 1,700 transgender residents' driver's licences under new law
Kansas has become the first US state to cancel driver's licences that were legally updated to reflect a person's gender identity. A new law took effect immediately on 26 February, invalidating around 1,700 licences held by transgender residents. Many of those affected have now received official letters warning them to surrender their documents or face penalties.
The state had allowed gender marker changes on IDs since 2007. But in 2023, Kansas redefined sex in law as strictly male or female, based on birth assignment. Attorney General Kris Kobach then sued to block further updates, though a court later ruled that changes could resume.
In January, Kobach supported a bill banning transgender people from using bathrooms matching their gender identity in government buildings. Violations could cost government entities up to $125,000. Democratic Governor Laura Kelly vetoed the measure, but the Republican-controlled legislature overrode her decision. Now, hundreds of transgender drivers have been told their licences are no longer valid. Jaelynn Abegg, a trans woman who received one of these letters, plans to leave Kansas rather than comply. The state is one of five that now ban gender marker updates on licences, joining a broader trend—26 states have restricted legal definitions of sex since 2023.
The law's immediate enforcement leaves affected residents with few options. Those who keep driving with their current licences risk penalties. Others, like Abegg, may choose to relocate instead of surrendering their documents.
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