Kansas to invalidate trans residents’ driver’s licenses today after minimal notice
Trans Kansas residents’ IDs are invalid from today. (Getty)
Trans Kansas residents who have changed the marker on their driver’s license to align with their gender identity face their IDs becoming invalid today unless they get a new license that reflects their “biological sex”.
Kansas’ House Substitute for Senate Bill 244 became law on 26 February after Governor Kelly’s veto was overridden by Kansas lawmakers.
Although this law is currently being challenged by a lawsuit filed by two transgender men and backed by the American Civil Liberties Union, Douglas County District Judge James McCabria denied a motion on Tuesday (10 March) that would place a temporary injunction on enforcement.
A Douglas County judge has scheduled a hearing to address a temporary injunction for SB 244 on 29 September, meaning that this law will be enforced as it moves forward in the legal system.
Trans Kansans received notice letters, obtained by The Needle, informing them that while SB 244 went into effect on 26 February, a grace period was agreed upon alongside the Attorney General’s Office, giving residents until close of business on 25 March.
The letter was dated 20 March, giving minimal notice to those who received it and would be affected.
The letter details that those who believe they received the notice in error can file an appeal, but it “will not preserve the validity of your current credential and associated driving authority.”
The letter also states: “If you have not yet made the change to your credential or you are not able to make the change by the end of the grace period on March 25, 2026, you may be subject to additional penalties for operating a vehicle on an invalid license. The state system will begin identifying these credentials as invalid to law enforcement at the conclusion of that grace period.”
Licenses aren’t the only thing being affected by SB 244; the sweeping bill also bans trans and non-binary Kansans from using public toilets and locker rooms consistent with their gender identity.
Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.
