Story perspectives

California Sees Plunge in Nonbinary Driver's License Identifications

4/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

The California Department of Motor Vehicles reports a sharp decline in nonbinary identifications among 16- and 17-year-olds on driver’s licenses.
Among 16-year-olds, identifications fell from 164 in 2023 to 46 in 2025.
Among 17-year-olds, identifications fell from 418 in 2023 to 203 in 2025.
Experts say the decline reflects fear of political backlash.
Recent polling shows growing support for restrictions on transgender issues and concerns about marking nonbinary status.

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Story summary

The California Department of Motor Vehicles reports a sharp decline in nonbinary identifications among 16- and 17-year-olds on driver’s licenses.
Among 16-year-olds, identifications fell from 164 in 2023 to 46 in 2025.
Among 17-year-olds, identifications fell from 418 in 2023 to 203 in 2025.
Experts say the decline reflects fear of political backlash.
Recent polling shows growing support for restrictions on transgender issues and concerns about marking nonbinary status.