Tzedek DC’s client received several red-light camera tickets in 2016. After transitioning, she legally changed her name. However, her driver license still has her old name on it. Because of her unpaid tickets, which she cannot afford to repay at this time, the DMV has told her that she cannot get a new license with her correct legal name on it. Further, because she was on a payment plan previously, she is unable to get on another one. As a result, she has had to continue using an ID that does not contain her legal name and does not conform with her gender identity, complicating everyday tasks and also placing her at risk for harassment. Though her employer has thus far been understanding of her situation, she drives as part of her job and has been forced to rent cars under the name listed on her ID, which she worries will cause issues and possibly jeopardize her employment in the future.
