Bill could offer third gender option on Arizona driver licenses

Arizona lawmakers are introducing legislation that would potentially add a third gender option for those who apply for an Arizona driver’s license.

Democratic lawmakers introduced House Bill 2492, and the third option would indicate that applicants don’t identify as male or female.

The new bill would allow individuals that identify as transgender or non-binary the opportunity to represent themselves accurately on state-issued documents.

The bill adds that “if the applicant chooses the applicant’s gender as non-binary, an affidavit that states that the applicant identifies as gender non-binary and that the applicant signs and submits to the department is satisfactory proof of the applicant’s gender.”

Yuma residents we spoke with said that it could become the new normal.

“It’ll make some people happy and it’ll probably upset some other people who don’t believe in such thing. If they’re going to do it, they should do it and it’s now becoming a normal thing and it’s like something you see everywhere,” Heidi Murillo, Yuma resident, said.

“I think it is a good idea, I think it’s important that people have the choice to be able to identify the way they feel comfortable,” Hollie Mellor added.

“I don’t see what it would hurt… it doesn’t really matter… as long as you’re capable of driving a car,” Randy Graham said.

Lawmakers are also introducing House Bill 2582, which would require death certificates to reflect a person’s gender identity.

Neither bill has received a hearing.

California, Oregon, and Washington D.C. are the only states that offer a third gender option on their driver’s license.