How many states have transgender bathroom bans?

As of October 21, 2026, the Movement Advancement Project counts 21 states with laws restricting transgender people's restroom use, most of them covering K-12 schools and some or all government buildings. Check its map for the current list.

Do bathroom bans apply to restaurants and stores?

Generally no. Most state bans cover public schools and government buildings. Private businesses set their own restroom policies, and in states with nondiscrimination protections they may not exclude people based on gender identity.

Can I always use a single-stall restroom?

Single-stall and family restrooms are the least likely to be restricted, and some places require them to be open to everyone. Rules in government buildings can still apply, so check the scope of your state's law.

Trans bathroom laws by state: what they cover and where to check

Updated October 22, 2026

As of October 21, 2026, 21 US states have laws that restrict which restrooms transgender people may use, according to the Movement Advancement Project. Most cover schools and government buildings, not private businesses. The details change often, so this guide explains what the laws cover and points to the trackers that keep a current, state-by-state list.

What these laws usually cover

State restroom restrictions differ mainly in where they apply. Reading the scope matters more than the headline.

K-12 schools. The most common kind. They set rules for students, and sometimes staff, in public schools.
Government buildings. Some states extend the rule to some or all state-owned or state-run buildings, such as universities, prisons, rest stops or offices.
Penalties. A few states attach criminal penalties in some settings. Most rely on complaints or institutional policy.
Private businesses. Restaurants, shops and offices are generally outside these laws, and their own restroom policies apply.

States that protect access

On the other side, many states and cities have nondiscrimination laws that cover gender identity in public accommodations, which generally protect using the restroom that matches your gender in businesses open to the public. Some cities also require single-occupancy restrooms to be open to everyone.

Check the current law

Laws in this area are introduced, passed and challenged in court every legislative session. Before you travel, check a tracker that is updated as they change:

Movement Advancement Project. A state-by-state map of bathroom bans and nondiscrimination laws, with the date of its last update.
ACLU. A running list of anti-LGBTQ bills in state legislatures and their status.

Allgenda's own State of Inclusive Restrooms, 2026 lists each state's ban status next to the all-gender restrooms recorded there, per 100,000 residents, with a CSV.

Planning around it

Private businesses are usually your most dependable option in a state with a ban. Single-stall and family restrooms avoid the question entirely. The Allgenda map lets you filter for both, and each listing shows who checked it and when.

If you're harassed or stopped, you can reach Trans Lifeline for peer support. For legal help, national groups such as the ACLU and Lambda Legal take reports.

Frequently asked

How many states have transgender bathroom bans?: As of October 21, 2026, the Movement Advancement Project counts 21 states with laws restricting transgender people's restroom use, most of them covering K-12 schools and some or all government buildings. Check its map for the current list.
Do bathroom bans apply to restaurants and stores?: Generally no. Most state bans cover public schools and government buildings. Private businesses set their own restroom policies, and in states with nondiscrimination protections they may not exclude people based on gender identity.
Can I always use a single-stall restroom?: Single-stall and family restrooms are the least likely to be restricted, and some places require them to be open to everyone. Rules in government buildings can still apply, so check the scope of your state's law.

Sources

Movement Advancement Project: Bans on transgender people using public bathrooms and facilities · checked October 22, 2026
ACLU: Mapping attacks on LGBTQ rights in U.S. state legislatures · checked September 29, 2026

Inclusive restrooms by state, 2026 Find an all-gender restroom All-gender vs single-stall The Agenda: queer news, cited and dated