Indiana BMV directs $12.9M from ‘blackout’ plate sales to five‑year modernization plan

The Indiana Capital Chronicle reports that the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles sold more than 380,000 optional “blackout” license plates, raising $12.9 million earmarked for a five‑year BMV modernization plan. The plates — white numerals on a black background — carry a $45 surcharge added to initial registrations and annual renewals. The agency reported about 314,000 blackout plates are already on the road and said sales began in August 2025; early sales were nearly 22,000 in the first month and topped 90,000 by the end of 2025.

The article says the $12.9 million will be applied to a modernization program Gov. Mike Braun ordered last year to replace or upgrade 20‑year‑old tracking and records software and other systems. A resulting agency report lists 13 initiatives, including an AI chatbot, automated personalized customer notifications, upgraded branch cameras, digital driver’s licenses, expanded 24/7 BMV Connect kiosks, new payment machines that accept tap‑to‑pay and digital currency, and pay raises for many customer‑facing employees. Commissioner Kevin Garvey and Gov. Braun were quoted saying the revenue helps invest in employees and technology.

Report a correction · Editorial standards · Our source directory

BusinessIndy examines this development and its implications for Indiana businesses and communities using the linked sources.