Indiana’s BMV channels $12.9M from ‘blackout’ plate sales into five‑year modernization plan

The Indiana Capital Chronicle reported on Oct. 5, 2026 that the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) has sold more than 380,000 optional “blackout” license plates since the design launched in August 2025, generating $12.9 million toward a five‑year BMV modernization plan, the governor’s office said. BMV spokesman Greg Dunn told the paper about 314,000 blackout plates are on the road.

The optional blackout plate — black background with white numerals and letters — adds $45 to initial registrations and annual renewals. The Chronicle reported nearly 22,000 were bought in the first month and more than 90,000 by the end of 2025. The modernization effort follows a comprehensive systems review and includes 13 initiatives such as an AI chatbot, automated personalized notifications, upgraded branch cameras, digital driver’s licenses, new tap‑to‑pay and digital‑currency capable payment machines, more 24/7 BMV Connect kiosks and planned pay raises for many customer‑facing employees.

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