Blackout license-plate sales raise $12.9M for Indiana BMV modernization, funding pay raises and tech upgrades

This report is based on reporting by the Indiana Capital Chronicle (Oct. 5, 2026). The agency says the blackout plate—introduced in August 2025 and featuring white letters on a black background—adds $45 to initial registration and annual renewal fees. The governor’s office said blackout-plate sales have generated $12.9 million toward a five-year BMV modernization plan. The BMV reported more than 380,000 blackout plates sold since the design launched; BMV spokesman Greg Dunn said about 314,000 blackout plates are on the road. Commissioner Kevin Garvey said the sales gave the agency “an opportunity to offer Hoosiers something they wanted while generating revenue we can put directly back into improving the BMV.”

The article says the modernization effort follows a comprehensive systems review and a 2025 executive order from Gov. Mike Braun directing a five-year upgrade of the agency’s tracking, records and other systems. The planned improvements include 13 initiatives such as an AI chatbot, automated personalized notifications, upgraded branch cameras and digital driver’s licenses. The BMV also reported adding more 24/7 kiosks statewide, buying new payment machines that accept tap-to-pay and digital currency, and planning pay raises for many customer-facing employees.

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