Blackout license-plate sales net $12.9M for Indiana BMV modernization

Indiana Capital Chronicle reported on Oct. 5, 2026 that the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) has generated $12.9 million from sales of an optional “blackout” license plate first offered in August 2025. The BMV told the paper it has sold more than 380,000 blackout plates since the design launched; the tally includes nearly 22,000 sales in the first month and more than 90,000 by the end of 2025. The reported sales figure includes registration renewals, and BMV spokesman Greg Dunn said about 314,000 blackout plates are currently on the road.

The article says the $12.9 million is being directed toward a five‑year BMV modernization plan that Gov. Mike Braun ordered in 2025 to update roughly 20‑year‑old tracking and records systems. The Chronicle reports the agency has used funds to buy new payment machines that accept tap‑to‑pay and digital currency, add more 24/7 BMV Connect kiosks and plans pay raises for many customer‑facing employees. BMV Commissioner Kevin Garvey and Gov. Braun are quoted saying the revenue lets the agency offer a requested plate design while investing in people and technology.

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