Indiana BMV: $12.9M from optional ‘blackout’ plates funding five-year modernization plan

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, speaking to the Indiana Capital Chronicle on 2026-10-05, said sales of the optional “blackout” license-plate design that began in August 2025 have produced $12.9 million to support a five-year modernization plan ordered by the governor. The BMV reported more than 380,000 blackout plates sold since launch and said about 314,000 are on the road; sales totals include registration renewals.

The agency said it has used revenue to add more 24/7 BMV Connect kiosks, buy new payment machines that accept tap-to-pay and digital payments, and complete a comprehensive systems review that recommended 13 initiatives (including an AI chatbot, automated personalized notifications, upgraded branch cameras and digital driver’s licenses). Commissioner Kevin Garvey and Governor Mike Braun were quoted describing the revenue as funding investments and pay raises coming for many customer-facing employees. The blackout plate adds $45 to initial registration and annual renewals, the BMV said.

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