Blackout license-plate sales net Indiana BMV $12.9M to fund five-year modernization

Indiana Capital Chronicle reports the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles 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 optional all-black plates feature white numerals and letters and add $45 to initial registration and annual renewal fees; BMV spokesman Greg Dunn told the Chronicle about 314,000 blackout plates are currently on the road.

The Chronicle reports BMV Commissioner Kevin Garvey and Gov. Mike Braun said the revenue will be used to invest in employees and modernize systems. The agency told the paper it has purchased new payment machines that accept tap-to-pay and “digital currency,” added more 24/7 BMV Connect kiosks statewide, plans pay raises for many customer-facing employees and is pursuing a 13-item modernization agenda that includes an AI chatbot, automated customer notifications, upgraded branch cameras and digital driver’s licenses.

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