Blackout license-plate sales generated $12.9M for Indiana BMV modernization, agency says

According to the Indiana Capital Chronicle, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles said it began offering the optional “blackout” plate in August 2025 and has sold more than 380,000 to date, generating $12.9 million toward a five-year modernization plan. The optional design adds $45 to initial registration and annual renewals and features white numerals and letters on an all-black background.

The article reported the sales figure includes registration renewals and that BMV spokesman Greg Dunn said about 314,000 blackout plates remain on the road. The agency said it has used revenue to buy new tap-to-pay payment machines, add more 24/7 BMV Connect kiosks, and plans pay raises for many customer-facing employees; the report also cited a 2025 executive order from Gov. Mike Braun directing a five-year modernization of BMV systems and listed 13 improvement initiatives.

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