Indiana allocates $12.9M from ‘blackout’ plate sales to five‑year BMV modernization

Per reporting by the Indiana Capital Chronicle using Bureau of Motor Vehicles data, Indiana has collected $12.9 million from sales of an optional “blackout” license plate that the BMV began offering in August 2025. The blackout design features white numerals and letters on an all‑black background and adds $45 to initial registration and each annual renewal; the agency said the sales total— which includes renewals and plate transfers—exceeds 380,000, while BMV spokesman Greg Dunn estimated about 314,000 blackout plates are currently on the road.

The BMV says the $12.9 million will fund a five‑year modernization plan that Gov. Mike Braun ordered in 2025. The agency has already purchased new payment machines that accept tap‑to‑pay and digital payments and expanded 24/7 BMV Connect kiosks statewide. Officials also said pay raises are coming for many customer‑facing BMV employees; Commissioner Kevin Garvey said the blackout plate revenue can be put directly back into improving the BMV.

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