Indiana BMV says blackout-plate sales net $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, producing $12.9 million the agency says will be directed to a five-year modernization plan. The BMV estimates about 314,000 blackout plates are already on the road.

The blackout plate — described in the report as white numerals and letters on an all-black background — adds $45 to initial registrations and annual renewals. The agency told the Capital Chronicle it has used proceeds to buy new payment machines (including tap-to-pay) and add more 24/7 BMV Connect kiosks, and that pay raises are coming for many customer-facing employees.

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