Indiana BMV says $12.9M from optional 'blackout' plates will fund five-year modernization, staff raises

Indiana Capital Chronicle reported the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles said sales of an optional 'blackout' license plate — offered beginning August 2025 — generated $12.9 million toward a five-year BMV modernization plan. The agency told the outlet it has sold more than 380,000 blackout plates; about 314,000 are on the road and more than 90,000 had been sold by Dec. 31, 2025.

The BMV said the optional blackout design adds $45 to initial registration and annual renewal fees and that the reported sales total includes registration renewals. The agency also said it has added more 24/7 BMV Connect kiosks statewide, purchased new payment machines that accept tap-to-pay and digital currency, completed a comprehensive systems review and that pay raises are coming for many customer-facing employees. Governor Mike Braun issued an executive order last year directing a five-year modernization of tracking and records-support software.

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