Blackout plate sales net $12.9M for Indiana, funding BMV modernization and staff raises

The Indiana Capital Chronicle reported on 2026-10-05 that sales of the optional “blackout” license plate generated $12.9 million to support a five‑year BMV modernization plan. The article said Governor Mike Braun issued an executive order in 2025 directing the BMV to modernize its 20‑year‑old tracking and records systems over five years, and that the blackout‑plate revenue is being used to invest in employees and technology.

The Chronicle’s reporting and BMV data cited several related facts: the blackout plate (white numerals and letters on an all‑black background) began sales in August 2025; buyers pay an added $45 at initial registration and on annual renewals; early uptake included nearly 22,000 purchases in the first month and more than 90,000 sales by the end of 2025. The article also said the BMV reported roughly 314,000 blackout plates on the road and, separately, that more than 380,000 had been sold in the year since launch. Reported modernization actions funded or enabled so far include pay raises for many customer‑facing employees, new payment machines accepting tap‑to‑pay and digital currency, added 24/7 BMV Connect kiosks and a list of 13 recommended initiatives (for example, an AI chatbot, automated personalized notifications, upgraded branch cameras and digital driver’s licenses).

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