BMV reports $12.9M from ‘blackout’ plate sales to fund five‑year modernization

Indiana Capital Chronicle reports the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) has sold more than 380,000 optional “blackout” license plates since the design launched in August 2025, producing $12.9 million toward a five‑year BMV modernization plan, the agency said. The blackout plate features white numerals and letters on an all‑black background and carries a $45 fee added to initial registration and to annual renewals; the reported sales total includes renewals and, per BMV spokesman Greg Dunn, about 314,000 blackout plates are on the road.

BMV and state officials quoted in the story said the revenue will be used to improve agency technology and support employees. Commissioner Kevin Garvey said the blackout plate “generated revenue the BMV can put back into improving the agency” and added, “more than 380,000 sales later, that approach is paying off.” Gov. Mike Braun said, “Hoosiers clearly like the blackout plate, and its success is helping us build a better BMV.” The article also reports the agency has bought new payment machines in 2026 and added more 24/7 BMV Connect kiosks, and that pay raises are coming for many customer‑facing BMV employees.

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