BMV says ‘blackout’ plate sales generated $12.9M to fund five-year modernization

The Indiana Capital Chronicle reports the Bureau of Motor Vehicles began offering the optional blackout plate in August 2025 and has sold more than 380,000 in the year since, with about 314,000 estimated to be on the road, BMV spokesman Greg Dunn said. The agency says sales of the optional design—which adds $45 to initial registration and annual renewal fees—generated $12.9 million toward a five-year modernization plan.

Agency Commissioner Kevin Garvey and Gov. Mike Braun told the Capital Chronicle that the revenue is being put back into the BMV for people and technology. So far the agency has purchased new payment machines that accept tap-to-pay and digital currency, added more 24/7 BMV Connect kiosks statewide and said pay raises are coming for many customer-facing BMV employees.

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