Indiana BMV says $12.9M from optional ‘blackout’ plates will fund five-year modernization
Indiana Capital Chronicle reported Oct. 5, 2026 that the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles sold more than 380,000 optional ‘blackout’ plates since August 2025, generating $12.9 million pledged to a five-year modernization plan; the optional design adds $45 to registration and renewal fees.
Indiana Capital Chronicle reported on 2026-10-05 that the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles has sold more than 380,000 optional “blackout” license plates since the design launched in August 2025, generating $12.9 million toward a five-year BMV modernization plan. BMV spokesman Greg Dunn told the outlet about 314,000 blackout plates remain on the road.
The governor’s office and agency materials cited by the Chronicle say the proceeds will support 13 recommended initiatives — including an AI chatbot, automated personalized notifications, upgraded branch cameras and digital driver’s licenses. The report also says the BMV has purchased new tap-to-pay and digital-currency payment machines, added more 24/7 BMV Connect kiosks and plans pay raises for many customer-facing employees.
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