Indiana tallies $13M boost off ‘blackout’ license plate sales, invests in BMV modernization

Indiana’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles has sold more than 380,000 “blackout” license plates in the year since the minimalist design launched — generating $12.9 million toward a five-year modernization plan for the agency, the governor’s office announced Monday.

Sales began last August of the plates with while numerals and letters on an all-black background. Hoosiers bought nearly 22,000 plates in the first month and more than 90,000 by the end of 2025.

The optional plate adds $45 to registration and annual renewal fees.

“Hoosiers clearly like the blackout plate, and its success is helping us build a better BMV,” Gov. Mike Braun said. “I directed the BMV to modernize, improve customer service and find smarter ways to operate. (The revenue) is now helping us invest in the employees who serve Hoosiers and technology that makes doing business with the BMV faster and easier.”

So far this year, the agency has purchased new payment machines that accept tap-to-pay options and digital currency and added more 24/7 BMV Connect kiosks statewide. Pay raises are coming for many customer-facing employees.

“The blackout plate gave us an opportunity to offer Hoosiers something they wanted while generating revenue we can put directly back into improving the BMV,” agency Commissioner Kevin Garvey said. “More than 380,000 sales later, that approach is paying off. We’re investing in our people, modernizing our technology and making the BMV easier for Hoosiers to use.”

More changes are expected.

Braun, in an executive order last year, directed BMV to modernize its 20-year-old tracking and record support software — and other systems — over five years.

The agency had to complete a comprehensive review of its systems last year, with recommendations for improvements or replacements. The resulting report featured 13 initiatives, such as introducing an AI chatbot, sending automated personalized notifications to customers, upgrading branch cameras and even implementing digital driver’s licenses.