Indiana Governor Mike Braun announced today that, just over one year after Indiana launched its Blackout license plate, sales have topped 380,000, generating $12.9 million in additional revenue that, at the Governor's direction, is being reinvested to make the BMV a more modern, efficient quick stop for Hoosiers, unlike any other BMV in the country.
The Blackout plate launched in August 2025 as an optional plate available for an additional fee. Its success is providing the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles with a new source of revenue to improve the customer experience. The plate costs an additional $45 upon initial registration and annual renewal.
“Hoosiers clearly like the Blackout plate, and its success is helping us build a better BMV,” said Gov. Mike Braun. “I directed the BMV to modernize, improve customer service, and find smarter ways to operate. Nearly $13 million generated by an optional plate is now helping us invest in the employees who serve Hoosiers and technology that makes doing business with the BMV faster and easier.”
Earlier this year, the BMV began implementing the five-year modernization strategy ordered by Gov. Braun through Executive Order 25-41. The plan focuses on replacing outdated technology, improving digital services, increasing efficiency, and delivering better customer service for Hoosiers.
Already in 2026, the BMV has invested in new payment machines that allow customers to use digital wallets and tap-to-pay options, added more 24/7 BMV Connect kiosks to locations statewide, and announced pay raises 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,” said BMV Commissioner Kevin Garvey. “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.”
The milestone comes shortly after the Blackout plate celebrated its first anniversary in August. Sales began on August 8, 2025, and demand was strong from the beginning, with nearly 22,000 plates purchased during the first month and more than 90,000 purchased by the end of 2025.
The first Blackout plate customers are now beginning to renew their registrations, providing an ongoing source of revenue to support continued improvements at the BMV.
The Blackout plate is available for passenger motor vehicles, light trucks under 11,000 pounds, motorcycles, and RVs for an additional $45 fee. Customers may also personalize the plate for an additional $45. Those fees apply at initial registration and subsequent annual renewals.
For more information about Indiana’s Blackout plate, view the Blackout License Plate Fact Sheet.
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