Indiana’s new Blackout licence plates are a hit with Hoosiers.
As of Oct. 8, exactly two months after they first became available for purchase, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles has sold 40,211 of the blacked-out license plates, according to a BMV spokesperson, generating more than $1.3 million in sales.
On Aug. 8, the Hoosier State joined Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota and others in offering blacked-out plates as an alternative to more traditional designs. Indiana drivers purchased nearly 22,000 plates in the first month of sales, outpacing first-month sales in similar states, according to the BMV.
“This is an excellent example of our state agencies finding creative, entrepreneurial ways to provide value to Hoosiers while generating revenue to better serve them,” said Governor Mike Braun. “I applaud the BMV’s efforts and look forward to seeing how the funds from these sales are used to make the BMV a better, more convenient one stop shop for Hoosiers.”
BMV to use money from Blackout plates to upgrade equipment
An executive order by Braun means a portion of the revenue generated from Blackout plate sales will be used to modernize the BMV’s digital tools, according to a news release. The money will be used to “expand self-service options and streamline transactions across the agency.”
Officials said these upgrades are part of a broader strategy to enhance customer service for Hoosier drivers.
Story continues after photo gallery.
Of the $45 fee associated with the plate, $34 from each sale goes directly to the BMV, according to a news release.
“This new Blackout plate is a win, win for Hoosiers,” said BMV Commissioner Kevin Garvey in a news release. “We will continue to look for new opportunities to provide Hoosiers with a fast, easy and reliable experience when they transact business with us.”
What is a blackout plate?
A blackout plate is a black, rectangular license plate bordered by a thin, white line and lettered in white font.
Where can you buy a blackout plate in Indiana?
There are three ways to purchase a blackout license plate in Indiana: online at myBMV.com, at a BMV Connect kiosk or at any BMV branch.
Who is eligible to get a blackout plate in Indiana?
Blackout plates are available to Indiana residents who drive a passenger motor vehicle, a light truck weighing less than 11,000 Ibs., a motorcycle or an RV.
Can you combine the blackout plate with another design, like college or military insignia?
No. According to BMV, the blackout plate is a “standalone design” and cannot be combined with other specialty license plates. A disability-accessible version of the blackout plate will be available at a future date, according to BMV officials.
Can you personalize a Blackout plate?
Yes, Indiana’s blackout plates can be customized for a $45 fee. Personalized license plate messages are available on a first-come, first-served basis, have character limits (eight characters for standard passenger vehicles), and must be approved by the BMV.
Hoosiers who get their plate approved will receive it in the mail within approximately 30 days of their request, according to the BMV. You can apply for a personalized plate at BMV branch, kiosk or online at myBMV.
How much do Blackout plates cost?
The Blackout plate is considered an “alternative license plate,” according to the BMV. Here’s a breakdown of how much it costs to get one:
Do you have to wait for your current plate to expire?
No, you can get a Blackout plate before your current expires by paying the costs listed above, plus a $9.50 fee.
Are blackout plates sold by third-party vendors legal?
Online merchants sell black license plates and other similar novelty designs, but that doesn’t make them street legal. To avoid getting an expensive ticket, get yours from the Indiana BMV.
Find an Indiana BMV branch
For a complete list of branch locations and hours, to or to find a 24-hour BMV Connect kiosk near you, visit IN.gov/BMV.
Houston Harwood with the Courier & Press assisted with this article.
John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com. Find him on BlueSky at JohnWritesStuff.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana blackout plates have raked in $1.3M so far. Here’s where that money goes
Reporting by John Tufts, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
