As of 8th August, drivers in Indiana will have a new way to personalize their vehicle license plate. They will be allowed to install a blackout license plate on their vehicles. The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) made an announcement earlier this week and stated that this license plate design will be available for passenger cars, motorcycles, RVs, and light trucks under 11,000 pounds.
The commissioner of BMV, Kevin Garvey had presented the plate an event in downtown Indianapolis. He described the plate as being, “A very simple design.”
It can be noted that Indiana now joins other states who have similar number plates, such as Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota and Mississippi.
Details and Costs
Should drivers want the new number plate, it comes with an annual fee of $45. Drivers can put personalized messages on the number plate can have up to seven characters long and the option of one space.
If there any motorists who really want to change their current number plates, the BMW is offering early replacements at a cost of $9.50
This covers the production cost of the new plate, which would otherwise be replaced every seven years under standard policy.
However, there are some limitations. Speciality or graphic plate designs cannot be combined with the blackout plate. Later, the agency plans to release a version that is accessible to people with disabilities.
How to Get One
An important factor to remember that these blackout plates will not be available anywhere else except through BMV.
If you plan on replacing your current plate before it expires, you will need to go to a BMV branch and order this plate in person. However, if there are new registrations or renewals, then the plate is available online, at BMV Connect kiosks and at branch locations.
Lawmakers’ Support and Revenue Potential
The House Enrolled Act 1390 was passed by policy makers and thereafter the blackout plate became possible. Jim Pressel who wrote this legislation mentioned that the plate offers a little more than just generating income for the state.
Garvey believes the public response will be strong. “The feedback we’ve gotten suggests it’s going to be popular.”
Where the Money Goes
There are many other specialty plates, but the blackout plate is projected to bring in over approximately $3 million in its first year. The BMV will get $34 from each sale, this is much higher than the amount it gets from other specialty plates.
According to a financial analysis:
- $34 goes to the BMV Commission Fund for the operations in the agency.
- $7 is given to the Motor Vehicle Highway Account.
- $4 is given to the Crossroads 2000 Fund.
Looking at Other States
Minnesota has launched its version in 2024 and sold more than 250,000 in the first year of sales. Iowa launched the plate in 2019 and now has nearly 586,000 on the road. This represents about 12% of all plates that are issued in the state.
Based on this information, Indiana is projected to sell approximately 100,000 blackout plates in the first 12 months.
Investment in Modernization
The money generated from sales of the blackout plates will assist in paying for changes at the BMV. This will include investments in advanced technology to improve customer service. This goes together with Governor Mike Braun’s executive order:
“This is a revenue source for the bureau,” Garvey said. “We’re excited about the potential to reinvest that revenue back into our employees and into the agency.”
A Stylish Option for Hoosier Drivers
The blackout number plate represents an important source of revenue for the BMV apart from just looking sleek. There already positive feedback and high sales predicted.