08-08-2025
- Automotive
- Indianapolis Star
Blackout plates go on sale in Indiana. How much do they cost and who's eligible to get one?
Drivers in Indiana with a darker fashion sense can now get a license plate to match. The Hoosier State has joined Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota and others in offering blacked-out plates as an alternative to more traditional designs.
Hoosiers can purchase blackout plates starting Aug. 8 from the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Here's what we know.
A blackout plate is exactly what it sounds like — a black, rectangular license plate bordered by a thin, white line and lettered in white font.
Beginning Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, Hoosiers can purchase the new blackout license plate from the BMV.
There are three ways to purchase a blackout license plate in Indiana: online at at a BMV Connect kiosk or at any BMV branch.
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.
Story continues after photo gallery.
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.
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.
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:
No, you can get a Blackout plate before your current expires by paying the costs listed above, plus a $9.50 fee.
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.
Houston Harwood with the Courier & Press assisted with this article.
