License Plates in Indiana offer vehicle owners different options for displaying registration information, including specialty designs such as the Indiana Blackout License Plate. This plate option appeals to drivers who prefer a dark, modern appearance and want a distinctive look for their vehicle. The process can involve checking eligibility, selecting the correct plate option, completing an application, and paying applicable registration or plate fees. Requirements may vary based on the vehicle and registration status, so current BMV information should be checked before applying.
License Plates can reflect a vehicle owner’s preferred style, and Indiana’s blackout plate provides a darker alternative to traditional plate designs. Drivers interested in this option can review the application process, availability, renewal requirements, fees, and ways to obtain the plate through Indiana BMV services. Knowing what documents and registration details are required can help reduce delays during the transaction. The plate must still meet Indiana’s display and registration requirements after it is issued and placed on the vehicle.
How to Get an Indiana Blackout License Plate
The Indiana Blackout License Plate is available to eligible vehicle owners who want Indiana’s black plate design instead of their current plate. Drivers may request an Indiana License Plate with the Blackout design during certain registration transactions, including a new vehicle registration or renewal. Depending on the transaction, the application may be completed through myBMV, a BMV Connect kiosk, or a BMV branch. The total amount can include standard registration costs along with the Blackout plate fee. Drivers who want the new black Indiana license plate before their current plate expires must follow a separate replacement process.
Get a Blackout Plate With a New Registration
When completing a new Indiana vehicle registration, eligible applicants can select the Blackout plate design during the registration process. The Indiana BMV blackout plate request can generally be handled as part of the same registration transaction. Drivers should complete the required vehicle registration information, choose the Blackout design when available, and review the charges before submitting the transaction.
The process generally involves:
- Start the Indiana vehicle registration process.
- Select the Blackout plate design when available.
- Pay the applicable registration costs and Blackout plate fee.
- Complete the registration transaction.
- Receive the plate according to BMV issuance or delivery procedures.
Get a Blackout Plate During Renewal
Vehicle owners can also request an Indiana Blackout License Plate during an eligible registration renewal. Depending on the transaction and eligibility, renewal may be completed through myBMV, a BMV Connect kiosk, or a BMV branch. During renewal, select the Blackout design if it is offered as an available plate option for the vehicle. Before completing the transaction, review the charges shown by the BMV. The regular registration amount and Blackout plate fee may be listed separately. If the desired Indiana blackout plate option does not appear through an online or kiosk transaction, visiting a BMV branch can help determine the appropriate way to complete the request.
Switch to a Blackout Plate Before Your Current Plate Expires
You do not necessarily have to wait for your current plate to expire before switching to an Indiana Blackout License Plate. However, getting the plate before expiration is treated differently from selecting a new plate during a normal renewal. Indiana Registration for New Residents may also involve different registration requirements for people who recently moved to Indiana and need to title and register their vehicles. For this early replacement transaction, a $9.50 replacement fee applies to the applicable duplicate or replacement plate, decal, or registration certificate transaction. The BMV requires a branch visit for this type of early replacement. The transaction cannot be completed through myBMV or a BMV Connect kiosk. This option is useful for drivers who want the Blackout design before their existing plate reaches its normal expiration date.
Where Can You Apply?
The application method depends on the reason for requesting the Indiana blackout plate. Eligible transactions may be available through:
- myBMV.com
- BMV Connect kiosk
- BMV branch
A new registration or renewal may offer different service options than an early plate replacement. For an early replacement before the current plate expires, the BMV branch is required under the applicable procedure. Always check the current BMV instructions for your specific transaction and eligibility.
Can You Personalize an Indiana Blackout Plate?
The Indiana Blackout License Plate can be combined with a personalized plate option when the vehicle and requested plate number meet Indiana BMV requirements. A personalized plate, also called a PLP, allows an eligible vehicle owner to request a specific plate number or letter combination rather than accepting a randomly assigned number. However, personalization is subject to availability and BMV approval. The Indiana blackout plate cost can therefore depend on whether the driver chooses only the Blackout design or adds personalization to the transaction.
Personalized Blackout Plate Fee
The additional personalization fee for a Blackout plate is $45. This fee is separate from the regular registration charges and any other applicable plate costs. Drivers requesting a personalized Blackout plate should review the total amount shown during the BMV transaction before completing payment. Because personalized plate availability must be checked, the requested combination is not guaranteed simply because the applicant submits it.
Can You Keep Your Current Personalized Number?
Keeping an existing personalized plate number when switching to an Indiana Blackout License Plate can involve additional considerations. A low-number plate or existing PLP may not transfer to the new Blackout design in the same way as a standard plate. The BMV may need to determine whether the requested plate number remains available and whether it can be assigned to the new plate type. If you currently have a personalized or low-number plate and want to retain that number, a BMV branch visit may be necessary to confirm the available transaction and assignment options. This is especially important before assuming that your existing plate number can automatically move to the Blackout design.
Is Every Personalized Message Available?
Not every requested personalized message or plate number is necessarily available. The BMV determines whether a requested combination can be assigned based on its availability and applicable requirements. A requested number may therefore require review before approval. When applying for a personalized Blackout plate, enter the desired plate number or message through the applicable BMV process and check whether it is available. The final assignment remains subject to BMV approval, so submitting a preferred combination does not guarantee that it will be issued.
Indiana Blackout Plate Availability
The Indiana Blackout License Plate became available as a new plate option in 2024, giving Indiana vehicle owners another standard plate design to choose from. Since its introduction, demand has been strong. The Indiana BMV reported that more than 90,000 Hoosiers had selected Blackout plates by the end of 2025, indicating that the design remains a popular choice.
- Registration: Eligible drivers can request the plate during qualifying registration transactions.
- Renewal: The Blackout design may be selected during an eligible registration renewal.
- Application methods: Depending on the transaction, drivers may use myBMV, a BMV Connect kiosk, or a BMV branch.
- Vehicle categories: Availability depends on the vehicle type and Indiana BMV eligibility requirements.
- Personalized plates: A personalized Blackout plate depends on the availability and approval of the requested plate number or message.
- Best source: Check the official Indiana BMV information for current plate availability, fees, and application requirements.
Can You Keep Your Existing Indiana Plate Number?
The ability to keep your existing plate number when switching to an Indiana Blackout plate depends on the type of plate currently assigned to your vehicle. Standard plates, low-number plates, and personalized plates can have different requirements when requesting a replacement plate. The Indiana BMV blackout plate process can also depend on whether you make the change during registration renewal or request an early replacement. Before changing designs, confirm with the BMV whether your current number or personalized information can remain assigned to the replacement plate.
Switching From a Standard Plate
If you currently have a standard Indiana plate and want an Indiana blackout plate, your existing plate number may not automatically transfer to the new design. The BMV determines the number assigned through the applicable registration or replacement transaction.
- Your existing standard plate number may not automatically transfer.
- A different plate number may be assigned with the replacement plate.
- Check with the BMV if keeping the exact number is important.
- The requirements can depend on the type of transaction being completed.
Switching From a Low-Number Plate
A low number can be handled differently from a regular plate number. If your current plate has a low-number assignment, do not assume that requesting an Indiana Blackout replacement will automatically preserve it. The BMV may need to verify the existing number and determine whether it can be assigned to the requested replacement plate.
- Low-number plates may require additional BMV verification.
- The existing number is not automatically guaranteed on the new plate.
- A BMV branch may be needed to review the available options.
- Confirm the number-retention requirements before replacing the plate.
Switching From a Personalized License Plate
Switching from a personalized plate to an Indiana BMV blackout plate can require additional verification, especially if you want to keep the same personalized number or letter combination. Personalized plate combinations are subject to availability and BMV approval, so the information may not automatically transfer to a replacement plate.
- Personalized numbers and messages must remain available.
- BMV approval is required for the requested combination.
- myBMV and BMV Connect kiosks may not support every plate-preservation transaction.
- A BMV branch may be necessary for certain replacement requests.
- Confirm whether your personalized plate information can be retained before completing the replacement.
Indiana Blackout Plate Design and Features
The Indiana black license plate gives drivers a clean, minimalist alternative to Indiana’s traditional plate designs. Often described as a black plate Indiana option, the Indiana Blackout plate uses a simple black-and-white appearance that creates a distinct look on registered vehicles. Its design focuses on a solid black background and contrasting white lettering rather than the graphic elements found on many specialty plates. As an alternate plate design, it provides a straightforward appearance while still serving the same basic identification purpose as other eligible Indiana license plates.
Black Background and White Lettering
The defining feature of the Indiana blackout plate is its black background with contrasting white lettering. The simple color combination gives the plate a bold, minimalist appearance that differs from more colorful Indiana plate options. Rather than using a prominent graphic or multicolor background, the design keeps the visual elements focused on the plate number and required markings. This black-and-white plate style is the main reason many drivers specifically search for an Indiana black license plate when choosing a different plate design.
How the Design Differs From Standard Indiana Plates
The black plate Indiana option stands apart from standard Indiana plates primarily through its color scheme and simplified appearance. Traditional plate designs can feature different backgrounds, colors, or visual elements, while the Blackout design emphasizes a solid black background with white lettering. It is intended as an alternate design choice for eligible vehicle owners rather than a separate registration category. The registration requirements associated with the vehicle still apply even when the owner chooses the Blackout plate design.
Can the Blackout Design Be Combined With Other Specialty Plates?
The Indiana Blackout plate is a standalone plate design and is not combined with another specialty or graphic plate design. Drivers generally choose the Blackout appearance instead of adding another specialty plate graphic to the same plate. If a vehicle owner wants a specific specialty plate design, that plate must be selected separately based on its eligibility and requirements. The Blackout design itself remains focused on the black background and white-lettering appearance.
Indiana Blackout License Plate Cost
The Indiana blackout license plate cost depends on the type of transaction and whether the plate is personalized. This fee is associated with obtaining the Blackout design and is separate from the standard registration fees and taxes charged for the vehicle. Drivers should also consider whether they are requesting a personalized plate or replacing an existing plate before its expiration, as those situations can involve additional or different fees.
Blackout Plate vs. Other Indiana License Plate Options
The Indiana blackout plate gives vehicle owners a simple alternative to Indiana’s other plate designs. Before choosing a plate, it helps to understand the difference between a Blackout plate, a standard plate, a personalized plate, and specialty or organization plates. The main differences involve plate design, personalization, and the purpose of the plate. The Blackout option focuses primarily on appearance, while personalized plates focus on a requested plate number or message. Specialty plates may include organization-specific designs or graphics and can have their own eligibility and fee requirements.
| Plate Option | Main Purpose | Plate Design | Personalization | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blackout Plate | Alternate plate appearance | Black background with white lettering | Available when eligible | Drivers who want a minimalist black license plate |
| Standard Plate | Regular vehicle registration | Standard Indiana plate design | Generally not the main purpose | Drivers who want the regular Indiana plate |
| Personalized Plate | Custom plate number or message | Design depends on the selected plate | Yes, subject to availability and BMV approval | Drivers who want a specific plate number or message |
| Specialty/Organization Plate | Supports or represents a specific organization, cause, or group | Specialty or organization-specific design | Depends on the plate | Drivers who want a particular specialty design or affiliation |
Frequently Asked Questions
Indiana Blackout License Plate questions often focus on cost, renewal fees, application methods, availability, and replacement requirements. The answers below address common questions about the Indiana blackout plate, including how much it costs, whether you can request one through myBMV or a BMV Connect kiosk, and what happens if you want to switch before your current plate expires.
How much is an Indiana Blackout license plate?
The Indiana blackout license plate cost includes a $45 Blackout administrative fee. This charge is separate from the vehicle’s standard registration fees and applicable taxes. If you request a personalized Blackout plate, an additional $45 personalization fee applies. Therefore, a regular Blackout plate has a $45 Blackout-related charge, while a personalized Blackout plate has $90 in Blackout and personalization fees before standard registration costs.
How much does a Blackout plate cost every year?
The annual renewal fee for an Indiana Blackout plate is $45. The BMV lists the Blackout administrative fee as $45 at initial registration and again at each subsequent annual renewal. This plate cost is separate from standard registration fees, taxes, and any other charges that may apply to the vehicle. If the plate is personalized, the applicable $45 personalization fee is also separate.
Can I get an Indiana Blackout plate online?
Yes, an Indiana BMV blackout plate may be available through myBMV when the transaction and vehicle are eligible. During an applicable registration or renewal application, look for the Blackout plate option and review the charges before completing the transaction. Online availability can depend on the type of registration transaction. If the Blackout option does not appear in your myBMV application, another BMV service method may be required.
Can I get a Blackout plate at a BMV kiosk?
A BMV Connect kiosk may be available for eligible registration or renewal transactions involving the Blackout plate. However, kiosk availability depends on the specific transaction and eligibility. If the Blackout option is not available through the kiosk, you may need to use myBMV or visit a BMV branch. Drivers should check the available options before starting the application to make sure the requested plate can be processed through that service.
Can I switch to a Blackout plate before my current plate expires?
Yes. You do not necessarily need to wait for your current plate to expire before requesting an Indiana Blackout plate. However, an early change is handled as a replacement plate transaction rather than a standard renewal. The applicable $9.50 replacement fee applies to the replacement transaction, and the BMV requires this type of early replacement to be completed at a BMV branch. It cannot be completed through myBMV or a BMV Connect kiosk under this procedure.