DRIVERS will soon have a bold new plate option as one US state reolls out its first all-black license design.
The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles revealed the blackout pate on Monday, calling it a simple but sleek way for drivers to personalize their cars.
Indiana drivers can order a blackout license plate starting August 8[/caption]
The new plate option is expected to generate $3 million in revenue for the state[/caption]
The new plate will be available starting August 8 for passenger cars, motorcycles, RVs, and light trucks, as reported by the Indiana Capital Chronicle.
A version with disability-accessible features is still in development and will be released later, according to officials.
BMV Commissioner Kevin Garvey said the design gives drivers a way to express themselves that hasn’t existed before in Indiana.
Several other states including Iowa, Kentucky, and Minnesota already offer similar dark plates.
Indiana lawmakers apprived the new design earlier this year through House Enrolled Act 1390.
Supporters of the bill say the blackout plates will give drivers more options while creating a new source of revenue for the state.
Garvey said the agency has received strong feedback and believes demand will be high once plates hit the market.
The blackout plate comes with an annual fee of $45, plus another $5 for those who want a personalized number.
Custom plates can include up to seven characters and one space.
Drivers can switch to the blackout plate before their current plate expires by paying an additional $9.50 replacement fee.
BMV officials said the fee covers the cost of producing the new metal plate outside the regular seven-year replacement cycle.
Drivers must visit a BMV branch to order a blackout plate early, but they will be available online and at kiosks for renewals or new registrations.
Officials are warning customers to avoid third-party websites that falsely claim to offers Indiana blackout plates.
Only plates issued by the Indiana BMV are legally valid for vehicles in the state.
Ordering Custom License Plates
Each state has different instructions on how to order a custom license plate, but the general steps include:
- Check if your vehicle and registration are current and eligible in your state
- Choose the type of plate you want (standard personalized, specialty, or group plate)
- Pick your custom message and follow state character limits/guidelines (e.g. letters, numbers, no offensive words)
- Use your state’s online checker or DMV website to verify that your preferred combination is available
- Submit your application online, at a DMV office, or by mail using the required form and information
- Pay the required personalization or vanity plate fee in addition to regular registration costs
- Wait for DMV approval and for plate manufacturing — this usually takes 4 to 8 weeks depending on state
- Receive your new plate by mail or pick it up, then install it on your vehicle once old plate expires or swap per instructions
The blackout design cannot be combined with speciality or graphic plate options.
Garvey said other color variations could be offered in the future, similar to Michigan’s blue and green plates.
The blackout plate is expected to generate around $3 million in its first year, with most of the fee going to the BMV Commission Fund.
The rest of the money will be split between the Motor Vehicle Highway Account and the Crossroads 2000 Fund.
Local governments and the Indiana Department of Transportation will also receive a portion of the revenue.
Garvey said the BMV hopes to sell 100,000 plates in the first year and plans to reinvest the revenue into staff and technology upgrades.
