Indiana offers blackout plates with a dark background and reflective lettering, but availability depends on your vehicle type and registration status
Indiana's blackout license plates feature a dark background with reflective white or light-colored characters, giving them a modern appearance compared to the standard white plate with blue lettering. The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) offers these plates through its personalized plate program, though they are not available for all vehicle types or registration categories.
The blackout design is technically a specialty plate variant rather than a separate plate type. You can order them when you renew your registration or explore for a new plate, but you must meet specific requirements. The plates cost more than standard plates and come with restrictions on who can use them.
Key Takeaways
- Blackout plates are available through Indiana's personalized plate program and feature a dark background with reflective lettering instead of the standard white background.
- You can only order blackout plates for passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and certain other vehicle types — commercial vehicles and some specialty registrations are excluded.
- Blackout plates cost more than standard Indiana plates and must be ordered through the BMV's online system or at a branch office.
- The plates must remain visible and readable from a distance, and any customization beyond the standard blackout design may violate Indiana's plate regulations.
Vehicle types that may have access to for blackout plates
Passenger vehicles registered under standard or personalized registration are the primary candidates for blackout plates. This includes sedans, SUVs, trucks, and hatchbacks used for personal transportation. Motorcycles can also display blackout plates if the owner requests them during registration.
Commercial vehicles, vehicles registered under dealer or manufacturer plates, and certain specialty registrations do not may have access to. If your vehicle is registered as a commercial or fleet vehicle, you cannot order blackout plates. The same applies to vehicles with disabled person plates, veteran plates, or other specialty designations — though some specialty categories may have their own design options.
How to order blackout plates through the BMV
You can order blackout plates online through the Indiana BMV's website or in person at any BMV branch. The online method is faster if you already have a current registration. Visit the BMV's personalized plate section, select the blackout design option, enter your desired character combination (if you are ordering a personalized plate), and complete payment.
If you order in person, bring your current registration card and a valid ID. You will fill out the plate request form and pay the fee at the counter. Processing typically takes one to two weeks, and the plates will be mailed to your address on file. You can also renew your registration and request blackout plates at the same time, which consolidates the process into a single transaction.
Cost and renewal requirements
Blackout plates cost more than standard white plates in Indiana. The exact fee varies depending on whether you are ordering a standard blackout plate or a personalized blackout plate with custom characters. Standard blackout plates typically cost between $25 and $50 more than regular plates, while personalized blackout plates add an additional personalization fee on top of the base plate cost.
You must renew your blackout plates every two years along with your vehicle registration. When you renew, you can keep the same blackout design or switch back to a standard plate if you prefer. The renewal process is the same as the initial order — online through the BMV website or in person at a branch office.
Visibility and legal requirements for blackout plates
Indiana law requires that all license plates remain clearly visible and readable from a distance of at least 75 feet during daylight and nighttime conditions. Blackout plates meet this requirement because the reflective lettering is designed to be visible in low light. However, you cannot add additional tinting, covers, or frames that obscure the plate or reduce its reflectivity.
The plate characters must remain unobstructed and in their original condition. Fading, peeling, or damage that makes the plate harder to read can result in a citation. If your blackout plate becomes worn or illegible, contact the BMV to order a replacement. Do not attempt to repair or repaint a damaged plate yourself.
Blackout plates versus other specialty plate options
Indiana offers several specialty plate designs beyond the standard blackout option. These include plates with state symbols, university logos, or organizational affiliations. Some specialty plates support charitable causes and direct a portion of the fee to the organization. Blackout plates are purely a design choice and do not support any specific cause or organization.
If you want a plate that supports a cause or displays a specific affiliation, you may need to choose a different specialty plate instead of the blackout design. Check the BMV's full list of available specialty plates to see which options align with your preferences. Some specialty plates have additional may be able to access requirements — for example, university plates may require proof of enrollment or alumni status.
What to do if your blackout plate order is rejected
The BMV may reject a blackout plate order if the character combination you requested is already in use, if your vehicle type does not may have access to, or if your registration status does not permit specialty plates. If your order is rejected online, you will receive an explanation of the reason. You can then modify your request and resubmit.
If you ordered in person and your request was rejected, the BMV staff will explain the issue and offer alternatives. You can choose a different character combination, select a different plate design, or ask about your vehicle's may be able to access. If you believe your vehicle qualifies but was incorrectly rejected, you can contact the BMV directly to discuss your registration status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use blackout plates on a leased vehicle?
Yes, if you are the registered owner on the lease agreement. Contact your leasing company first to confirm they allow custom plates, as some require standard plates for fleet management purposes. Once approved, you can order blackout plates through the BMV using your lease registration documents.
Do blackout plates affect my vehicle's inspection or registration renewal?
No. Blackout plates do not impact your vehicle's safety inspection or registration renewal process. The BMV treats them as a standard registration option. You will renew them on the same schedule as any other plate.
What happens if my blackout plate gets damaged or fades?
Contact the BMV to order a replacement plate. You can do this online or at a branch office. There is typically a replacement fee, though it is usually lower than the original plate cost. Bring your current registration and ID to speed up the process.
Can I transfer blackout plates to a different vehicle?
No. License plates are tied to a specific vehicle registration. If you sell your vehicle or buy a new one, you must order new plates for the new vehicle. You cannot transfer the blackout plate design or the specific plate number to another vehicle.
Are blackout plates legal in other states if I drive out of Indiana?
Yes. Blackout plates are legal in all states because they meet federal reflectivity and visibility standards. However, if you move to another state and register your vehicle there, you will need to obtain that state's plates.