INDIANA — Hoosier drivers looking to customize their rides while supporting local causes have five new reasons to visit the BMV this year. The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) has officially expanded its Special Group Recognition (SGR) program, introducing a diverse lineup of new license plate designs for 2026.
The SGR program allows residents to show their pride for specific organizations, colleges, and universities. Each specialty plate carries a $40 annual fee, with $25 of that amount going directly to the featured group to fund scholarships, community grants, and statewide initiatives.
Supporting Women’s Sports and Local Educators
Among the most anticipated additions is the first-ever specialty plate for the Indiana Fever. Launched in partnership with the Pacers Foundation, the plate features the team’s iconic “F” logo on a white background with a bold red banner across the bottom.
Proceeds from the Fever plate benefit the Fever Fund, which supports organizations across Indiana that empower women and girls through sports, leadership development, and wellness programs.
Education also takes center stage with the new Indiana State Teachers Association (ISTA) Foundation plate. This design supports the “backbone of the classroom” by funding continuing education, training, and professional development for public school educators throughout the state.
Conservation and Campus Pride
Nature lovers can now opt for the Pollinator Partnership plate. Designed to raise awareness for Indiana’s vital ecosystems, the plate features vibrant imagery of butterflies and bees. Funds raised will go toward creating pollinator habitats and educational outreach projects in Indiana.
Higher education is also seeing a boost with two new university-specific designs:
- Purdue University Fort Wayne (PFW): Supporting the Mastodons in Indiana’s second-largest city.
- Purdue Northwest (PNW): Highlighting Purdue’s commitment to the northwest region of the state.
How to Get Your New Plate
Hoosiers don’t have to wait for their current registration to expire to make the switch. The new plates are available now for standard passenger vehicles, motorcycles, light trucks (under 11,000 lbs.), and RVs.
Drivers can order their new plates through three convenient methods:
- Online: Visit myBMV.com to select a new design during your renewal.
- In-Person: Visit any local BMV branch to upgrade immediately.
- BMV Connect: Use a 24-hour kiosk for standard plate renewals.
Whether you’re a sports fan, an advocate for the environment, or a proud alum, Indiana’s 2026 plate lineup offers a way for every driver to leave a positive impact on the road.
