KENTUCKY HIGHWAY USE LICENSE (KYU): This license is required for vehicles with a registered gross weight of 60,000 lbs. and above to report mileage tax. A surety bond is only required for carriers whose license has been cancelled for any reason.

INTERNATIONAL FUEL TAX AGREEMENT LICENSE (IFTA): This license is required for interstate carriers with a gross registered weight exceeding 26,000 lbs. or vehicles with 3 or more axles regardless of weight to report fuel use tax. Kentucky currently exempts farm plated vehicles, buses and government vehicles. Exemptions are different for each state. If you are required to file taxes you will need to obtain an IFTA license through Kentucky. More information is available.

KENTUCKY INTRASTATE TAX LICENSE (KIT): This license is required for intrastate carriers with a gross registered weight exceeding 26,000 lbs. or vehicles with 3 or more axles regardless of weight to report fuel use tax.
 

Authorities:

INTRASTATE AUTHORITY: Required for all intrastate for-hire carriers.

KENTUCKY REGULATED AUTHORITY: Required for intrastate for-hire carriers transporting passengers and/or household goods. To obtain an application for this authority, please call 502-564-7650.

ICC EXEMPT AUTHORITY: Required if you are operating as an interstate for-hire carrier transporting goods exempt from ICC Regulations.

ICC AUTHORITY: Required if you are operating as an interstate for-hire carrier transporting goods subject to ICC Regulations. To obtain an application for this authority, please call 202-358-7106 or 202-358-7108.

US D.O.T. NUMBER: Required if you are operating vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating or actual gross weight of 10,001 lbs. or above. In Kentucky, all vehicles plated at 10,000 lbs. and above are considered commercial. Some private farm plated vehicles also need a US D.O.T. number. Farm plated vehicles with the gross vehicle weight rating or actual gross weight of 10,001 lbs. or above operating interstate will need a US D.O.T. number. Intrastate farm plated vehicles with the gross vehicle weight rating or actual gross weight exceeding 26,000 lbs. will also need a US D.O.T. number. To obtain an application, please go to our Forms and Applications page, Section 2 Item Q, or call the applicable number:

KY based carriers: (502) 564-4127
Out-of-state carriers: (800) 832-5660 or visit the FMCSA at http://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov

INTERNATIONAL REGISTRATION PLAN (IRP): Required for interstate carriers who operate through two or more of the member jurisdictions with a gross weight exceeding 26,000 lbs. or vehicles with 3 or more axles regardless of weight. Vehicles operating intrastate in any member jurisdiction would either have to IRP Apportion Register or purchase a Trip Permit. For questions regarding this authority, please call 502-564-4120 or e-mail irp.dmc@ky.gov.  More information is available.

UNIFIED CARRIER REGISTRATION (UCR): A Federal Mandated Program enforced by participating states. UCR (Unified Carrier Registration) - any motor carrier that operates in interstate or international commerce is subject to the UCRA (Unified Carrier Registration Agreement) fees. This includes: Motor Carriers, Motor Private Carriers, Leasing Companies, Brokers, and Freight Forwarders.
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FURTHER INFORMATION:

If you are leasing from or will be leasing to another motor carrier please contact the company to determine which party will be responsible for paying taxes and obtaining the necessary authorities.

If you are uncertain as to which of the licenses and authorities apply to you, contact the Division of Motor Carriers and a customer service representative will be able to assist you.

For further information on overweight/overdimensional permits, fuel and highway use taxes, regulations regarding rates charged and services rendered by for-hire Kentucky household goods and passenger carriers, contact:

The Division of Motor Carriers
P.O. Box 2007
Frankfort, KY 40602
Phone and Fax list
E-mail
Mailing Information

Division of Motor Carriers Home Page