For Kentucky Trip and Fuel Permits, KYU Annual Registration visit here - https://www.kentuckytruckingonline.com/
1. USDOT & FMCSA Operating Authority
-
USDOT Number: Required for any commercial vehicle operating interstate with a GVW of 10,001 lbs or more.
-
MC Operating Authority: If you are a for-hire carrier transporting freight into, out of, or through Kentucky, federal operating authority (MC number) from FMCSA is required.
2. IRP (Apportioned Plates)
If your Oregon-based carrier:
-
Operates vehicles over 26,000 lbs (or 3+ axles), and
-
Hauls freight in two or more jurisdictions
…then IRP registration is required with your base jurisdiction (Oregon). An IRP-registered truck is considered valid for Kentucky as part of the IRP agreement.
If you don’t have IRP plates and will be driving regularly into Kentucky, you must obtain IRP plates or use a Trip Permit (see below).
3. Fuel Tax Credentials
IFTA License
-
Interstate carriers with vehicles over 26,000 lbs or 3+ axles must have an IFTA license issued by their base state (e.g., Oregon) to report fuel use.
-
Oregon-based carriers with an active IFTA license can use it when operating in Kentucky.
Important: Kentucky does not issue IFTA licenses to out-of-state carriers directly — you keep your Oregon (base) IFTA credentials.
4. Kentucky Weight-Distance Tax (KYU Number)
Kentucky is unique among many states in requiring a weight-distance tax (KYU) when:
-
A truck’s combined licensed weight is 60,000 lbs or more, AND
-
It travels on Kentucky public highways.
What this means for Oregon carriers:
-
If your vehicle is heavy (≥60,000 lbs) and you will regularly operate in Kentucky, you must apply for a KYU number and file quarterly weight-distance tax returns.
-
A KYU tax license costs no issuance fee, but you owe quarterly mileage tax based on miles traveled in the state.
Temporary KYU Permit:
If you’re making occasional or one-time trips into Kentucky with a heavy vehicle but don’t want a permanent account, a temporary KYU permit can be used for a limited period (usually ~10 days).
5. Trip Permits
For carriers who are not IRP-registered:
-
Kentucky Trip Permit: Required if your truck is not IRP registered and you need to operate in Kentucky temporarily.
-
Typically valid for 10 consecutive days for single-trip operations.
You can purchase this permit online or through a third-party permitting service.
6. Temporary Fuel Permit
If you don’t have an IFTA license and need to enter Kentucky:
-
You will need a Temporary Kentucky Fuel Permit (valid ~10 days) to cover fuel tax responsibilities in place of IFTA for short trips.
7. Other Compliance Requirements
UCR (Unified Carrier Registration)
All interstate carriers operating across state lines must maintain an active UCR registration. Kentucky enforces UCR just like other states.
Oversize/Overweight Permits
If your equipment exceeds legal size/weight limits in Kentucky, special permits are required before entry.
Insurance & Safety Docs
Commercial carriers must maintain:
-
Valid liability insurance
-
FMCSA-required safety documentation
-
Driver credentials (CDL, medical cards, etc.) at all times
Summary Checklist for Oregon Carriers Entering Kentucky
Documentation & Registration
Oregon USDOT Number
FMCSA MC Authority (if for-hire)
Oregon IFTA License (if applicable)
IRP Plates or Kentucky Trip Permit
KYU Tax Account or Temporary KYU Permit - get the permits at https://www.kentuckytruckingonline.com/
UCR Registration - register at https://www.fmcsa.me/
Insurance & Safety Documents
Ongoing Compliance
File quarterly KYU tax returns (if KYU account)
Carry permits and credentials in the cab
Maintain accurate mileage and fuel records