A Kentucky Weight Distance Permit, also known as a KYU permit, applies to qualified motor carriers that travel on Kentucky roadways. This permit connects to Kentucky’s mileage-based weight distance requirements.
KYU applies to motor vehicles on Kentucky public highways with a combined licensed weight greater than 59,999 pounds. Under KRS 138.660, Kentucky computes the weight distance charge at $0.0285 per mile.
DOT Operating Authority helps motor carriers with Kentucky Weight Distance Permit filing, KYU permit support, KYU number assistance, and related Kentucky filing requirements.
What Is a Kentucky Weight Distance Permit?
A Kentucky Weight Distance Permit is a KYU permit for qualified carriers that travel on Kentucky roadways. Kentucky lists KYU as a Kentucky Highway Use License. The KYU Registration Guide also refers to the application as a Kentucky Highway Use Tax application.
This permit applies to qualified motor vehicles with a combined licensed weight greater than 59,999 pounds. Kentucky calculates the related charge based on mileage traveled in the state.
Who Needs a KYU Permit?
Carriers may need a KYU permit if they travel on Kentucky roadways with a combined gross weight or licensed weight greater than 59,999 pounds.
Farm-plate vehicles are exempt from the KYU tax.
Kentucky’s Commercial Motor Vehicle Credentials information explains that a commercial motor vehicle is any self-propelled or towed motor vehicle that a company uses on a highway in interstate commerce. The vehicle’s main activity or use helps determine whether FMCSA requirements apply.
KYU Number
Kentucky issues a KYU number after the online KYU application is completed. Before applying online, carriers must set up a Kentucky Online Gateway account.
If technical issues prevent online filing, a carrier may print and mail a completed Kentucky Trucking Application Form. Paper applications can take 10 to 14 business days to process. Kentucky may return incomplete applications.
After approval, the KYU number appears on the next screen. Keep a copy of your KYU number for your records.
Is There a Physical KYU License?
The KYU Registration Guide states that there is no physical KYU license. Kentucky ties the KYU electronically to the DOT number.
Carriers do not have to display the KYU number on the vehicle unless they are leased to another carrier and operate under that carrier’s DOT authority.
How Much Does a KYU Number Cost?
Kentucky states that there is no fee to obtain a permanent KYU number. Carriers still remain responsible for quarterly mileage tax.
For carriers that do not need a permanent KYU license, Kentucky offers a temporary KYU trip permit option. A temporary KYU permit is valid for 10 days and has a $40 fee.
Requirements to Obtain Your KYU Number
Before Kentucky issues a KYU number, carrier information must be correct and active.
A carrier may need:
- A USDOT number listed as interstate
- An active MC number if the carrier is for-hire
- Current UCR registration
- Correct business name and address
- Vehicle information for the KYU application
- Active state and federal credentials
Kentucky lists common application mistakes that may cause delays or rejection. These include applying before the MC number is active, using a name or address that does not match the DOT record, missing vehicle information, or having inactive credentials.
The KYU Registration Guide also explains user types in the Motor Carrier Portal. Choose Motor Carrier if you operate under your own DOT authority. Choose Registrant if you are leased to another carrier and operate under that carrier’s DOT authority.
If you lease from or lease to another motor carrier, Kentucky advises checking which party handles taxes and authorities.
KYU Temporary Permit and KYU License
Carriers can choose between a temporary KYU trip permit and a permanent KYU license.
A temporary KYU permit may be used if the carrier does not make regular trips through Kentucky. The permit is valid for 10 days and has a $40 fee.
A permanent KYU license is for qualified carriers that need ongoing KYU filing. Once Kentucky issues the KYU number, the carrier must file quarterly KYU returns for miles driven in Kentucky.
Kentucky Weight Distance Permit Filing Due Dates
KYU tax returns and payments are due quarterly. Kentucky sets the deadline as the last day of the next calendar month after each quarter.
| Quarter | Months Covered | Filing Due Date |
| 1st Quarter | January, February, March | April 30 |
| 2nd Quarter | April, May, June | July 31 |
| 3rd Quarter | July, August, September | October 31 |
| 4th Quarter | October, November, December | January 31 |
KYU license holders must file every quarter, even with no Kentucky travel.
KYU E-Filing and Zero-Mile Reports
Kentucky requires KYU Weight Distance quarterly tax returns to be filed and paid online through the Motor Carrier Portal. As of the 4th Quarter of 2024, all KYU tax returns must be filed and paid online.
Carriers need a registered Kentucky Online Gateway account for electronic filing. Kentucky accepts credit card and ACH payments.
If a carrier had no Kentucky operations during a quarter, the carrier must still file a KYU return. Carriers should also update KYU vehicle inventory online through the Motor Carrier Portal.
KYU, IFTA, KIT, IRP, and UCR
Kentucky lists KYU separately from IFTA, KIT, IRP, UCR, USDOT Number, and FMCSA Operating Authority.
IFTA connects to fuel use tax reporting for qualified interstate carriers. KIT is the Kentucky Intrastate Tax license. KYU connects to the Kentucky Weight Distance Permit requirement.
If you are unsure which license or authority applies to your operation, Kentucky advises contacting the Division of Motor Carriers.
Kentucky Weight Distance Permit Record Requirements
KYU records, including driver logs, must be maintained for five years.
The taxpayer must keep mileage information for each qualified motor vehicle. An Individual Vehicle Mileage Record, also called an IVMR, is an acceptable source document.
An IVMR should include:
- Date of trip Trip origin and destination
- Intermediate stops
- Routes traveled
- Beginning and ending odometer or hubometer readings
- Total miles
- Mileage by jurisdiction
- Unit number
- Taxpayer’s name
Taxpayers should also keep monthly or quarterly mileage recaps and fuel receipts. A computer software program may also route trips and allocate miles to each jurisdiction.
Late or Missed KYU Filing Penalties
KYU license holders must file quarterly returns on time. This includes quarters with no Kentucky operations.
Failure to file a KYU return can result in license revocation and a $500 penalty.
How DOT Operating Authority Helps With KYU Permit Filing
Filing for a KYU permit can feel confusing when you are managing vehicles, routes, and deadlines.
DOT Operating Authority helps motor carriers with KYU permit filing, KYU number support, and Kentucky Weight Distance Permit requirements. Our filing agents help review the required information and assist with the filing process.
Get help with your Kentucky Weight Distance Permit today. Call DOT Operating Authority at (888) 669-4383 or start the filing process online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kentucky weight distance?
Kentucky Weight Distance Tax, also known as KYU, is a mileage-based tax for qualified motor carriers operating on Kentucky roadways. The tax is based on the number of miles traveled in Kentucky and applies to vehicles with a combined licensed weight greater than 59,999 pounds.
What is the weight limit for trucks in Kentucky?
The KYU Weight Distance Tax applies to motor vehicles operated on Kentucky public highways with a combined licensed weight greater than 59,999 pounds.
What is a kyu?
KYU is Kentucky’s Weight Distance Tax license issued for qualified motor carriers operating on Kentucky roadways. It is a tax-based permit required for carriers meeting Kentucky’s weight threshold.
How does Kentucky calculate vehicle tax?
Kentucky calculates the Weight Distance Tax based on miles traveled in Kentucky by qualified vehicles. The tax rate is $0.0285 per mile for vehicles with a combined licensed weight greater than 59,999 pounds.
