Kentucky KYU Number
Required for trucks over 59,999 pounds that travel on Kentucky roads.
Kentucky charges a weight distance tax, called KYU, on heavy trucks that use its highways. Before your trucks run in Kentucky you need a KYU number, and every qualifying truck has to be listed under it.
Who Needs a KYU Number?
Any carrier, interstate or intrastate, operating a truck with a combined license weight over 59,999 pounds on Kentucky roads. Farm-plated vehicles are exempt.
How the KYU Tax Works
- The tax is $0.0285 per mile driven in Kentucky
- Returns are filed every quarter, online
- You must file every quarter even if you did not drive in Kentucky, reporting zero miles
- Missing returns can bring penalties, interest, and a $500 revocation fee
- Carriers that only pass through occasionally can buy a temporary KYU permit per trip instead
Before You Start
- Your USDOT number and FEIN
- VINs for the trucks you will run in Kentucky (up to 5 to start, more can be added later)
- Declared weight for each truck (between 60,000 and 80,000 pounds)
How It Works
- Enter your USDOT number and your truck list.
- We file your KYU application with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
- You get your KYU number by email, along with your quarterly filing schedule.
What It Costs
Kentucky does not charge to register for a KYU number. Our service fee is $79. The mileage tax itself is paid on your quarterly returns.
Ready to Get Started?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is KYU the same as IFTA?
No. IFTA covers fuel tax. KYU is a separate Kentucky weight distance tax with its own quarterly returns.
What if I rarely drive in Kentucky?
A temporary KYU permit for each trip may be a better fit. Tell us how often you run there and we will recommend one or the other.
Do I file if I had no Kentucky miles?
Yes. Every quarter needs a return, even with zero miles.