How to Apply for a Kentucky KYU Number

Dec. 28, 2025, 12:35 p.m.
A Kentucky KYU Number is a tax license issued under the Kentucky Weight Distance Tax law. It applies to commercial motor carriers whose vehicles have a combined gross weight of 60,000 lbs or more and travel on public highways in Kentucky. Once issued, the KYU number stays with your business and is used to file quarterly weight-distance tax returns based on miles traveled in the state.
Apply for a Kentucky KYU Number

Step-by-Step: Applying for Your KYU Number

1. Determine If You Need a KYU Number

You must register for a KYU number if your commercial vehicle has a declared combined weight of 60,000 lbs or more and you operate on Kentucky roads — either intrastate or interstate.  

Vehicles under this weight are usually exempt, and farm-plated vehicles may be exempt in many cases.  


2. Prepare Required Information

Before starting the application, gather:

  • Company legal name, FEIN (tax ID), and address

  • USDOT number (and MC operating authority if for-hire interstate)

  • UCR registration (must be current to avoid processing issues), register at  https://www.fmcsa.me/

  • Vehicle details such as VIN, plate number, year, make, unit number, and declared weight for each truck you want under the KYU account  


3. Create a Kentucky Online Gateway (KOG) Account

To apply online, you must first set up an personal cabinet at https://www.kentuckytruckingonline.com/
This account gives you access to the  portal, where you can apply and file returns. 


4. Apply Online for Immediate Issuance

Once your KOG account is ready:

  • Select KYU (Weight Distance) 

  • Enter all required business and vehicle data

Online applications are issued instantly once submitted successfully, and you receive your KYU number right away. 

 


 Fees & Costs

 Fee is $97 per truck charged to issue a permanent KYU number.
 You are responsible for quarterly KYU tax based on Kentucky miles driven. 


 After You Get Your KYU Number

Once issued:

  • You must file KYU weight distance tax returns quarterly, even if no miles were driven in Kentucky.

  • You may add or remove vehicles from your KYU account using an online inventory update at https://www.kentuckytruckingonline.com/

Filing deadlines are typically:

  • Apr 30, Jul 31, Oct 31, and Jan 31 for each quarter. 


 Quick Checklist

 Confirm vehicle meets KYU weight threshold
 Active USDOT/MC/UCR credentials
 Create Kentucky Online Gateway account
 Apply online (instant)
 File quarterly KYU tax returns

 

https://drive.ky.gov/Motor-Carriers/Pages/KYU.aspx