Kentucky Fuel Tax Permits (IFTA & Temporary Fuel Permits)

Dec. 15, 2025, 12:31 p.m.
Kentucky follows the standard IFTA system for fuel tax reporting, unlike states such as Oregon or New Mexico. Most interstate carriers will deal with IFTA, while short-term or occasional operators may need temporary fuel permits instead.
Kentucky Fuel Tax Permits

Permits are avaliable at  https://www.kentuckytruckingonline.com/

 

IFTA in Kentucky

Who needs a Kentucky IFTA license?

You must register for IFTA if you operate a qualified motor vehicle that:

  • Travels in two or more IFTA jurisdictions, and

  • Is used for business purposes, and

  • Meets one of the following:

    • Has 3 or more axles, regardless of weight, OR

    • Has 2 axles and a gross or registered weight over 26,000 lbs, OR

    • Is used in a combination with a total weight over 26,000 lbs

What IFTA covers in Kentucky

  • Diesel

  • Gasoline

  • Other taxable motor fuels

With IFTA:

  • You file one quarterly fuel tax return

  • Kentucky distributes fuel taxes to other states on your behalf

 Kentucky Temporary Fuel (Trip) Permits

If you are not registered for IFTA, you must obtain a Kentucky temporary fuel permit before operating in the state.

When a temporary fuel permit is required

  • You operate a qualified vehicle in Kentucky

  • You do not have an active IFTA license

  • You are making a one-time or infrequent trip

Permit details

  • Typically valid for a limited number of days

  • Covers fuel tax obligations for that specific trip

  • Must be obtained before entering Kentucky

Temporary fuel permits are commonly used by:

  • Out-of-state carriers

  • New carriers awaiting IFTA approval

  • Owner-operators running occasional interstate trips

 Kentucky Temporary Registration (Trip) Permits

(Not fuel tax—but often needed together)

You may also need a Kentucky temporary registration permit if:

  • Your vehicle is not apportioned under IRP, or

  • Your registration does not cover Kentucky

Fuel permits and registration permits are separate, and many carriers need both.

 IFTA vs. Temporary Fuel Permit — Quick Comparison

Situation What You Need
Regular interstate travel IFTA license
One-time or occasional KY trip Temporary fuel permit
Diesel or gasoline vehicle IFTA applies
Not IRP registered Registration trip permit
New carrier, IFTA pending Temporary fuel permit

 Compliance Tips for Kentucky

 Carry proof of IFTA license or trip permit in the vehicle
 File IFTA returns quarterly—even if no miles were driven
 Track miles and fuel purchases accurately
 Obtain permits before entering Kentucky
 Do not assume registration covers fuel tax—it doesn’t

 Key Takeaways

  •  Kentucky participates fully in IFTA

  •  Most interstate carriers should use IFTA, not trip permits

  •  Temporary fuel permits are for short-term or occasional travel

  •  Fuel permits and registration permits are not the same

https://revenue.ky.gov/Business/Motor-Fuels-Tax/Pages/default.aspx

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