Kentucky IFTA License Cancelled for Non-Renewal: How to Get Back on the Road

Kentucky IFTA License Cancelled for Non-Renewal: How to Get Back on the Road

Table Of Contents

• Introduction

• How Kentucky IFTA Renewal Works

• What Happens When You Miss the Renewal

• Can You Still Renew a Cancelled License?

• What Kentucky Checks Before It Renews

• If Your License Was Suspended or Revoked

• Step-by-Step: Getting Back on the Road

• Decals After You Renew

• Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Why Many Trucking Companies Choose Our Service

• FAQ

Introduction

Renewal season comes at the busiest time of the year for many carriers. If the deadline slips by, a Kentucky IFTA license can be cancelled for non-renewal, and your trucks can lose the fuel tax credentials they need to cross state lines.

The good news is that Kentucky gives carriers a clear way back. This guide explains how Kentucky IFTA (KY Fuel Permit) renewal works, what a cancellation for non-renewal means, and the steps to get your trucks legally moving again.

How Kentucky IFTA Renewal Works

According to the Kentucky Division of Motor Carriers' IFTA Compliance Manual:

• The IFTA license is valid for the calendar year, January 1 through December 31.

• The Division sends renewal notices that instruct carriers to renew online by November 30 through Motor Carrier Connect.

• Renewals submitted after November 30 take 10 to 14 business days to process.

• Kentucky does not charge an annual renewal processing fee for an IFTA license or decals.

• Two decals are issued for each qualified motor vehicle.

The renewal instructions say the renewal widget appears on the account dashboard from October 1 through March 15. After March 15, the renewal link is under Fuel Tax > Create/Renew License.

What Happens When You Miss the Renewal

If a license is not renewed, it can be cancelled. Kentucky's manual lists non-renewal of license as one of the grounds for suspension or revocation, along with failing to file returns, failing to pay tax, and failing to pay an audit assessment.

Without a current license, your trucks are no longer operating under IFTA. The manual is direct: carriers that qualify for IFTA but do not have an IFTA license must obtain trip permits to travel through member jurisdictions, under each jurisdiction's rules and fees. A carrier found operating a qualified motor vehicle without an IFTA license may be subject to citations and fines and may be required to buy a trip permit.

Can You Still Renew a Cancelled License?

Yes. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's IFTA page says, "If you have an IFTA that is cancelled for non-renewal, you are still able to do your renewal online!"

So a license cancelled only because it was not renewed does not always mean starting over with a new application. You can log in to Motor Carrier Connect and complete the renewal. Your Motor Carrier Portal login works through your Kentucky Online Gateway account.

What Kentucky Checks Before It Renews

Renewal is not automatic. The Compliance Manual says renewal may be denied if the licensee has failed to file any report or failed to pay amounts due to any member jurisdiction. It also states that renewals will not be processed if UCR or any other state or federal delinquency is identified.

Under the IFTA Articles of Agreement, a renewal license and decals are issued when:

• The license is not revoked, suspended, or canceled

• All tax returns have been filed, and

• All fuel use taxes, penalties, and interest have been paid.

The Articles also allow a base jurisdiction to require a bond from a licensee that failed to file returns or pay taxes on time.

If Your License Was Suspended or Revoked

Some carriers miss the renewal and also have missing returns or unpaid tax. In that case, the problem is bigger than non-renewal.

Kentucky's manual says that when a license is revoked or suspended, the Division notifies Commercial Vehicle Enforcement and all member jurisdictions. It also warns in capital letters: "DO NOT OPERATE VEHICLES WHEN A LICENSE HAS BEEN REVOKED OR SUSPENDED."

To reinstate, the Division may require the licensee to file all required returns and pay all outstanding liabilities due to all member jurisdictions. Kentucky also requires a failure to file/pay a fee of $500 before reinstatement.

Step-by-Step: Getting Back on the Road

1. Park Qualified Trucks or Buy Trip Permits. Do not run interstate loads without IFTA credentials or the trip permits each state requires.

2. File Every Missing Quarterly Return. Returns are due April 30, July 31, October 31, and January 31. File zero-mile returns for quarters with no travel.

3. Pay What You Owe. Late returns carry a penalty of $50 or 10 percent of the net tax due, whichever is greater, plus monthly interest.

4. Clear Other Delinquencies. Make sure UCR and other state or federal items are current.

5. Renew Online. Log in to Motor Carrier Connect and select the renewal option.

6. Order Decals. Enter the number of decals you need and calculate the fees.

7. Pay the $500 Fee if Required. This applies when the license was suspended or revoked for failing to file or pay.

Decals After You Renew

Once the renewal is approved, place the decals on the rear exterior portion of both sides of the power unit, as Kentucky's manual requires. Keep a copy of the IFTA license in each vehicle. Failing to display decals properly can lead to citations, fines, and a required trip permit.

If you need more decals later in the year, Kentucky allows licensees to order additional decals from the Division.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Running loads while cancelled. A cancelled license does not cover interstate fuel tax.

• Skipping zero-mile returns. Every quarter needs a return, even with no travel.

• Ignoring UCR. A UCR delinquency can stop your renewal.

• Missing the November 30 deadline again. Set a reminder for next year.

• Using old decals. Display the current year's decals once they arrive.

Why Many Trucking Companies Choose Our Service

Kentucky Trucking Online helps carriers renew a cancelled Kentucky IFTA license, catch up on missing returns, and get a KY Fuel Permit in place while the renewal is processed. We work with you until your trucks are legal again.

• IFTA: $95

• KIT: $95

• KYU: $95

We provide support 24/7 and also work weekends and holidays.

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FAQ

• Can I renew a Kentucky IFTA license that was cancelled for non-renewal?

  Yes. Kentucky says a license cancelled for non-renewal can still be renewed online.

• When is the Kentucky IFTA renewal deadline?

  Kentucky asks carriers to renew online by November 30. Later renewals take 10 to 14 business days.

• Can I drive while my IFTA license is cancelled?

  Not under IFTA. You need trip permits for each member jurisdiction, or you may face citations and fines.

• Is there a fee to reinstate a Kentucky IFTA license?

  Kentucky requires a $500 failure to file/pay fee before reinstatement when returns were not filed or tax was not paid.

• What is the penalty for a late IFTA return?

  $50 or 10 percent of the net tax due, whichever is greater, plus interest.

For more information, visit the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.