Temporary Fuel Permits for Carriers Without IFTA Credentials

Dec. 6, 2025, 3:52 p.m.
A Temporary Fuel Permit allows a commercial motor carrier to legally travel through a U.S. state without having an active IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement) license and decals. These permits serve as short-term fuel tax authorization for carriers that would otherwise be required to have IFTA credentials.
Temporary Fuel Permits for Kentucky

Apply for Kentucky Fuel Permits here - https://www.kentuckytruckingonline.com/

 

Who Needs a Temporary Fuel Permit?

A carrier must obtain a temporary fuel permit if:

  • They operate a qualified motor vehicle (over 26,000 lbs GVW or with 3+ axles)

  • They do not have an active IFTA license or IFTA decals

  • They plan to travel through a state participating in IFTA

This includes:

  • New carriers waiting for IFTA approval

  • Carriers renting or leasing trucks temporarily

  • Carriers that let IFTA credentials lapse

  • Out-of-state carriers entering Kentucky or another state without IFTA


How Temporary Fuel Permits Work

  • Issued for one specific trip or a limited time period ( 10 days).

  • Grant legal authority to operate in the state without paying IFTA taxes upfront.

  • Carriers must purchase separate permits for each state they travel through.


Temporary Fuel Permits in Kentucky

For Kentucky:

  • A temporary fuel permit allows non-IFTA carriers to travel legally in and through Kentucky.

  • The permit is available online via third-party providers or through authorized state systems.

  • Kentucky typically issues temporary fuel permits valid for  10 days, depending on the provider.


Information Required to Obtain One

Carriers generally need to provide:

  • USDOT number

  • Vehicle information (VIN, plate, unit number)

  • Carrier name and address

  • Origin and destination

  • Route or states to be traveled

  • Payment information


Why Temporary Fuel Permits Matter

  • Avoid fines, citations, and roadside enforcement issues

  • Maintain compliance while waiting for IFTA approval

  • Useful for one-time or occasional interstate trips

  • Saves carriers from committing to full IFTA reporting when not needed long-term