1. Federal Requirements (USDOT & FMCSA Authority)
Before entering Kentucky, a Washington carrier must have:
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A USDOT Number — required for commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 10,001 lbs or more used in interstate commerce.
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If operating for‑hire interstate, valid FMCSA operating authority (MC number) is also required.
These federal credentials are typically checked at inspections and weigh stations.
2. IRP (International Registration Plan)
Washington carriers crossing state lines (including Kentucky) with qualifying vehicles should be IRP‑registered in their base state (Washington):
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IRP allows a carrier’s apportioned plates to cover registration in multiple member states.
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If your vehicle is not IRP‑registered for Kentucky, you will need a temporary non‑reciprocal (trip) permit to operate legally within the state.
3. Kentucky Trip Permits (Temporary Authorization) at https://www.kentuckytruckingonline.com/
If your Washington‑based truck isn’t IRP‑registered for Kentucky:
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You must purchase a Kentucky trip permit before entering the state.
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These permits are commonly used for single or short‑term visits when you’re not fully IRP‑apportioned for KY.
Trip Permit Highlights
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Typically valid for 10 consecutive days.
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Required if your truck’s GVW is over 26,000 lbs or has 3+ axles and lacks IRP coverage including Kentucky.
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Must be carried in the vehicle during operation in Kentucky.
4. Fuel Tax Compliance (IFTA or Temporary Fuel Permits)
Washington carriers with heavy interstate vehicles generally need an IFTA license from their base state (Washington) to report fuel taxes across states:
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Kentucky is an IFTA member, so if your truck meets the IFTA criteria (e.g., >26,000 lbs or 3+ axles), you should have an active IFTA license and decals.
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If your carrier does not have IFTA credentials, you must obtain a Kentucky temporary fuel permit before operation in the state.
Temporary fuel permits are similar to trip permits and cover fuel tax obligations for short visits.
5. Kentucky Weight‑Distance Tax (KYU) at https://www.kentuckytruckingonline.com/
Kentucky imposes a Weight Distance Tax (KYU) on vehicles with a combined licensed weight over 59,999 lbs that operate on Kentucky highways:
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If your Washington carrier will regularly traverse Kentucky with heavy units, you need to register for a KYU number and report weight‑mile taxes quarterly.
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If you’re only passing through occasionally, you may opt for a temporary KYU permit instead of a full permanent account.
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Kentucky’s KYU tax is assessed per mile traveled and must be filed electronically through the Motor Carrier Portal.
6. Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) at https://www.fmcsa.me/
All interstate carriers (including those based in Washington) with vehicles operating across state lines must maintain an active UCR registration and pay the annual fee based on fleet size — enforced nationally. (UCR requirement generally aligns with federal safety and registration checks.)
7. Oversize/Overweight Permits
If your vehicle or load exceeds Kentucky’s legal size or weight limits (e.g., width over 8’6″, height over 13’6″, weight beyond federal limits), you must secure oversize/overweight permits before entry.
8. Insurance & Safety Documentation
At weigh stations and compliance checks, Kentucky may verify:
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Proof of liability insurance
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USDOT and MC authority paperwork
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IRP apportioned plates or trip permits
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IFTA decals or fuel permits
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KYU number or temporary KYU permit documentation
Make sure these documents are in the vehicle and up to date.
9. Kentucky Ports of Entry & Weigh Stations
Kentucky enforcement personnel regularly check commercial vehicles at Ports of Entry and weigh stations. They verify:
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Proper registration and permits
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Compliance with weight/dimension limits
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Insurance and safety credentials
Operating in Kentucky without the right credentials can lead to fines, vehicle detainment, and back taxes.
Summary Checklist for Washington Carriers Entering Kentucky
Before Entry
USDOT number and federal FMCSA authority
IRP registration including Kentucky or trip permits
Valid IFTA credentials or Kentucky temporary fuel permits
KYU number or temporary KYU permits for heavy vehicles
On the Road
Carry trip, fuel, and KYU permits if applicable
Present all documents at weigh stations and POEs
Ongoing
File quarterly KYU reports at https://www.kentuckytruckingonline.com/
Keep UCR registration active at https://www.fmcsa.me/
Understanding and securing these permits and accounts before entry will help Washington carriers avoid fines, delay, and enforcement issues when operating in Kentucky’s jurisdiction.