How Much Does a KYU Permit Cost?
KYU permit fees depend on whether you need a temporary (trip-based) or permanent (ongoing account) KYU credential.
Order Permits Now Prices shown are Custom Permits standard rates. Custom pricing may apply for high-volume accounts. Call us or order online for an instant quote — we confirm your exact total before processing anything.
Who Needs a KYU Permit?
Any commercial vehicle with a combined gross weight of 60,000 lbs or more operating on Kentucky's public highways must have a valid KYU number before entering the state. This includes:
- Semi-trucks and trailers at or above 60,000 lbs combined gross
- Straight trucks with a licensed GVW of 60,000 lbs or more
- Tractor + trailer + load combinations meeting the threshold
- Any carrier making occasional Kentucky trips (temporary KYU) or running Kentucky regularly (permanent KYU account)
Without a valid KYU number, your driver faces fines at any weigh station along the route. Don't risk it — same-day processing is available.
Permanent vs. Temporary KYU — Which Do You Need?
Best for carriers that occasionally pass through Kentucky.
- Good for a single trip or short duration
- No ongoing tax filing required
- Issued same-day — often within the hour
- Flat fee based on weight and duration
Best for carriers that run Kentucky lanes regularly.
- Ongoing account — no per-trip permits needed
- Quarterly mileage-based tax filings required
- More cost-effective for frequent Kentucky operations
- Requires accurate Kentucky mileage records
Not sure which one you need? Call us — we'll figure it out with you in two minutes flat.
How to Get Your KYU Permit
- Get a quote online or by phone. Head to easypermits.custompermits.com or call us. We'll confirm your weight class and what you need — takes two minutes.
- Submit your carrier info. DOT number, vehicle weight, travel dates for temporary KYU. We verify everything before processing so there are no surprises at the scale.
- Get your permit — same day. Most KYU permits are processed and delivered the same day, often within the hour. You'll have it in your inbox ready to print or forward to your driver.
Is KYU the Same as a Kentucky Trip Permit?
No — and this is a common mix-up. A Kentucky trip permit covers IRP registration (your right to operate in the state under apportioned plates). KYU is a separate weight-distance tax requirement on top of that. Many trucks running Kentucky need both.
Tell us your situation and we'll make sure you've got everything you need before your driver rolls — nothing more, nothing less.