Ky. Rev. Stat. § 138.665 (2026)
License for use of public highways -- Exemption
(1) (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, a license shall be required of each motor carrier or heavy equipment motor carrier subject to the provisions of KRS 138.660 before he or she uses or continues to use the public highways of this state. (b) If the vehicle is subject to those taxes in KRS 138.660(1) to (3), the cabinet may issue a trip permit for each motor vehicle for a fee of forty dollars ($40) for each permit. (2) Application for a license or trip permit shall be made to the cabinet by using the motor carrier portal. (3) (a) Except as provided for in paragraph (b) of this subsection, if an application in proper form has been accepted for filing and approved, and the other conditions and requirements of this section have been complied with, the cabinet shall issue a license. (b) The cabinet may refuse to issue a license: 1. To any person whose license has, at any time previously, been revoked for cause by the cabinet; or 2. If the cabinet is of the opinion that: a. The person who made the application did so as a subterfuge for the real party in interest whose license, prior to the time of filing the application, has been revoked for cause; or b. The application is not for any other reason filed in good faith or is not sufficient cause. (c) Any person who has been denied a license by the cabinet under paragraph (b) of this subsection may appeal that decision by requesting an administrative hearing, which shall be conducted in accordance with KRS Chapter 13B. (4) All licenses shall be valid and remain in full force and effect until suspended or revoked for cause or otherwise canceled. (5) A license shall not be assignable or transferable and shall be valid only for the person in whose name it is issued. (6) The cabinet may require the license number or other identifier to be displayed so that it can be readily recorded either manually or electronically by cabinet representatives. In addition, the cabinet may require each individual unit in the license holder's fleet of vehicles subject to these taxes to be uniquely identified. (7) The provisions of this section shall not apply to a nonresident motor carrier engaged in transporting passengers for hire in irregular route interstate charter or special operations, provided reciprocal privileges are granted to similar nonresident carriers by the laws and regulations of his or her state. Effective: July 15, 2024 History: Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 123, sec. 28, effective July 15, 2024. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 31, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1998. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 363, sec. 4, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1990 Ky. Acts ch. 466, sec. 6, effective July 13, 1990. -- Amended 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 175, sec. 5, effective April 1, 1988. -- Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 174, sec. 3, effective January 1, 1987. -- Amended 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 151, sec. 4, effective July 13, 1984. -- Amended 1982 Ky. Acts ch. 265, sec. 2, April 1, 1982. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 384, sec. 564, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 74, Art. IV, sec. 20(2). -- Amended 1958 Ky. Acts ch. 70, sec. 16. -- Amended 1956 (2d Extra. Sess.) Ky. Acts ch. 9, sec. 17. -- Created 1954 Ky. Acts ch. 97, sec. 4.