State of Alaska
Division of Motor Vehicles
Standard Operating Procedures
SOP No.: R-225 Page No.: 1
Effective: June 12, 2006
Subject: Supersedes: R-225 Dated: 8/21/03
CHANGING VEHICLE CLASS
Form No.: 812, 821
Statute: AS Regulation: AAC
Vehicle registration fees are based on the use and unladen weight of the vehicle. Codes have been established for each type/class of vehicle as a method of identification and for calculating fees. A change in the use of a vehicle requires a change in the class code and registration fees.

COMMERCIAL TO NON-COMMERCIAL:

  • Change class code to non-commercial class, no change to registration fees (Except trailers)
  • Registration month stays the same (EXCEPTION: Start over for trailers.)

Registration fees are NOT refunded or credited when the use of the vehicle changes from commercial to non-commercial.

NON-COMMERCIAL TO COMMERCIAL:

  • When a change in vehicle use from non-commercial to commercial occurs at the time that the vehicle is due for renewal, change the class code and charge the fees accordingly.
  • When this change occurs, other than at renewal:
    • Start registration over (issue new month tab).
    • Full commercial fees.
    • Other requirements of registration.

Alaska law provides for registration of unique vehicles or vehicles used for special purposes. When the registration for such vehicles expires through a change in use of the vehicle or vehicle ownership, the class code must be changed. Such changes may also require collection of registration fees and the MVRT, if applicable. Refer to the specific SOP that applies to registering unique or special use vehicles for procedures on changing class codes and the handling of fees.

An Application for Title and Registration (Form 812) or a Vehicle Transaction Application (Form 821) may be required on a transaction resulting from a change in the use of the vehicle requiring a change in class code.

There is no charge for a plate replacement if the class change requires a plate change.

Cross Reference:

R-005 Biennial Registration    
R-097 Taxicab    
R-210 Renewal of Registration    

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