Vessel Documentation Forms

Renew Certificate

Renew your Certificate of Documentation for up to five years in advance. Begin Application

Change of Address

Change the physical or mailing address on your Certificate of Documentation. Begin Application

Abstract of Title

Discover more information about a vessel. Begin Application

Initial Vessel Documentation

Document your vessel with the Coast Guard. Begin Application

Transfer/Exchange

Transfer/Exchange ownership of the vessel, change the managing owner, and more. Begin Application

Reinstatement of Documentation

Reinstate a certificate that expired more than thirty days ago. Begin Application

Certified Copy of Documentation

Acquire a certified copy of the vessel’s certificate as it exists on record. Begin Application

Deletion from USCG Documentation

Delete the vessel from US Coast Guard documentation. Begin Application

Replacement of Certificate of Documentation

Replace the Certificate of Documentation if it has been lost or mutilated. Begin Application

Change of Vessel Name or Hailing Port

Change the vessel’s name or its hailing port. Begin Application

Change of Endorsement/Trade Indicator

Change your vessel’s endorsement or trade indicator. Begin Application

Satisfaction/Release of Mortgage

Apply for a satisfaction of mortgage. Begin Application

Preferred Ship Mortgage

Apply for a First Preferred Ship’s Mortgage for your documented vessel. Begin Application

Notice of Claim of Lien (NCL)

Apply for a recording of a claim of lien against a documented vessel. Begin Application

Marad Small Vessel Waiver

Apply for a waiver of the US-build requirement to conduct limited passenger operations in America. Begin Application

Foreign Vessel Title Search Request

Discover more information about vessels in select foreign countries. Begin Application

Document Upload

Use this form to upload relevant information (USCG 1340 Bill of Sale, Last Will and Testament, Previous COD) to your USCG Documentation application processing. Upload Documents

Vessel Documentation Search

Conduct a vessel documentation search by Official Number and HIN. Click Here to Perform a Vessel Documentation Search
USCG Documentation Search vs. Abstract of Title: Protecting Your Loan
Financing a documented vessel requires more than a handshake and a bill of sale. Lenders, buyers, and sellers all rely on accurate federal records to confirm that ownership is valid and that no hidden encumbrances threaten the transaction. A USCG documentation search can reveal basic vessel data, but it doesRead More
What Is Vessel Documentation? Guide for Vessel Owners
Anyone who owns or plans to own a vessel, it is important to understand what is vessel documentation.  Vessel documentation refers to the process by which the federal government establishes a vessel’s legal identity, ownership, and nationality. This official document is recognized by government authorities, banks, and ship-masters. Failure toRead More
Vessel Documentation Requirements: Guide for Owners and Operators
Anyone who owns a vessel, operates a vessel, or plans to transfer a vessel must understand vessel documentation requirements. These requirements determine the legal identity of the vessel and its authority to operate. Proper documentation helps establish ownership, regulatory compliance, and seamless transfers. Vessel operations can be delayed, restricted, orRead More

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