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
Applying for a MARAD Waiver: How to Charter Foreign-Built Vessels in the U.S.
Foreign-built vessels can face an important obstacle when their owners want to conduct commercial passenger operations between U.S. points. The federal rules governing coastwise trade generally require qualifying vessels to meet U.S.-build requirements. For eligible small passenger vessels, applying for a MARAD waiver may provide a path to obtaining anRead More
Free Boat Title Search vs. Official USCG Abstract: The Facts
A free boat title search may seem like an easy way to review basic information before committing to a purchase, but free databases and informal searches may not provide the federal documentation record a buyer needs.  A free online search can be useful when you are first reviewing a vessel.Read More
NVDC Registry Endorsement: Operating Your Vessel in International Waters
Federal regulations establish several trade endorsements for documented vessels, each serving a different operational purpose. A NVDC Registry endorsement is intended for vessels engaged in foreign trade or certain operations outside domestic trade restrictions. According to 46 CFR § 67.17, a registry endorsement authorizes eligible documented vessels to participate inRead More

FAQs