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
U.S. Maritime Administration: A Complete Guide to Vessel Waivers
The United States’ maritime industry is subject to strict regulations to ensure safety, compliance, and fair trade practices. The U.S. lies at the center of this framework. The Maritime Administration is responsible for the administration of policies, programs and issuing waivers. Understanding how this administration operates is crucial for vesselRead More
Selling a Coast Guard Documented Boat: Complete Guide
A ship sale entails far more than seeking out a buyer and agreeing to a price. Selling a Coast Guard documented boat requires following certain legal and documentation requirements.  The procedures ensure proper transfer of ownership and protection of both parties. State-registered vessels are not the same as documented vessels.Read More
Hailing Port: The Complete 2026 Guide to Everything You Need to Know
A hailing port is the city and state that appear on the exterior of a federally documented vessel. This designation helps identify the vessel and is tied to the vessel’s Certificate of Documentation issued by the United States Coast Guard. Unlike state registration systems, federally documented vessels follow specific federalRead More

FAQs