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
Recent Drug Bust Shows US Coast Guard Certification Keeps Boaters Safe
In San Juan Harbor, Coast Guard officers discovered a stowaway hiding aboard a barge, along with an astonishing 789 pounds of cocaine. While headlines focused on the drugs, the incident quietly underscored something equally important: US Coast Guard certification plays a key role in keeping America’s waterways safer. The bustRead More
Pacific Viper: Coast Guard Registration & Maritime Law
Operation Pacific Viper has reshaped how maritime enforcement operates across the Eastern Pacific and beyond. During heightened enforcement activity, having Coast Guard registration in place is not just administrative work. It is foundational to lawful navigation and smoother interactions at sea. Operation Pacific Viper and Enforcement Operation Pacific Viper, (describedRead More
First-Time Vessel Documentation: Guide for New Owners
First-time vessel documentation is important when new vessel owners want to have assurance of their legal ownership and use of the vessel. It's not just a simple formality. Endorsement provides a vessel with official status and links it to nationals. If there’s no appropriate documentation, limits may be placed onRead More