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
What You Need to Know When Documenting Your American Vessel
When documenting your American vessel, it is important to consider eligibility, ownership, citizenship, vessel measurement, endorsements, and ongoing filing requirements. At the National Documentation E-Portal, our online service makes it easier to submit an application for Coast Guard documentation.  Determining Whether Your Vessel May Qualify for Federal Documentation Federal documentationRead More
A Pocket Guide to the MARAD Small Vessel Waiver Program
For owners of certain foreign-built vessels, moving into passenger-for-hire operations can involve an additional federal requirement beyond obtaining Coast Guard documentation. The MARAD small vessel waiver program can provide a path for qualifying vessel owners to seek an exemption from the U.S.-build requirement that would otherwise prevent a foreign-built vesselRead More
Abstract of Title: What You Must Know Before Buying a Documented Vessel
A documented vessel abstract of title can provide valuable information about the history recorded for a vessel and help a prospective buyer review information connected to ownership, mortgages, and other recorded instruments. Before moving forward, it is important to understand the vessel’s recorded history and identify whether financial obligations orRead More

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