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
How to Choose and Register an Official Hailing Port for Your Boat
Many first-time vessel owners assume they must select a marina, waterfront community, or coastal destination. Federal hailing port requirements are actually much broader than that. A recognized place within the United States may qualify as the location displayed on a documented vessel, even if it is hundreds of miles fromRead More
What Does Having a Coast Guard Documented Vessel Actually Mean?
A Coast Guard Documented Vessel is part of a federal documentation system rather than a state registration program, and that distinction can have important legal and operational implications. What Is the Legal Definition of a Coast Guard Documented Vessel? A vessel becomes federally documented after meeting the eligibility requirements establishedRead More
How to Complete a US Coast Guard Vessel Search for Documentation Status
Whether you are confirming documentation information before purchasing a vessel or verifying the current standing of an existing documented boat, conducting a US Coast Guard vessel search is an important part of the process. Accurate documentation records help establish important details about a vessel's identity and status.  Federal vessel documentationRead More

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