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
US Vessel Abstract of Title: NVDC Encumbrances & Ownership Records 
What is a US Vessel Abstract of Title?  A US vessel abstract of title is the official, comprehensive legal ledger issued by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC) that documents a federally documented watercraft’s complete chain of title from initial construction to the present day.Read More
Ship’s Preferred Mortgage: USCG Filing, Lien Recording & Satisfaction Guide
A Ship’s Preferred Mortgage is a specialized federal lien recorded with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC) under 46 U.S.C. Chapter 313. Unlike standard state-level UCC filings, a Preferred Ship Mortgage grants the lender a maritime lien with executive legal priority over all non-maritime claimsRead More
Requirements for a Documented Vessel: USCG Categories & NVDC Rules 
The requirements for a documented vessel under 46 CFR Part 67 state that a vessel must measure at least 5 net tons in volumetric capacity (typically 26 feet or longer) and be 100% owned by U.S. citizens (or meet strict supermajority corporate ownership thresholds).  Owners must file Form CG-1258 withRead More

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