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
Notice of Claim of Lien for a Boat: Filing Federal Encumbrances with the NVDC
Governing Law: Federal Maritime Lien Act (46 U.S.C. § 31342) and USCG Vessel Documentation Regulations (46 CFR Part 67). Eligibility: Applies exclusively to USCG documented vessels where "necessaries" (repairs, fuel, slip leases, towing, crew wages) were provided on credit. Filing Agency: National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC). Effect of Filing: AttachesRead More
Bill of Sale for Boats: Requirements for Legal Transfers
A bill of sale for boats is a legally binding document that records the transfer of vessel ownership from a seller to a buyer. It acts as proof of purchase, details financial terms and warranties, and is mandatory for registering or documenting a vessel with state titling agencies or theRead More
US Coast Guard Boat Registration: Vital Safety & Search Benefits
For boat owners, federal vessel documentation creates a formal identity for a qualifying vessel and places important information into Coast Guard systems. US Coast Guard boat registration can provide an official identity that supports documentation records, vessel searches, and clearer identification when a boat is involved in an emergency orRead More

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