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
CG 1280 Renewal of Certificate of Documentation
Every documented vessel in the United States is issued a Certificate of Documentation by the U.S. Coast Guard, verifying its nationality, ownership, and eligibility for certain activities. However, compliance isn’t permanent. For most vessel owners, the Certificate of Documentation must be renewed annually using what is formally known as theRead More
Best Way to Complete a Boat Serial Number Lookup
A boat’s history and legal standing can be challenging to find. Whether you’re researching a vessel before purchasing or verifying the status of your own, beginning with a boat serial number lookup is a smart move. At the National Documentation Portal, we offer a direct, easy-to-use resource for accessing theRead More
All That’s Contained in a Boat Lookup By Hull Number
Discovering a boat’s history can begin with just one piece of information: the Hull Identification Number, or HIN. With this unique number, it’s possible to uncover valuable data tied to a vessel’s status and background. At the National Documentation Portal, we offer a straightforward way to access a boat lookupRead More