No. When your boat is documented at the federal level, you do not need a traditional state-issued vessel title. A documented vessel is recorded with the U.S. Coast Guard, and instead of a title, it carries a Certificate of Documentation.
This federal certificate establishes ownership and nationality, and in many cases, replaces the need for a separate state title. However, depending on your state’s laws, you may still be required to complete state registration, even though titling is not necessary.
What Does It Mean to Have a Documented Vessel with the U.S. Coast Guard?
Federal vessel documentation is a national form of registration maintained by the United States Coast Guard.
When a vessel is documented, its ownership and nationality are recognized at the federal level, which can simplify travel between states and international waters. Rather than relying on state titles, the Certificate of Documentation acts as the vessel’s official proof of ownership.
Many owners document their vessels when traveling outside state waterways or engaging in activities such as commercial fisheries, coastwise trade, or other federally regulated operations.
Documentation also provides an authoritative ownership record. It helps reduce disputes and ensures that your vessel’s identity and ownership status are recognized consistently nationwide. This can be beneficial when traveling, selling the vessel, or securing financing.
Our service provides access to the forms necessary to apply for this documentation online, streamlining the process for vessel owners.
Who Is Eligible to Document a Vessel?
Not all vessels are eligible for federal documentation. There are specific requirements set by the U.S. Coast Guard:
- The vessel owner must be a U.S. citizen.
• The vessel must measure at least five net tons (a measurement of volume, not weight).
• The vessel may be used for recreational purposes or certain commercial activities.
Most vessels over approximately 25 feet in length meet the five net ton requirement. If you are unsure whether your vessel meets this measurement, you can have it evaluated by a qualified marine surveyor.
Federal documentation can offer important benefits, including clear proof of nationality and the ability to operate in certain regulated maritime trades.
For owners who plan to engage in fisheries, trade, or commercial passenger operations, the endorsement type on the Certificate of Documentation will matter.
Does a Documented Vessel Need State Registration?
Even though a federally documented vessel does not need a state-issued title, some states require registration for certain types of waterway use. Generally, states that require registration want vessels operating primarily in their waters to have visible state registration decals.
This requirement varies widely from state to state, so vessel owners should verify their state’s specific rules.
Verify Your State’s Rules
This distinction is important:
- Documentation replaces the state title.
• Documentation does not automatically exempt the vessel from state registration.
Our service assists with the federal documentation forms only. Owners are responsible for fulfilling any state-level requirements if applicable.
What Documentation Takes the Place of a Title?
Instead of a title, documented vessels carry a Certificate of Documentation. This certificate identifies:
- The vessel’s official number
• Its name and hailing port
• The vessel owner(s)
• The endorsement under which the vessel is allowed to operate
Because the Certificate of Documentation is federally recognized, it provides clearer proof of nationality than a state title. This can be especially useful when traveling internationally or selling the vessel across state lines.
A state title is tied to a particular state’s registration laws, while federal documentation is uniform across the country.
How Is Ownership of a Documented Vessel Established or Transferred?
Ownership is established through the documentation process. When a vessel is documented for the first time, the owner submits proof of ownership, typically a bill of sale or manufacturer’s certificate of origin. Once approved, ownership is displayed on the Certificate of Documentation.
When ownership changes, the vessel’s documentation must be updated. This ensures that the federal ownership record remains accurate. If a vessel is sold, inherited, donated, or otherwise changes hands, the new owner may apply to have the Certificate of Documentation reissued under their name.
Our service provides the forms needed for these ownership changes so owners can submit them online.
What Is the Difference Between a Documented Vessel and a State-Titled Vessel?
The main difference is where ownership is recorded and recognized:
- A state-titled vessel has ownership recognized at the state level only.
• A documented vessel has ownership recorded in a federal database maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Because federal documentation is recognized nationwide, it is often preferred by owners whose vessels travel frequently across state borders or internationally. State titling is generally more limited in scope.
How Does Financing Work for a Documented Vessel?
Vessel financing has historically been supported by federal legislation that allows lenders to place a preferred ship mortgage on a documented vessel. This type of mortgage is recorded federally, giving lenders confidence in the vessel’s legal status.
Documentation creates a consistent ownership record that helps protect lender interests while providing owners access to financing options that might not be available otherwise.
How Do I Renew My Certificate of Documentation?
Federal vessel documentation must be renewed annually. Some vessel owners choose to secure documented vessel renewal for multiple years at once, for a period of up to five years.
Renewal ensures that the vessel’s federal documentation remains active and valid while continuing to display proof of ownership and nationality.
What If I Need to Check Ownership or Status of a Documented Vessel?
You can learn about a vessel owner through an abstract of title.
Some vessel owners or prospective buyers look into ownership status through a vessel documentation search. However, ownership information is not available through that search.
This tool is useful for verifying that a vessel’s documentation is active and matches the records associated with its official number.
Are There Advantages to Keeping a Vessel Documented Long-Term?
Maintaining federal documentation can streamline travel and ownership tasks. Benefits may include:
- Clear and consistent proof of ownership
• Recognition of nationality in U.S. and foreign waters
• The ability to operate in certain regulated maritime trades
• Access to certain financing arrangements
The Certificate of Documentation remains an important and widely recognized proof of ownership. For many vessel owners, federal documentation simplifies travel, supports commercial operations, and provides clear confirmation of identity and ownership status without needing a state-issued title.