Adding your spouse to your vessel’s ownership is completed by filing a Coast Guard ownership transfer document. When you submit a USCG documentation transfer through our service, your spouse can be added as a co-owner so that both of you appear on the vessel’s official record.
selling a documented vessel
This also allows ownership rights to be legally recognized by the United States Coast Guard. This can impact title, sale, liability, and all future transactions tied to the vessel.
By submitting the appropriate Coast Guard ownership document, you can update ownership information when personal or financial circumstances change. Many vessel owners add a spouse to formalize shared possession or to allow both parties to sign future legal paperwork.
Since federal documentation is frequently used as proof of ownership and nationality, applying through an established process is essential in ensuring that records reflect actual ownership interests.
What Form Is Needed to Add a Spouse to Vessel Ownership?
The application used for this process is the Coast Guard Transfer/Exchange of Ownership form.
Our service provides the digital version of this form so vessel owners can submit updates electronically. This form allows documented vessels to make ownership changes while remaining compliant with federal requirements. Using this form makes it possible to add another owner, exchange ownership shares, or remove previous owners if that becomes necessary.
Boat owners use this form for a wide range of ownership adjustments. Our standardization makes sure:
- Ownership records remain accurate
• Details match the vessel’s Certificate of Documentation
• Any changes in ownership can be legally recognized
• Requests are based on authorized information
When vessel owners submit this form, they agree that all information is accurate and reflects current ownership authority. Any spouse being added must have a legal claim recognized by both owners, and all required signatures must be included before processing.
What If the USCG Documentation Transfer Is Part of a Sale or Removal of an Owner?
Owners often file this form not only to add a spouse, but also when they are planning to sell a vessel or make changes in an ownership group. When using the same form to remove an owner or sell a vessel, additional requirements may apply.
If a vessel has a preferred ship mortgage attached, federal rules do not allow an ownership transfer without consent from the lender. Before ownership is altered, owners must either settle the mortgage debt or receive written permission from the mortgagee.
This applies to all ownership exchanges, including transfers to a spouse, because the lender has a secured interest in the vessel until the mortgage is satisfied.
Owners transferring the vessel entirely to another party, or removing an owner completely, will need to meet the same requirement.
Can Mortgage Issues Impact the Addition of a Spouse?
Many vessels are documented with an active preferred ship mortgage. This places restrictions on any ownership changes. If this mortgage is recorded with the Coast Guard, it becomes part of the vessel’s public record and must be acknowledged before a transfer.
When a spouse is being added, the mortgage does not necessarily need to be paid off, but the mortgagee may still need to approve the request depending on the terms. Owners should keep in mind that federal rules exist to ensure lenders maintain their priority status on documented property.
This form supports:
• Adding owners without removing existing owners
• Adjusting the ownership structure while retaining a mortgage
• Updating recorded information after consent from the lender
• Completing the record change while maintaining vessel documentation
What Is Required to Complete the Transfer Form?
The USCG documentation transfer document must have accurate ownership information. To begin the form through our service, owners can supply the information required so the transfer request can be submitted electronically.
Typical information may include:
- Vessel identifying details
• Names of current and proposed owners
• Evidence of ownership authority
• Relevant signatures
• Disclosure of mortgage status
Our service allows vessel owners to fill out the form online without searching for federal documents or navigating other platforms to locate the required application. All sections appear in a consolidated file so owners can submit the requested details electronically.
How Do Owners Update the Vessel’s Address or Other Information?
When making ownership changes, vessel owners occasionally realize other information has changed over time. A separate form exists for a vessel change of address, which may be filed when ownership adjustments are made.
This ensures that the Coast Guard has accurate mailing information to send official documentation, certificate replacements, or other relevant material.
Our service makes this form available separately so owners can adjust information if they need to. Address change submissions may be made independently from an ownership transfer.
Can Owners File for Multiple Requests at the Same Time?
Federal systems allow vessel owners to complete multiple tasks throughout a vessel’s lifespan. Ownership adjustments, registration renewal, address updates, and other filings may be completed when needed.
Though ownership transfers do not automatically renew a vessel, some owners choose to complete USCG documentation renewal while submitting other updates so their record remains current.
Our service provides access to the forms needed to address ownership transfers and many additional updates. These forms are available individually so vessel owners can apply for what they need when they need it.
What About Regulatory Requirements for a USCG Documentation Transfer?
Federal rules regarding ownership changes are outlined through maritime laws and Coast Guard regulations. One regulatory reference that discusses instruments relating to ownership is published through federal code.
Although these regulations may be complex, the form available through our service is based on current requirements and is designed to collect only the information necessary for the Coast Guard to evaluate ownership transfer requests.
Our service does not provide guidance, consulting, or recommendations regarding compliance, mortgage restrictions, or title disputes. Owners are responsible for providing accurate information.
Can This Form Be Used to Add Multiple Owners or Just a Spouse?
The Coast Guard Transfer/Exchange of Ownership form can be used to add multiple owners if necessary. Some vessels are owned jointly by several individuals, and this form allows each one to be added if they are legally entitled to ownership.
Owners can use the same form to:
- Add one spouse
• Add more than one owner
• Remove an owner
• Adjust ownership percentages
The Coast Guard uses this form because it allows vessel records to be updated at a single time rather than through multiple documents.
How Does Our Service Help Vessel Owners with This Process?
Our online portal makes it possible for vessel owners to complete and submit the USCG documentation transfer form electronically. By having direct access to the file, vessel owners avoid searching for forms, navigating paper mailing procedures, or downloading inconsistent versions of federal applications.
Owners can use our platform to:
- Start the Coast Guard Transfer/Exchange of Ownership form
• Enter requested information in the appropriate fields
• Submit the ownership update electronically
• Request other federal forms individually if needed
Our site does not perform research, track form progress, send reminders, or advise vessel owners. We provide access to the official Coast Guard documents necessary to complete this ownership change.
How Does This Process Affect Future Ownership?
After submitting a USCG documentation transfer, the Coast Guard will review the application. They’ll update the vessel’s record as long as all requirements are met.
Accurate records help vessel owners manage their property throughout the vessel’s lifespan. Ownership records interact with:
- Federal authority
• Mortgage records
• Title accuracy
• Future transfers
Properly recording changes allows both owners to have recognized standing in any future transaction involving the vessel.
Ready to Start the Transfer of Ownership?
Owners who wish to add a spouse, remove an owner, or adjust ownership shares can begin the USCG documentation transfer form through our platform. The application is available online so owners can provide accurate information, upload a completed request, and maintain updated federal records.