Request an Abstract of Title. This provides the official record of ownership and encumbrances. This form of vessel lien search process involves reviewing this document so that you can see the vessel’s ownership chain, past and existing liens, and other recorded filings.
At the National Documentation E-Portal, we provide access to the resources and forms necessary for requesting these Coast Guard records. We do not conduct the research for you; instead, we make the process of obtaining the correct documentation convenient so you can review the information directly and make informed decisions.
How Does an Abstract of Title Function as a Vessel Lien Search?
An Abstract of Title reflects all filings that have been recorded against a vessel. When you conduct a vessel lien search, the Abstract helps you determine whether there have been:
With this search, you can discover:
- Active liens
• Released or satisfied liens
• Ownership transfers
• Recorded mortgages
• Other encumbrances
The lien could be something like a preferred ship mortgage, a civil claim, or another type of secured interest.
When a lien is filed and accepted by the National Vessel Documentation Center, it becomes part of the permanent chain of record. If it has been satisfied or released, the Abstract will indicate that as well. There is no other document with the same legal standing for verifying encumbrances related to U.S.-documented vessels.
Why Use the Abstract of Title for a Vessel Lien Search?
There are several reasons why the Abstract of Title is the central resource for determining lien information:
- It comes from the official US Coast Guard registry.
• It stores the complete historical record, not just current information.
• It confirms the vessel’s legal owners.
• It reflects whether any lien was ever recorded, satisfied, or remains active.
• It ensures accuracy based on federal recordkeeping standards.
For individuals considering purchasing a vessel, this information can be essential before completing any transaction. It helps prevent situations where new owners find out later that another party has a legal claim on the vessel. The Abstract allows you to review the facts yourself.
What Information Does the Abstract of Title Provide?
Beyond lien information, the Abstract offers a comprehensive overview of the vessel’s recorded history. This may include:
- Builder information
• The vessel’s hull identification data
• Any recorded ownership transfers
• The vessel’s current listed ownership
• The vessel’s hailing port at the time of documentation
• Dates when liens, mortgages, or other encumbrances were entered
• Whether liens have been released
This can be useful whether you are reviewing the vessel for sale, financing, documentation, or general evaluation purposes. We provide access to the form to request this document directly from the National Vessel Documentation Center.
How Do I Request an Abstract of Title?
We provide access to the request form so that you can apply directly for the Abstract. You can complete the form through our site and submit it for processing. Once the request has been processed, the abstract will be issued to you. We do not interpret the document on your behalf; the document you receive will allow you to review the information yourself.
If you want to review the laws that govern the recording of liens and mortgage information for documented vessels, you may refer to the federal regulations.
What If I Want to Do a Vessel Lien Search on a Vessel That is Registered in Another Country?
If the vessel is registered outside the United States, then the Abstract of Title will not apply because it only reflects the U.S. Coast Guard database. For foreign-registered vessels in particular countries, there is an option to request a Foreign Vessel Title Search / Transcript of Registry. We provide access to the form so that you may request the transcript from the appropriate authority for that country.
This transcript typically provides:
- Recorded ownership history
• Recorded encumbrances
• Registry status
• Any changes in vessel details over time
Different countries maintain their records differently. The transcript will reflect the system and standards of that registry authority.
What if I Need Information About Vessel Particulars, Size, or Other Data?
For general vessel information, owners and interested parties may use our vessel documentation search feature. This can provide basic vessel details such as dimensions and other descriptive characteristics that are recorded in the federal system. It is not a substitute for a vessel lien search. Only the Abstract of Title will show lien and encumbrance filings.
The vessel documentation search may be useful when you are:
- Verifying the vessel’s current documentation
• Confirming basic vessel data
• Reviewing details relevant to ownership or registration filings
Does a Vessel Lien Search Include State-Registered Vessels?
The Abstract of Title applies only to vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard. If a vessel is state-registered and not federally documented, its lien and title information is held by the state registration authority instead. The state system functions differently and does not operate under the same federal title system that governs documented vessels.
In some cases, a vessel may have been federally documented in the past but is currently state-registered. The Abstract may still show part of its historical record. This is helpful if you are evaluating whether to request USCG documentation renewal or confirm whether any previous encumbrances were recorded.
How We Help You Access the Necessary Forms
We offer an online platform that makes it simpler to locate Coast Guard documentation forms. Instead of searching through various agency pages, you can locate the form, complete it, and submit it electronically. This includes:
- Abstract of Title request
• Documentation applications
• Documented vessel renewal and replacements
• Forms relevant to ownership filings and transfers
The ability to complete these forms online can streamline your ability to obtain the information you need about a vessel.
When Should You Conduct a Vessel Lien Search?
You may conduct the search whenever you need to confirm the vessel’s recorded history. For example:
- Before purchasing a vessel
• Before transferring ownership
• When verifying releases of mortgages or encumbrances
• When updating or maintaining records
The records are updated as filings are processed. If new liens or ownership transfers are recorded, those will appear on the Abstract.
We see our role at the National Documentation E-Portal is to provide convenient online access to the necessary documentation forms so that vessel owners and interested parties can review recorded information themselves.