Apply for a USCG Abstract of Title through our portal. This document is the official record of ownership for any vessel documented with the United States Coast Guard (USCG).
It includes the name and contact information of the managing owner, a record of ownership history, and details about any mortgages or liens that have been registered against the vessel.
Although direct online access to yacht ownership information was discontinued in 2018, this official document remains the primary and lawful way to obtain verified information about a vessel’s ownership background.
What is the Abstract of Title?
The Abstract of Title is the most thorough and legally recognized document available for anyone looking to learn about a documented vessel’s ownership. Issued by the USCG, it acts as a complete historical record of the vessel’s registration. This document contains:
- The name and address of the managing owner.
- The vessel’s complete chain of ownership from initial documentation to the present day.
- All active and previously recorded liens or encumbrances.
- Any transfers or satisfactions that have occurred during the vessel’s ownership history.
For buyers, brokers, and financial institutions, the Abstract is essential for due diligence. It provides assurance that the vessel’s title is clear and that there are no outstanding financial claims.
Our online portal simplifies the process of applying for an USCG Abstract of Title by offering the official form in a secure, accessible format.
Applying for a USCG Abstract of Title Through Our Portal
To obtain an Abstract of Title, applicants can complete and submit the appropriate form directly through our website.
Once your application is submitted and processed, you’ll receive a copy of the vessel’s Abstract of Title directly from the Coast Guard.
It’s important to remember that the Abstract of Title is not simply a registration certificate—it’s a detailed record that verifies the vessel’s complete history. Whether you are checking for ownership information, verifying the vessel’s background before a purchase, or reviewing lien history, this document remains the definitive source for legally accurate vessel data.
A Certified Copy of a Certificate of Documentation
Another way to access certain vessel information is by obtaining a Certified Copy of a Certificate of Documentation.
This certified copy includes official details from the USCG about the vessel’s registration and documentation status.
Through our portal, you can request this Certified Copy using the appropriate Coast Guard form.
This verifies that the vessel is properly documented. It also provides confirmation of its official number, endorsement, and expiration date. However, it does not include the same level of ownership detail as an Abstract of Title.
The Certified Copy of a Certificate of Documentation is especially useful when verifying that a vessel remains active under USCG documentation. It may also be used to confirm that the information provided by a seller matches what is officially on file.
What You Can Access Through a Vessel Documentation Search
Even though personal ownership information cannot be directly accessed online, our portal still allows anyone to perform a USCG documentation search.
Using the vessel’s Official Number (ON) or Hull Identification Number (HIN), users can view:
- Vessel name and identifying numbers.
- Flag and endorsement type.
- Gross and net tonnage.
- Year of build and builder.
- Dimensions and particular characteristics.
- The date the current Certificate of Documentation was issued and its expiration date.
- The vessel’s current documentation status
This information does not include the managing owner’s name or contact details. But, it remains a valuable way to confirm a vessel’s registration validity and related technical data.
This can be helpful if you’re trying to ensure that a vessel is properly documented or that its status is up to date with the Coast Guard.
What’s the Legal Authority Behind the Abstract of Title?
Federal law governs the process for recording, maintaining, and accessing vessel documentation information. Under Title 46, Part 67, Subpart T of the Code of Federal Regulations, the Coast Guard is responsible for maintaining accurate ownership and mortgage records for documented vessels.
According to these laws, only certain information—such as vessel name, official number, and endorsement—may be publicly available.
Our portal helps you navigate this system by giving you direct access to the proper Coast Guard forms needed to submit these lawful requests without unnecessary delays.
Why Ownership Information Is No Longer Publicly Accessible
Prior to 2018, it was possible to access limited ownership data for documented vessels through an online search. However, the Coast Guard changed its data accessibility policy to protect the privacy of vessel owners.
As a result, the public search database now excludes any personal identifying information such as names or addresses.
This change means that while the general public can still perform vessel searches and view details. These details include the vessel’s tonnage, documentation status, and endorsement. However, ownership details can only be obtained through formal requests like the USCG Abstract of Title.
By offering access to the official forms for these requests, our portal allows you to continue obtaining this information through the proper legal channels while ensuring that the privacy and integrity of ownership data remain protected.
How Can Your Portal Help With Access to USCG Forms?
Through our website, you can access and complete official forms related to vessel documentation. These include the Abstract of Title, renewal, and more.
By providing a secure and user-friendly way to complete and submit these forms, our portal helps ensure accuracy and convenience.
Whether you’re applying for an ownership record, performing a USCG documentation renewal, or reviewing vessel details for compliance purposes, our system is designed to streamline the entire process.
All forms available through our portal are compliant with current Coast Guard standards.
Access Verified Vessel Records Through Our Portal
Whether you need a detailed history of a vessel or simply want to confirm that it remains documented with the Coast Guard, we can help.
From applying for an Abstract of Title to obtaining a Certified Copy of a Certificate of Documentation, we provide access to the official Coast Guard forms that make it possible to receive accurate, verified information.
Each form available through our site is designed to help ensure compliance with USCG regulations. Plus, we do so while making the process as straightforward as possible.
By using our portal, you can access the proper applications and securely submit your information. Moreover, you can do all of that while you learn the truth about a vessel. Try it for yourself today.