F.A.Q.

You must renew your vessel documentation before the expiration date, should you wish to maintain it.

You have the option to renew for up to five years in advance.

Requests for faxing of Certificates of Documentation, Letters of Deletion, Certificates of Ownership and recorded instruments such as Preferred Mortgages, Bills of Sale, Notices of Claim of Lien, and Satisfactions of Mortgage in combination to mailing will require an additional Certified Copy fee of $34.00 for each item.

You may get a coastwise waiver by navigating to the following page: Marad Small Vessel Waiver

You may request priority handling by selecting the “Priority Request/Rush Processing” option under the “PLEASE SELECT ANY ADDITIONAL SERVICES YOU WISH TO HAVE PROCESSED” section before checking out.

Utilize this form for a Coast Guard vessel documentation change of address. This address should be the address of the managing owner of the vessel.

Yes, you may submit a Renewal application early. You may submit your Renewal application by navigating to the following link: Renewal

Vessel owners do not need to return their certificate of documentation with the renewal notice. They do not need to do so even if their address has changed. That said, please note the address change. You will receive a new certificate that shows your new address. Click this following link for documented vessel renewal.

No, a lost certificate of documentation must be replaced by completing an application for Replacement, which can be completed by navigating to the following page: Replacement (COD)

A Certificate of Documentation is valid for one year from the date of issue, providing there are no changes other than a change of owner’s address. The Certificate must be renewed on an annual basis. You may submit your Renewal application by navigating to the following page: Renewal

When the sale is finalized, you may complete a Bill of Sale. The new owner will have to complete a Transfer application, which can be completed by navigating to the following link: Transfer/Exchange

Documentation of your vessel does not cover the vessel’s tender or dinghy. These craft fall within the jurisdiction of the motorboat numbering laws of the state of principal use. Please contact your state agency that handles the registration or numbering of motorboats for further information

Vessel documentation is a national form of registration. It is one of the oldest functions of Government, dating back to the 11th Act of the First Congress. Documentation provides conclusive evidence of nationality for international purposes, provides for unhindered commerce between the states, and admits vessels to certain restricted trades, such as coastwise trade and the fisheries. Since 1920, vessel financing has been enhanced through the availability of preferred mortgages on documented vessels.

For more information, please call: 1-800-343-0530 or email: info@nvdcrenewal.us