As a boat owner, you are legally required to keep the original Certificate of Documentation on board your vessel at all times. Federal law makes it clear that the person in command of a documented vessel must have the current, physical certificate on the vessel. Failing to do so can place you in violation of U.S. Coast Guard regulations. This means you need to maintain a real, tangible copy of the certificate and promptly replace it if it becomes lost or damaged. Our portal makes it simple to apply for, replace, or request a certified copy of this essential document.
Keeping the Certificate of Documentation on Board
Your Certificate of Documentation is your vessel’s official proof of federal registration. Under 46 CFR 67.313, titled “Requirement to have Certificate of Documentation on Board,” it states that the person in command must have the original certificate on board the vessel currently in effect for that vessel. This requirement does not apply to certain non-self-propelled vessels not engaged in foreign trade or when the vessel is in storage or out of the water.
We provide direct access to the official Coast Guard forms you need to stay compliant. Through our secure site, you can apply for initial documentation, renew your certificate, or request a replacement copy. This removes the burden of navigating multiple government pages and allows you to handle your compliance from one location.
By filing through our portal, you ensure that your paperwork goes directly to the Coast Guard using up-to-date forms. This reduces mistakes and helps prevent delays that could otherwise put you out of compliance while waiting for your certificate.
Handling Lost or Damaged Certificates
If your certificate is lost or mutilated, you must obtain a replacement. Federal law does not accept photocopies or digital versions in place of the original. Without the physical document, you risk enforcement actions. Our platform provides the official Replacement of Certificate of Documentation form, so you can file for a new copy quickly and securely.
When you use our service for a replacement, you upload your information directly through our portal. This speeds up the process because you do not have to mail paper forms or search for the right application elsewhere. We also ensure you are using the current version of the form, which matters because outdated forms can lead to rejections or delays.
This same process applies if you need a certified copy of your certificate for legal or financial reasons. Our site provides access to the Certified Copy of Documentation form, which you can complete online. We transmit it to the Coast Guard so that you receive a certified duplicate issued by the agency.
Annual Renewal Requirements
A Certificate of Documentation is not permanent; it must be renewed each year to remain valid. Through our portal you can handle your documented vessel renewal for one to five years, depending on your needs. This keeps your certificate current and your vessel legally documented without interruption.
Our service makes renewal straightforward by bringing the Coast Guard’s renewal form into one secure location. Instead of searching different pages or worrying about missing deadlines, you can complete your renewal through our system. This efficiency helps ensure you have a valid certificate on board at all times.
By using our portal, you also benefit from the ability to submit your renewal early. This minimizes the risk of a lapse in documentation that could interfere with your operations or delay your ability to travel. We make the paperwork process more manageable so you can focus on using your vessel.
Managing a Certificate of Documentation When a Vessel Changes Hands
If you purchase a vessel that already has a documented number, you need to complete a transfer or exchange of the Certificate of Documentation. This updates the ownership records with the Coast Guard so that the certificate reflects the new owner. Operating under someone else’s certificate is not permitted.
Our portal offers the Transfer/Exchange form required to update ownership. You can complete it directly on our site and submit it securely. This helps you avoid the hassle of paper forms and ensures the Coast Guard has your current ownership information.
Completing the transfer through our service also helps prevent gaps in your documentation status. By using our centralized system, you can update ownership quickly and keep your vessel legally documented without delay.
Performing a Documentation Search
Sometimes you may want to verify a vessel’s status or confirm its official number before filing. A vessel documentation search lets you see certain details such as a vessel’s dimensions, name, flag, and documentation status. Although our company does not perform searches for you, our site links you to the Coast Guard’s official search tool so you can check the information yourself.
This connection to the official search page is useful before submitting applications for a replacement certificate, transfer, or renewal. It gives you more confidence that your paperwork will match the Coast Guard’s records. By keeping everything in one place, we make it easier for you to stay organized.
Using the search link on our site also helps you avoid unofficial or outdated sources. You are directed straight to the Coast Guard’s system, where you can see the most current information about your vessel’s documentation status.
How We Can Simplify Your Responsibilities
The National Documentation E-Portal is designed to streamline every step of the process for maintaining your Certificate of Documentation. We are not the Coast Guard itself, but we provide the official forms you need and transmit your applications directly to the agency. This saves you time and reduces administrative stress.
Whether you are applying for initial documentation, replacing a lost certificate, requesting a certified copy, transferring ownership, or renewing annually, our system gives you one secure location to manage everything. You no longer have to track down multiple websites or mail paper forms.
We also protect your personal and vessel information with advanced encryption technology. This is especially important when submitting sensitive ownership documents, mortgage information, or other legal materials as part of your application.
Staying Prepared on the Water
Carrying your Certificate of Documentation on board is more than a legal obligation; it also provides immediate proof of your vessel’s status during inspections or interactions with authorities. Having the original document within reach shows compliance and can help prevent unnecessary delays while on the water.
By using our portal to keep your certificate current, you ensure that you always have the proper paperwork to back up your vessel’s legal standing. This is true whether you are operating for leisure, commercial purposes, or in foreign trade.
With our service, you can handle your applications, replacements, and renewals well before you head out, so you can focus on navigating and enjoying your vessel rather than worrying about paperwork.