For many vessel owners, a boat’s name holds personal significance. It can reflect memories, aspirations, or even the spirit of adventure that inspired ownership in the first place. But sometimes, circumstances change. When they do, so should the name. At the National Documentation E-Portal, we make changing the name of a boat straightforward and efficient.

Through our secure online system, you can complete the required federal forms for your documented vessel without the delays or confusion that often accompany traditional paperwork.

Why You May Want to Change the Name of a Documented Boat

There are many reasons vessel owners decide to rename their boats. While some changes are practical, others are personal. Whatever the motivation, the U.S. Coast Guard provides a clear path for owners to legally change their documented vessel’s name.

Common reasons for changing a vessel name include:

New ownership – When a documented vessel changes hands, the new owner may want to select a name that holds personal meaning or represents their company or family.
Rebranding a business – Commercial operators often update a vessel’s name to align with new branding, partnerships, or ownership changes.
Personal preference – Many recreational owners simply want a name that feels more fitting or unique.
Avoiding duplicate names – To prevent confusion, the Coast Guard may require an owner to choose a different name if another documented vessel already carries it.
Personal reasons – Owners may rename vessels to honor family members, commemorate milestones, or move on from prior associations.

Whatever the reason, federal law requires that the new name be properly recorded to remain in compliance. Renaming a documented vessel without official approval is not permitted.

What’s Required to Change the Name of a Documented Boat

The U.S. Coast Guard governs the process of changing a documented vessel’s name under 46 CFR § 67.117. This regulation outlines the formal process required for name and hailing port changes. The law ensures that each documented vessel maintains accurate and current identifying information in the federal registry.

To officially change your boat’s name, you must:

Submit a Change of Vessel Name or Hailing Port application.
Provide proof of current documentation.
Confirm the vessel’s ownership remains the same.
Ensure that the proposed name is not identical to another active documented vessel name.
Pay the applicable filing fee.

We make this process simple. Through our website, you can access and submit the Change of Vessel Name or Hailing Port form directly online. There’s no need to print or mail paperwork.

Our secure platform allows you to complete your application entirely from your desktop, tablet, or phone.

Our team of documentation processors reviews every submission for completeness before it is forwarded for processing. This helps minimize the risk of errors or rejection.

How to Submit Your Change of Vessel Name

Using our portal, submitting your request for a name change is fast and straightforward. Once you’ve gathered your current documentation information, you can complete the process in just a few steps.

Here’s how our service streamlines the process:

Access the online form – The Change of Vessel Name or Hailing Port form is available directly through our portal.
Provide accurate details – Input your current documentation number, ownership information, and the new name you wish to register.
Select priority service if needed – If you need your application processed quickly, our priority option moves your request to the front of the queue.
Submit securely – Your application is transmitted securely to protect your personal and vessel information.

By using our online system, you eliminate the need for manual mailing or long wait times.

changing a boat’s name

Changing Your Hailing Port Alongside Your Vessel’s Name

When you apply to change your vessel’s name, you also have the option to change your hailing port at the same time. This can be beneficial for vessel owners who have relocated, switched home ports, or simply want the new name and hailing port to reflect their current location.

The hailing port is a critical part of your vessel’s identification. It must be displayed on the stern alongside the vessel’s name, in accordance with Coast Guard regulations.

With our service, you can:

Update your hailing port through the same online form used for changing your vessel’s name.
Ensure both changes are recorded simultaneously for accuracy and consistency.
Avoid duplicate paperwork or additional filing steps.

Where You Can Choose Your Hailing Port to Be

The Coast Guard allows documented vessel owners to select a hailing port that represents the vessel’s home location or principal place of operation. It does not have to be the same city or state where the vessel is physically located, but it must be a recognized location within the United States or its territories.

When selecting your hailing port, keep in mind:

The hailing port must include a city and state.
It must be a location recognized by the U.S. Postal Service.
The chosen port must remain consistent with the vessel’s documentation records.

Through our portal, you can easily include your chosen hailing port when completing your application.

Changing a Vessel’s Name Cannot Be Done Through Renewal or Reinstatement

It’s important to note that changing your boat’s name cannot be done as part of your annual vessel documentation renewal or reinstatement. These are separate processes, each requiring distinct forms.

When you renew your vessel documentation, you are simply extending the validity of your existing certificate. Similarly, reinstatement restores documentation after it has expired. Neither process allows for name or hailing port changes.

However, through our portal, we provide access to all necessary Coast Guard documentation forms, including:

Documented vessel renewal applications.
Reinstatement of documentation for expired certificates.
Change of vessel name or hailing port applications.
Replacement certificates in case of loss or damage.

Each form is accessible directly from our secure website, ensuring that you can complete any documentation update efficiently and correctly.

Keeping Your Documentation Accurate and Compliant

Keeping your vessel’s records current ensures compliance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations. Failing to update your documentation with a new name or hailing port can lead to discrepancies that affect your ability to operate legally or sell your vessel.

Our platform helps you stay compliant by providing:

Immediate access to official Coast Guard documentation forms.
Secure online submission to reduce mailing delays.
Expert review to ensure all required information is included.
Options to handle renewals, reinstatements, and replacements from the same account.

Maintaining accurate records also simplifies other aspects of vessel management, such as ownership transfers and performing a vessel documentation search.

Changing the Name of a Boat On Your Timeline

Delays in updating your vessel’s name can cause complications, particularly when transferring ownership, selling, or operating your vessel internationally. Federal regulations require that the name and hailing port displayed on your vessel match the information on your Certificate of Documentation.

When using our service, you can quickly address those updates, ensuring your documentation and physical markings align properly. This reduces the risk of inspection issues and ensures continued recognition as a properly documented U.S. vessel.

Submitting your application promptly also ensures continuity of compliance, particularly if your vessel is used for commercial purposes.

To see how we can help you with changing the name of a boat so much more, explore our portal.