The Difference Between Vessel Documentation Reinstatement vs Renewal

Vessel Documentation Reinstatement

As you may have noticed by now, regardless of the type of boat information you are looking for, you will be able to find it at Vessel Documentation Online. Here, you can learn more about how to get your initial, what a Certificate of Documentation (CoD) is, or the definition of an abstract of title, to name a few. In this particular article, we will learn the difference between vessel documentation reinstatement and renewal. When you might need them, when not and how we will help you with the process.

Vessel Documentation Reinstatement: a Definition.

The vessel documentation reinstatement is a formal document that allows you to restore the boat’s certificate of documentation (CoD) and return the vessel to active status. This form can only be used when the expiration date on the CoD has passed 30 days from the expiration date. No changes are allowed on the Cod other than an address change of the managing owner.

What is a Vessel Documentation Renewal?

A vessel documentation renewal is a formal document that allows you to extend the period of validity of your boat’s Certificate of Documentation. Since the beginning of 2022, the renewal certificates for recreational vessels are extended for a period of five years. Until now, CoD had to be renewed yearly so it is important to keep that in mind the next time you need to get that document.

Differences between Reinstatement and Renewal

Reinstatement and renewal are two different documents that share the same origin: both their purposes are to keep the Certificate of Documentation up to date.

Renewals can be issued at any time, up to 30 days after the expiration date has passed. However, if you submit your form any earlier than 60 days before the expiry date, the expiration month will change, so the advice is to do it in that window. If you do it 30 days after the expiry, you will incur a late fee fine.

That is when the reinstatement comes into place. After those 30 days have passed, the form you need to submit is entirely different: you now need a vessel documentation reinstatement. At this point, it is not enough with renewing your Certificate of Documentation, a fairly easy process. With the reinstatement, it is almost like getting the CoD once again, so you better try not to miss the expiration date.

Vessel Documentation Reinstatement

Get your Vessel Documentation Reinstatement at Vessel Documentation Online

Whether you need to reinstate or renew your vessels, both forms can be found on our website. Just go back to our homepage and press the button on the form you are looking for. We will keep you updated on when you need to submit your documentation the next time so you do not have to pay any extra fees. Furthermore, our friendly staff can help you with any other questions you may have.