Yes, you may change the name of a Documented boat by filing the correct application and paying the associated fees.
If your vessel is currently Documented by the US Coast Guard and you wish to change the name or hailing port of your vessel, you may file the change via the online webform below:
https://unitedstatesvessel.us/vessel-name-hailing-port-change/
NOTE: If your vessel is subject to a mortage of record or lien, you MUST obtain written permission from the mortagee (bank or financial institution) in order to complete your vessel name change.
Selecting a Vessel Name (46 CFR § 67.117)
The Vessel Name must not exceed 33 characters; it (1) Must be composed of letters of the Latin alphabet or Arabic or Roman numerals; (2) May not be identical, actually or phonetically, to any word or words used to solicit assistance at sea (e.g. Police Boat, Coast Guard, Mayday, Help, Rescue Me, On Fire, Sinking, I’ve Sunk, We’ve Capsized, Man Overboard); and (3) May not contain nor be phonetically identical to obscene, indecent, or profane language, or to racial or ethnic epithets.
Marking the Name and Hailing Port on your vessel (46 CFR § 67.123)
The markings may be made by the use of any means and materials which result in durable markings, must be made in clearly legible letters of the Latin alphabet or Arabic or Roman numerals not less than four inches in height.
The name and hailing port of the vessel must be marked on some clearly visible exterior part of the stern of the vessel.
