GENERAL VESSEL DOCUMENTATION QUESTIONS
“How do I obtain a Certificate of Documentation for my boat?” In order to Document your vessel with the United States Coast Guard, you must file the correct application, pay the appropriate fees, and upload the necessary supporting documents.
If you have recently purchased a vessel that has already been Documented by the Coast Guard (larger than 25ft., possessing a 6-7 digit Official Number, marked in block-type Arabic numerals not less than three inches in height on some clearly visible interior structural part of the hull, having a Vessel Name and Hailing Port on the stern of the vessel, and lacking state registration numbers) simply file an application for Transfer of Ownership via this link:
https://unitedstatesvessel.us/transfer-exchange/
If you have recently purchased a vessel that has never been Documented by the Coast Guard, you may proceed to the form for Initial Documentation here:
https://unitedstatesvessel.us/initial-documentation/
If you currently own a vessel that is NOT Documented by the Coast Guard (registered and titled in a U.S. State), and wish to obtain a Certificate of Documentation, you may file for Initial Documentation via the link above.
“What is the purpose of vessel documentation?” Just like automobile registration, documenting your vessel with the US Coast Guard identifies nationality, establishes indisputable possession and helps regulate vessels of restricted trades. To process your documentation simply proceed to our secured Vessel Documentation Forms page:
https://unitedstatesvessel.us/vessel-documentation-forms/
“Can I submit my application online?” All Applications may be completed and processed online using our secure website. Upon completion, forms will be reviewed by a document preparation specialist. Our specialists can help correct simple mistakes and avoid unpleasant delays.
“Can I renew my documents early?” You may renew your documents any time before the due date. Please visit our Renewals page: https://unitedstatesvessel.us/renewal-documentation/
“Does my boat need to be USCG Documented?” Your vessel requires documentation with the US Coast Guard if it is a commercial vessel:
- 5 net tons or greater
- Utilized for fishing matters or coastwise trade activities near any US navigable waters
- Located within a Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
- A towboat or a dredge operating in US waters or Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
Recreational vessels may or may not be USCG Documented, although most marine lenders require US Coast Guard Documentation in order to record a Preferred Ships Mortgage. Many vessel owners do not wish to display State Registration numbers on their hull, and therefore they Document their vessels. Some states do not require registration if the vessel is Documented.
“How do I check the status of my USCG boat Documentation?” You may check the submission status of your Coast Guard Vessel Documentation Application at any time by visiting the National Vessel Documentation Center CGMIX Work Packet Status Inquiry Page via the link below:
https://cgmix.uscg.mil/VDS/SearchAndReturn/Search.aspx
What are the current estimated processing times for USCG Documentation Applications?“ If you would like to know the estimated timeframe for applications processed by the National Vessel Documentation Center, you may check the NVDC Case Processing Dates.
“How long is my Certificate of Documentation valid for?” A Certificate of Documentation is valid for one year from the date of issuance, unless changes are made; with the exception of a change of address. New options for multi year renewals are also available: https://unitedstatesvessel.us/multi-year-renewal-uscg-vessel-documentation/
“Can I get a digital copy of the completed form before I get my hard copy in the mail?” All requests for expedited certificate copies will require an additional certified copy fee of $46 per item. Copies will arrive an estimated 2-3 weeks before certificate hard copies.
VESSEL OWNERSHIP TRANSFER QUESTIONS
“What happens when I sell my vessel?” After the sale has been finalized, the new owner will need to complete a Transfer/Exchange application form: https://unitedstatesvessel.us/transfer-exchange/
If there is an outstanding balance due on the vessel, the lender should complete a satisfaction of mortgage. The vessel cannot be removed from documentation or transferred with an outstanding balance due. Visit our Transfer/Exchange page for more information.
“How can I get title information or ownership history for a documented vessel?” You may obtain an Abstract of Title which will show all bills of sale, mortgages, and notices of claim of lien filed and recorded by the Coast Guard. Please visit our Abstract of Title page: https://unitedstatesvessel.us/abstract-of-title/
“What happens if I lost my documents?” A Certificate of Documentation must be replaced by completing an application for replacement. Please visit our Replacement page: https://unitedstatesvessel.us/replacement-certificate-documentation/
“What happens if I have missed the deadline to renew?” You are given 30 days from the expiration date listed on your Certificate of Documentation to submit your renewal application. Failure to submit renewals on time will result in reinstatement fees. Please visit the Reinstatement page for more information: https://unitedstatesvessel.us/return-to-documentation/
“How can I establish ownership of a vessel?” For a newly built vessel that has not yet been Documented, ownership may be easily established with a the CG-1261 form known as a Builderās Certificate and indicating for whom it was built or transferred to. Additionally a Certificate of Origin form the Manufacture or a state or foreign registrations can demonstrate proof of ownership.
For pre owned vessels an owner must furnish a bill of sale, or evidence of transfer including details from the former owner. In transfers where evidence in a bill of sale is lacking please contact the NVDC for details.
“How can I establish Build Evidence?” This is significant particularly for commercial vessels meant for fisheries and coastwise trade, which are required to have been built in the US. This can be obtained using form CG-1261 known as a Builderās Certification. To be certain regarding this matter, the company responsible for the build of the vessel may furnish records as well. This must be submitted with physical copy of the Builderās Certification or Facts of Build Letter.
“How do I identify my vessel?” The abbreviation āNOā must precede any numerical identification for the vessel in block-type Arabic font with a minimum requirement of 3 inches high placed in a visible structural location on the interior of the hull. Both hailing port and name will be clearly marked on the exterior portion of the hull for all recreational vessels. Commercial vessels shall carry identification marks on both the port and starboard bow with the name and hailing port indicated at the stern. Details of the hailing port must also include the territory or state within the US.
“What is required to alter the hailing port of the vessel?” To alter the hailing port of a vessel, details including owner information, official vessel number, and if the vessel has an outstanding mortgage, must be complete. Permission must also be granted by the mortgagee prior to filing. Please visit our Change of Hailing Port page for more information: https://unitedstatesvessel.us/vessel-name-hailing-port-change/
“What is required to prove citizenship regarding vessel documentation?” One may validate their citizenship status with the use of an CG-1258 form. For the sake of documentation, partnerships, corporations, or sole proprietors may be considered as citizen in this instance. Additionally, it is required that these entities are registered within the United States and that the the board of directors, chairman, and CEO are US citizens. Non-citizens may represent less than a minority of a quorum for this to be possible as well. Regarding commercial matters such as fisheries and coastwise endorsements, a minimum of 75 company stock must be held by US citizens.
“Why is a Required Designation for a managing owner requested by the Coast Guard?” Often a vessel may have multiple owners. To be certain that the correct individual receives mail regarding the vessel, the individual must be selected to be the managing owner.
“What is a preferred mortgage?” A preferred mortgage functions as a maritime lien, whereby the mortgagee holds the added protection of coast guard imposed limitations placed upon the vessel to which they have provide financing. Financial institutions prefer individuals who can meet rigorous qualification standards.
VESSEL STATE REGISTRATION QUESTIONS
“Can a vessel be exempt from State Jurisdiction?” No. All vessels must comply with the laws of the State in which they are operated. States require all documented vessels to be registered and to display State decals showing compliance with State requirements, and vessel documentation must be provided to State law enforcement officials upon request.
“How can I obtain a coastwise waiver for a small vessel?” You can get a coastwise waiver for small passenger vessel by completing our Small Vessel Waiver form. If you need assistance or have any questions, you can contact a document preparation specialist via email at admin@unitedstatesvessel.us.
VESSEL DELETION QUESTIONS
“How do I obtain a Letter of Deletion from the Coast Guard?” Simply file the online application at this link:
https://unitedstatesvessel.us/deletion-cod/
“How do I remove my vessel from the USCG Database?” A vessel may be deleted from Documentation upon the request of the vessel owner or an authorized agent on behalf of the owner by filling out the form located here:
https://unitedstatesvessel.us/deletion-cod/ You will be provided a Letter of Deletion for your records.
“My vessel was recently destroyed in a hurricane. What paperwork must I file with the Coast Guard?” Many vessel owners have experienced hardships during major hurricanes like Maria and Dorian. If your vessel has been considered a complete loss, you may apply to remove it from Documentation via the link above
COMMERCIAL VESSEL QUESTIONS
“What are the common types of documentation?” Fisheries and Coastwise trade will seek documentation related to commercial purposes. Registry endorsements are necessary for the purpose of foreign trade. Any vessel meant for general purposes outside of commerce such as leisure will register a vessel intended for recreational activity. Though commercial documented vessels may be used for the purposes of recreation, recreational vessels documented for recreational activity may not participate in any commercial activity.