If you intend to Exchange the US Coast Guard vessel Documentation into your name upon the death/passing of your spouse, you simply need to file the Application for Transfer/Exchange of Ownership and upload the necessary Estate/Inheritance documents that explicitly grant you ownership of the vessel. You may proceed to the webform application below to submit your request:
https://forms.unitedstatesvessel.us/vessel-transfer-of-ownership
NOTE: If there are encumbrances, such as mortgages or liens on the vessel, you must get permission from the lienholder/mortgagee and submit that with your application
Representatives, Administrators or Heirs of Estates may exchange the Documentation of vessels into their own name so long as they are US Citizens. They also have authority to transfer ownership from the deceased directly on to another party.
In order to complete any of these transactions, the application must be presented with a Certified Death Certificate and appropriate evidence showing the representative’s legal right to act in such capacity. This usually consists of Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration as certified by a probate court.
In lieu of such evidence, an heir can present a court order “Adjudicating Testacy and Heirship” which indicates that an appointment of a personal representative is not required. In small estate situations without probate, a copy of the state laws allowing such action must be presented along with evidence of full compliance thereof.
If this involves an heir’s statement, the vessel must be specifically identified by its hull identification number and/or official documentation number as applicable. A simple Affidavit of Inheritance form is not accepted, which is used by some states for their own titling or registration purposes. A copy of the original Certified Death Certificate is now acceptable for submission and this applies to any other supporting items.
