In order to register your vessel through the Coast Guard, you may apply for Documentation via online webforms. Whether your vessel is currently State registered and you would like to transfer to US Coast Guard Documentation, these forms will allow you to apply for Documentation:
TRANSFERS OF OWNERSHIP: https://unitedstatesvessel.us/transfer-exchange/
This form is submitted by the NEW OWNER/TRANSFEREE. This form is utilized when purchasing/transferring a vessel: When the sale is finalized you may complete a U.S. Coast Guard Bill of Sale (CG-1340). If there is an outstanding mortgage, the mortgagee (lender) should complete a Satisfaction of Mortgage. The vessel cannot be removed or transferred from documentation with an outstanding mortgage or lien.
VESSELS NOT CURRENTLY DOCUMENTED: https://unitedstatesvessel.us/initial-documentation/
Use this form to obtain US Coast Guard Documentation for new vessels and vessels which have never been documented. If you have purchased a used vessel and it has an Official Documentation Number, please use the form for Transfer/Exchange of Documentation and be sure to upload the appropriate Bill of Sale and/or State Title.
If the vessel is new and has never been documented, ownership may be established by submission of a Builder’s Certification (Form CG-1261), naming the applicant for documentation as the person for whom the vessel was built or to whom the vessel was first transferred. Also acceptable are a transfer on a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin, a copy of the State Registration or Title, or foreign registration showing that the applicant owns the vessel.
PRE-PURCHASE RECOMMENDATIONS: If you are in the process of purchasing a Coast Guard Documented Vessel, it is strongly advised that you order an Official Abstract of Title to verify ownership, check for liens or outstanding mortgages. Documented vessels cannot be transferred to new owners if there is an outstanding mortgage or lien.
You may order an Official Abstract of Title for US Coast Guard Documented vessels via this link:
https://unitedstatesvessel.us/abstract-of-title/