If you are transferring ownership of a US Coast Guard Documented vessel, you may proceed to the online webform via the link below. If you are transferring ownership of a State Titled vessel, you may proceed to the applicable State Registrar/DMV.
https://unitedstatesvessel.us/transfer-exchange/
If you are unsure whether your vessel is Documented, you may confirm by answering a few questions:
• Is the vessel less than 25ft in length? If so, it is unlikely that it is Documented by the Coast Guard.
• Does the vessel have a name and hailing port marked on the transom (back)? If so, it is likely that it is Documented by the Coast Guard.
• Do you have a Title or a Certificate of Documentation? If you have a Title, the vessel is not Documented by the Coast Guard.
This application is submitted by the NEW OWNER/TRANSFEREE. SELLERS/TRANSFERORS may submit this application if they have all of the required personal information of the BUYER/NEW MANAGING OWNER(S). The Certificate of Documentation does not need to be current to process the transfer of ownership. If you need to download the CG-1340 Coast Guard Bill of Sale, you may follow the link below. You are permitted to complete Transfer Application now and pay the fee, then upload the Notarized Bill of Sale when it is completed (if you do not currently have it).
https://unitedstatesvessel.us/CG-1340_Bill_of_Sale.pdf
NOTE: ONLY SIGNED AND NOTARIZED BILLS OF SALE (OR THE BACK SIDE OF THE CG-1270 CERTIFICATE OF DOCUMENTATION) ARE VALID SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS FOR TRANSFERS OF OWNERSHIP ON U.S. COAST GUARD DOCUMENTED VESSELS.
The Transfer of Ownership Form CG-1258 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.
• Adding/removing a spouse to the Certificate of Documentation after a marriage, passing or divorce Transferring Documentation into a Trust, Corporation or an LLC.
• Making ANY changes to the vessel’s endorsement status or managing owner’s name.
