If you are a US citizen and your vessel measures at least five net tons in volume, then, yes, you are eligible for US Coast Guard vessel documentation.
Federal vessel documentation is different from state registration. It serves as a national form of vessel registration, backed by the United States Coast Guard (USCG). It can be beneficial—or even mandatory—depending on your vessel’s size, usage, and ownership. Our portal provides easy access to initial documentation forms, renewal submissions, name changes, and other essential documentation services.
What Types of Vessels Are Eligible for Documentation?
Meeting the Size and Purpose Requirements
Not all vessels qualify for USCG documentation, but many do. To be eligible, a vessel must be at least five net tons. This measurement is based on volume, not weight. Most vessels longer than 25 feet typically meet this tonnage requirement, although there are exceptions depending on the design and construction of the boat.
If your vessel is used exclusively for recreation and meets the five net ton threshold, documentation is optional but available. However, if the vessel is being used for commercial purposes—such as transporting passengers, fishing, or operating between U.S. ports—it may need to be documented depending on the service type and the operational area.
We help vessel owners determine eligibility based on the specific characteristics of their boat. Through our platform, you can complete your application for initial documentation or find the forms you need to maintain current documentation without confusion or delay.
When Vessel Documentation Is Required by Law
Commercial Use and Regulatory Compliance
While recreational vessels have the option to choose between state registration and federal documentation, certain commercial vessels are required to be documented. If your vessel is over five net tons and is used in commercial operations that involve coastwise trade or fishing in U.S. waters, federal documentation is mandatory.
Specifically, vessels that transport people or goods between U.S. ports, engage in commercial fishing, or participate in foreign commerce typically must be documented and carry the appropriate USCG endorsement. Without documentation, these vessels cannot operate legally in their intended roles.
This requirement is enforced under federal maritime law, and failing to comply can result in fines, enforcement actions, or denial of access to certain ports and waterways. If you’re unsure whether your operation qualifies as commercial, we can help guide you based on your vessel’s activities.
Citizenship and Ownership Requirements
Who Can Apply for Documentation?
USCG documentation is only available to vessels owned by U.S. citizens or in certain limited cases, corporations with qualifying structures.
For a recreational endorsement, the vessel must be owned by a U.S. citizen. This includes individuals, partnerships, and corporations that meet specific federal criteria. For commercial endorsements—such as coastwise, fishery, or registry—there are more stringent ownership requirements.
Vessels with these endorsements must be wholly owned by U.S. citizens or qualifying entities and may also need to meet U.S. build requirements, particularly under the Jones Act.
If your vessel is foreign-built and you are a U.S. citizen, you may still be eligible for documentation with a recreational endorsement. We help vessel owners determine which documentation paths are available to them based on ownership and vessel history. Our site provides access to all necessary forms and ensures your application aligns with USCG rules.
What Are Vessel Documentation Endorsements?
Aligning Documentation With Vessel Use
Endorsements specify the activities your documented vessel is authorized to perform. When applying for documentation, you must select the appropriate endorsement that matches your vessel’s intended use. The four main endorsements are:
- Recreational – For personal, non-commercial use. Available to foreign-built vessels if owned by a U.S. citizen.
- Coastwise – Required for transporting passengers or goods within U.S. waters. The vessel must be U.S.-built and U.S.-owned.
- Fishery – Necessary for commercial fishing in U.S. waters. The vessel must be U.S.-built and owned by U.S. citizens.
- Registry – Often used for foreign trade or vessels operating outside the U.S. under charter agreements. It may also apply to vessels ineligible for coastwise or fishery endorsements but still participating in international commerce.
Selecting the correct endorsement is crucial, as operating outside the scope of your endorsement may lead to penalties. Through our portal, you can choose the appropriate endorsement during the initial documentation process or request a change later if your operations evolve. We also help ensure that your endorsement matches your eligibility and intended use before submitting your forms.
Benefits of Vessel Documentation
Beyond Eligibility—Why Owners Choose Documentation
Even if you’re not required to document your vessel, there are several benefits to doing so. USCG documentation provides national recognition, making it easier to travel in foreign waters, secure financing, and prove ownership. It can also simplify transactions when selling or transferring a vessel.
Documented vessels are assigned a unique Official Number, which serves as a federal identifier. This number is required to be permanently affixed inside the vessel’s structure and can be a key advantage in situations involving theft recovery, legal disputes, or insurance verification.
Additionally, documentation helps avoid the patchwork of state registration rules. Many boaters who travel between states or venture into international waters prefer the consistency of a federal Certificate of Documentation. We help facilitate this process so vessel owners can enjoy these benefits without the paperwork hassle.
How We Help With the Entire Documentation Process
From Eligibility to Renewal—Everything in One Place
At the Vessel Registrar Center, we provide a streamlined platform for managing all aspects of vessel documentation. Whether you’re applying for the first time, changing ownership, selecting a new endorsement, or renewing your Certificate of Documentation, we offer the forms and guidance needed to make the process smoother.
We also provide support for name changes, deletions, Abstracts of Title, and reinstatements. Our services are available through a mobile-friendly site, designed to make documentation accessible from your phone, tablet, or desktop—anywhere with an internet connection.
Each submission through our site is reviewed before being forwarded to the Coast Guard, helping reduce delays caused by incomplete or incorrect filings. We’ve worked with vessel owners across the country to help maintain compliance and simplify documentation management from start to finish.
Naming Boat and Other Compliance Requirements
Selecting a Name and Marking the Vessel Properly
Once your vessel is eligible for documentation, you’ll need to select a name and hailing port that meet USCG requirements. This step is more than a formality—it becomes part of your vessel’s legal identity and must appear on the hull in accordance with federal marking rules.
The name must contain only letters, numbers, and spaces. No symbols or punctuation marks are permitted. It should not include any language that is misleading, offensive, or implies government affiliation. The hailing port must be a real U.S. location, such as a city and state.
These details must be displayed on the exterior of the vessel in block letters, at least four inches high, and in a color that contrasts with the background. This applies to all documented vessels and is required for continued compliance.
Our portal allows you to submit your name and hailing port as part of your initial documentation or through a name change request. If you decide to change your vessel’s name later, we make that process easy as well. When it comes to naming boats and maintaining documentation status, our team is ready to help ensure that every detail aligns with federal standards.
A Portal That’s Here to Help
At the Vessel Registrar Center, we provide an online portal that simplifies the process of US Coast Guard vessel documentation. Whether you’re registering a vessel for the first time or managing existing documentation, understanding whether you’re eligible is the first step. Many vessel owners are unsure if they qualify for documentation or if they’re even required to document their vessels. We’re here to clarify the rules, explain how endorsements play a role, and offer support through every stage of the process.