How Can I Make My Vessel a USCG Documented Vessel?

To make your vessel a USCG documented vessel, use this link to apply for first time US vessel documentation.

USCG Documented Vessel

A USCG documented vessel can engage in unhindered commerce between states, admission to restricted trades (such as the fisheries and coastwise trade), and has conclusive evidence of nationality.

Vessel Documentation Registration

Vessels that are documented do not have titles. Instead, they maintain Certificates of Documentation. Depending on the laws in your state, your vessel may need to be registered with the state as well.

12308. Providing vessel numbering and registration information

A person may request from an authority issuing a number under this chapter the numbering and registration information of a vessel that is retrievable from vessel numbering system records of the issuing authority. When the issuing authority is satisfied that the request is reasonable and related to a boating safety purpose, the information shall be provided on paying the cost of retrieving and providing the information requested.

(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 592.)

Section 12308 requires the number issuing authority to supply for a fee, numbering and registration information to any person, upon request, if the request is reasonable and related to boating safety.

USCG Renewal

Coast Guard vessel documentation has to be renewed every year. However, this can be renewed for 1-5 years from the date of issuance. Vessel owners can use this link for Coast Guard vessel documentation renewal.

Transfer Exchange of USCG Documentation

For a recently purchased vessel that already has a documented vessel number, use this form for the Transfer Exchange of USCG Documentation.

What is needed for the Transfer Exchange of USCG Documentation?

VESSEL NAME
OFFICIAL # (IF AWARDED)
HULL ID # (IF ANY)
IMO # (IF ANY)
HAILING PORT INCLUDING STATE (TO BE MARKED ON VESSEL)
NAME OF MANAGING OWNER, E-MAIL ADDRESS, TELEPHONE NUMBER:
–NAME OF MANAGING OWNER
E-MAIL ADDRESS OF MANAGING OWNER
TELEPHONE NUMBER OF MANAGING OWNER
SOCIAL SECURITY OR TAX ID NUMBER (46 USC 12104): (SECURE FORM)
IS THIS NUMBER YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR YOUR TAX ID NUMBER?
G. PHYSICAL ADDRESS OF MANAGING OWNER (REQUIRED – 46 CFR 67.113)

Click here to view the vessel transfer exchange documentation form

Vessel financing has been enhanced through the availability of preferred mortgages on documented vessels since 1920.

If you have further questions about American vessel documentation, contact the Vessel Registrar Center at info@usvesselregistrar.us or (800) 535-8570 Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM.