F.A.Q.

No, it does not. USCG documented vessels do not have to be registered in the State of Maine, according to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

If a vessel has been USCG documented, it does not need to be registered with any state. Documentation is accepted by all states as evidence of ownership, which negates the need for registration. However, if there are changes in ownership or the vessel is used in interstate commerce, registration may still be necessary to comply with certain laws and regulations.

Yes. Any NVDC documented vessel in the state of Washington has to also be registered with the state.

Yes, it does. According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, a documented vessel “is required to be registered (not titled) in Illinois if used upon the waters of this State for more than 60 days in any calendar year.”

Vessel documentation is a national form of registration. It is one of the oldest functions of Government, dating back to the 11th Act of the First Congress. Documentation provides conclusive evidence of nationality for international purposes, provides for unhindered commerce between the states, and admits vessels to certain restricted trades, such as coastwise trade and the fisheries. Since 1920, vessel financing has been enhanced through the availability of preferred mortgages on documented vessels.

For more information, please call: 1(866) 981-8783 or email: info@usvesselregistrar.us

A USCG documentation number does not expire. A vessel documentation number is similar to a HIN number (Hull Identification Number) in this regard.

Yes, it can. In fact, it can be changed as many times as you’d like. All you have to do to change the name of your documented vessel (on your USCG documentation) is to file the “Change of Vessel Name or Hailing Port” form at our site.

This endorsement is for any vessel that engages in interstate or international commerce. It serves to certify the ownership and registration details of the vessel to ensure it can be identified in case of an emergency, or if there is ever a dispute regarding its provenance. USCG documentation numbers are permanent and never expire. This means that a vessel with a USCG documentation number can retain it in perpetuity, without the need to renew or reapply for a new one. This is an important feature of USCG documentation as it enables potential buyers to check the authenticity of vessels they may purchase, by verifying the history associated with the vessel's documentation number.

No, they do not. According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

Yes.

According to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, “Vessels documented by the U.S. Coast Guard must be registered but are not required to display the registration number on the vessel.” 

Not if you have USCG documented vessels, no. Those forms are almost invariably registered with States, and not the federal government.

No, it does not. The California DMV states that vessels documented with the NVDC are exempt from registering with the State.