FAQ's

If you are looking to transfer ownership of a USCG documented vessel, then utilize our “Transfer/Exchange” form. If, on the other hand, the vessel is registered with the state, then you are best served by contacting the California State DMV or Registrar.

Yes, they do. A Coast Guard documented vessel must be registered in the state of Kansas.
 

According to the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks: “All vessels powered by motor (gasoline, diesel, or electric), or sail, must be registered and numbered. The State of Kansas does not, however, title watercraft nor does it register or title motors.”

Some vessels have to be documented and others can be documented. Vessels that measure five net tons or more and are wholly owned by citizens of the United States can be documented. Vessels that are to be used for commercial fishing activities on the navigable waters of the United States or in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) must be documented. USCG documentation is the process of registering a vessel with the United States Coast Guard (USCG). Through this process, vessels receive an official Certificate of Documentation, which provides evidence that they meet USCG safety and security standard

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.

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.”

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

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.

No. In fact, a vessel that has been documented cannot also hold a state title. Vessels cannot be titled and registered with the USCG at the same time.

Yes, it does. From Title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations, all USCG documented vessels, so as to fulfill the name and hailing port marking requirements, must have a name.

Yes, it does. Coast Guard documented vessels that have been in North Carolina for more than 90 consecutive days must be registered.