Read it in the same way and in the same context you would a VIN number on a car. Essentially, that’s what a Hull Identification Number/HIN is, just for your vessel.

To be in compliance with the USCG, a documented vessel must be marked properly.

Specifically, “NO.” (“N” and “O” followed by a period) must be marked before the vessel’s assigned official number. This must be marked in Arabic numerals that are at least three inches high and in block type. Additionally, these must be placed on some interior structural part of the hull where they’ll be clearly visible and, they must be permanently affixed. In terms of “clearly visible,” use common sense.

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.

No, it does not. According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, however, “federally documented vessels principally operated in Maryland will not be numbered in Maryland but must display documented use decals.

Yes, it does.USCG documented vessels are required to have current boat registration in Texas. Other vessels include: all non-motorized vessels that are 14 feet in length or longer and all motorized vessels regardless of length. This is true whether the vessel in question is a sailboat with an auxiliary engine, or if the vessel is docked/moored.

Yes, they do. If you operate a documented vessel on Wisconsin waters, the vessel must also be registered in Wisconsin. You have to do this if you have used the vessel in Wisconsin for more than 60 consecutive days or if Wisconsin is the state of principal use for your vessel.

To be in compliance with the USCG, a documented vessel must be marked properly. The Abstract of Title is a document that records all owners of a vessel, as well as the vessel's USCG documentation.

If your documented vessel’s documentation has expired for more than 30 days, then your vessel’s documentation cannot be renewed. Instead, it must be reinstated. You can find the form to reinstate your vessel documentation here.

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.

To transfer ownership of a documented vessel in Florida (or anywhere else in the country), utilize our “Transfer/Exchange” form.

You can change the name of your documented vessel legally through our site. All you have to do is to click on the “Change of Vessel Name or Hailing Port” form and fill it out. Do so here.

The expiration date of a vessel’s USCG registration can be found on the lower-left-hand corner of your certificate of documentation.