FAQ's
How do I know the expiration date of my USCG documentation?
The expiration date of a vessel’s USCG registration can be found on the lower-left-hand corner of your certificate of documentation.
How do I change the name of a documented vessel?
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.
Does my documented vessel have to be registered in a Hawaii?
No, it does not. In the state of Hawaii, according to their Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation, as part of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, “vessels that are documented with the U.S. Coast Guard cannot be con-currently registered.”
Does my documented vessel have to be registered in Florida?
Yes, it does. According to the Sarasota County Tax Collector, if a documented vessel is used on Florida waters for longer than 90 days, then, according to Florida boat registration laws, the vessel must also be registered in Florida.
Does my documented vessel have to be registered in Maine?
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.
Does my documented vessel have to be registered in Maryland?
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.
Does my documented vessel have to be registered in Texas?
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.
Does my documented vessel have to be registered in Wisconsin?
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.
How can I find a vessel’s owner?
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.
How can I renew USCG documentation if it’s expired?
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.
How can I transfer ownership of a California boat?
How can I transfer ownership of a vessel in Florida?
To transfer ownership of a documented vessel in Florida (or anywhere else in the country), utilize our “Transfer/Exchange” form.