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Vessel Documentation Forms
Documentation Renewal
Form: CG-1280 (08/16)
Use this form to complete single or multi-year renewals for Recreational and Commercial vessels documented with the United States Coast Guard.
Documentation Transfer
Form: CG-1258 (08/16)
Required for transferring ownership of a vessel, including:
Used vessel purchases
Equity transfers
Inheritances
Documenting vessels in corporations
Initial Documentation
Forms: CG-1258 (08/16), CG-5397 (10/17)
Used to register:
A new vessel
A vessel never previously registered with the USCG
Note: Tonnage calculations or the original Builder’s Certificate are required.
Return to Active Documentation
Form: CG-1258 (08/16)
Required if your Certificate of Documentation expired more than 30 days ago.
Additional fees apply.
Assistance Available
Need help completing your documentation request?
Call (866) 610-6594 or email [email protected] and leave a message for the appropriate department.
Regulations Updates
Multi-Year Certificate of Documentation
Recreational vessel owners can now renew for multiple years by paying an additional $64.00 per year.
Read More
The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 - Section 512
Details about recreational vessel certification changes issued on 12/21/2018.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
Must my vessel be documented?
Yes, if it is:
5 net tons or more
Used in fishing or coastwise trade on U.S. navigable waters or in the EEZ
A towboat or dredge operating in the U.S. or EEZ
Other Common Questions:
What is the purpose of Vessel Documentation?
Can I submit my documents online?
What are the requirements for Documentation?
How do I establish U.S. Citizenship?
How do I change the name or hailing port of my vessel?
How do I obtain title information for a documented vessel?
Is a documented vessel exempt from State jurisdiction?
What happens when I sell my documented vessel?
Important Links
FOIA
USA.gov
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
DHS Office of Inspector General
WhiteHouse.gov
MHS Notice of Privacy Practices
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