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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 chesticle 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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