How long is a certificate of documentation good for?
Asked by: Rogelio Mraz | Last update: October 15, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (52 votes)
What is a certificate of documentation?
What is a USCG Certificate of Documentation? A USCG Certificate of Documentation establishes the ownership and nationality of a vessel. Recreational vessels over five net tons have the option to document their vessel with the U.S. Coast Guard and obtain a Certificate of Documentation.
How often do you renew coast guard documentation?
All documents are issued by the US Coast Guard and must be renewed annually. The Coast Guard will mail a renewal notice to the owner of a documented vessel 45 days prior to the expiration of the document.
What does exchange of certificate of documentation mean?
Exchange - is the term used when changes are made to the Certificate of Documentation (COD) for a vessel which is currently documented with the U.S. Coast Guard. The changes may include ownership, vessel name, hailing port, and/or endorsement(s).
What does it mean if your boat is documented?
The documentation gives a vessel a legal identity, serves as evidence of nationality, and enables you to get various types of maritime insurance. Your vessel has been certified as meeting all relevant regulatory criteria for size, construction, equipment, crewing, and other factors.
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Who holds the title of a documented boat?
No, Coast Guard Documented vessels do not have titles, but they hold Certificates of Documentation in their stead. Federal law prohibits Documented vessels from possessing State titles, as the Federal Documentation supersedes all State registration.
How long does it take to get a boat documented?
The process of Documenting a vessel with the US Coast Guard may take 4-16 weeks, depending on the workload and backlog of registrations with the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC).
How do I transfer ownership of a documented boat?
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) provides the guidelines for transferring ownership of a documented vessel. Both current and prior owners must fill out a new registration card (also known as Transfer Form CG-1270). A bill of sale must be accompanied by documentation that you own the vessel you are selling.
What vessels need to be documented?
Must my vessel be documented? Vessels of five net tons or more used in fishing activities on navigable waters of the U.S. or in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), or used in coastwise trade must be documented unless the vessel is exempt from documentation.
What is exchange certificate used for?
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How do I look up my vessel documentation?
Contact the USCG Vessel Documentation Center (http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/vdoc/nvdc.htm) for vessel title and lien information.
How big is a 5 net ton boat?
General Guideline. Generally, if your boat exceeds 26 feet in length, you can assume it weighs at least five net tons. However, while this is a good way to get a general idea of your boat's weight, you should always double-check since some boats of this length may not weigh enough.
Do I have to document my boat with the Coast Guard?
All recreational boats that are longer than 16 feet must have paperwork to operate legally in the United States, as stipulated by the United States Coast Guard (USCG). It doesn't matter what kind of boat you have; the United States Coast Guard requires certain paperwork, and you must ensure that it's always up to date.
How do I renew my expired USCG documentation?
EXPIRED CERTIFICATES OF DOCUMENTATION:
Complete Form CG-1258 Application for Initial, Exchange or Replacement of Certificate of Documentation, Redocumentation, and submit the form with the fee of $84.00, PLUS additional applicable fees for any trade endorsement(s) other than Recreation or Registry.
What are the benefits of Coast Guard documentation?
More often than not, Coast Guard documented boats are able to clear customs more quickly and painlessly than State registered vessels as they are protected by the United States flag. Certificates of Documentation are internationally recognized to enter and leave foreign ports.
What is the purpose of a certificate?
They serve as proof of an individual's proficiency or mastery of a certain skill, and can be a valuable addition to a resume or portfolio. Certificates are typically awarded after an individual has completed a specific course of study or passed a qualifying exam.
What does "coastwise" mean on a certificate of Documentation?
Regulation 46 CFR § 67.19 explains that, “A coastwise endorsement entitles a vessel to employment in unrestricted coastwise trade, dredging, towing, and any other employment for which a registry or fishery endorsement is not required.”
Does a boat have to have a name?
Recreational vessels must have the name and hailing port listed in 4 inch letters. Commercial vessels must do the same, but they must also have the name on both sides of the bow.
What vessels need a certificate of inspection?
- Freight vessels.
- Nautical school vessels.
- Offshore supply vessels.
- Passenger vessels.
- Seagoing barges.
- Seagoing motor vessels.
- Small passenger vessels.
- Steam vessels.
Is a certificate of documentation for a boat the same as a title?
A documented vessel may not have a state certificate of title but can be registered in the state in which it is primarily used. States like New York, New Jersey, and Maryland, are allowed to document and state register their vessels.
How do I register an old boat without a title?
- A bill of sale, which legally transfers ownership and may include warranties regarding the boat and its equipment, such as an outboard motor or trolling motor.
- Registration documents, which show that the boat is registered in your name.
- Insurance documents, which can serve as proof of ownership.
Can you change the name of a documented boat?
Answer: If your vessel is documented with the Coast Guard, you can contact the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC) to change the name. For more information, visit the NVDC's Frequently Asked Questions section.
How do I know if my vessel is documented?
Documented vessels in the United States have the registered name and hailing port marked on the transom (back end) of the boat in letters 4 inch or greater. US Coast Guard documented vessels have Certificates of Documentation instead of titles.
How long does a boat permit last?
California: The California Boater Card is required for operators of motorized vessels. It is valid for life and does not expire. Florida: The Florida Boating Safety Education Identification Card is required for anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, operating a boat with 10 horsepower or more.
Can I use my boat while waiting on registration in Indiana?
In order to legally operate a boat in Indiana, you must obtain a Certificate of Registration (registration card) and validation decals. The Certificate of Registration must be on board and be available for inspection by a law enforcement officer during boat operation.