Get CG-1356 2016-2023

If you want to search the list of documented vessels to find information about a vessel you wish to buy, come to us at the Maritime Documentation Center. We have a link on our home page for vessel search so that you can click, enter the ship name or documentation number, and you instantly get results.

PAY ONLINE (single vessels only): To pay electronically, visit our website at www.uscg.mil/nvdc Order Products Online Renew (or Late Renewal) and follow instructions. You will need your Official Number to complete the payment process. CUSTOMERS WHO PAY ONLINE ARE NOT REQUIRED TO SUBMIT A SEPARATE CG-1280.

What does it cost? As of January 2021, an initial Certificate of Documentation cost $133. A full schedule of fees and services is listed on the Coast Guard website.

If the boat is documented with the Coast Guard, log online and visit the Office of Science and Technology's copy of the Coast Guard's database of all vessels by name. Enter the name and port of hail as prompted and the site will return the title owner's information. Contact the relevant state agency.

To easily renew your vessel documentation, simply go to the U.S. Coast Guard National Vessel Documentation Center website and click on "instructions and forms." Renewal is simple and cost $26 per year.

1. PAY ONLINE (single vessels only): To pay electronically, visit our website at www.uscg.mil/nvdc Order Products Online Renew (or Late Renewal) and follow instructions. You will need your Official Number to complete the payment process. CUSTOMERS WHO PAY ONLINE ARE NOT REQUIRED TO SUBMIT A SEPARATE CG-1280.

The initial documentation fee for a recreational vessel is $100.00. The numbering fee varies from State to State but averages about $25.00. In addition, documented vessels are not exempt from State or local taxes or other boating fees. Some individual States require a registration fee even if a boat is documented.

Re: Need to find the owner of a Florida boat You/anyone can go to your county tag office with someone's license plate number, fill out a request form, and the tax assessor employee will give you the name and address of the tag owner.

Any boat/vessel that travels or is moored in California waterways, including private lakes, must be registered with DMV.

Search the registered boat by ID The USCG also allows boat owners and buyers to check a vessel documentation by its provided USCG identification number. Taking the HIN number to the registration agency for your state will allow you to find the last owner who registered the boat.