USCG Vessel Documentation: Obtain and Renew Form CG-1126
Secure federal registration for your vessel to simplify international travel and financing. This checklist covers the application for Form CG-1126 (Certificate of Documentation) and ongoing compliance requirements.
Measure volume, not weight on a scale; most boats over 25 feet meet this requirement. Use the simplified measurement form CG-5397 if the vessel is under 79 feet.
Complete Form CG-5397 for simplified measurement
Confirm US citizenship status for all owners
Vessels must be owned by US citizens or entities where 75% of the stock is US-owned for coastwise trade. Provide a valid US passport or birth certificate as primary evidence.
Determine the primary vessel use
Choose between Recreational, Coastwise, Fishery, or Registry endorsements. Commercial endorsements require higher fees and stricter citizenship proof than recreational ones.
Initial Application Paperwork
Download and complete Form CG-1258
This is the primary application for the Certificate of Documentation. Ensure the vessel name and hailing port match exactly what will be painted on the hull.
Execute the Bill of Sale (Form CG-1340)
The seller's signature must be notarized to be valid for federal documentation. If buying from a dealer, obtain a Builder's Certification (Form CG-1261) instead.
Clear existing state titles
States cannot title a federally documented vessel. Submit a copy of the state title cancellation or a letter of non-titling from your state agency.
Obtain lien release from previous lenders
Submission and Fees
Calculate the total processing fee
Initial recreational documentation costs $133 for a one-year certificate. Multi-year options are available up to 5 years for $26 per additional year.
Submit the application package to the NVDC
Mail the physical documents to the National Vessel Documentation Center in Falling Waters, WV. Use a trackable shipping method to confirm receipt of original notarized forms.
Monitor the NVDC processing backlog
Current wait times typically range from 45 to 90 days. Check the 'Case Status' tool on the official USCG website using your vessel's official number or HIN.
Vessel Marking and Compliance
Apply the Official Number to the interior
The number must be preceded by 'NO.' and be at least 3 inches high in block Arabic numerals. Permanently affix it to a structural part of the hull so that removal would cause visible damage.
Mark the vessel name and hailing port
Use letters at least 4 inches high on a clearly visible exterior part of the hull. For recreational vessels, these must appear on the stern; commercial vessels require them on the bow and stern.
Store the original CG-1126 on board
Federal law requires the original certificate to be present during operation. Photocopies are not acceptable during USCG boardings or at foreign ports of entry.
Renewal and Maintenance
Set a renewal reminder 60 days before expiration
The NVDC sends a Notice of Renewal (CG-1280) to the address on file. Failure to receive the notice does not waive the $5 late fee for renewals submitted after the expiration date.
File a Reinstatement if the certificate expires
If you miss the 30-day grace period, you must file for reinstatement at a cost of $84. Operating a vessel with an expired CG-1126 can lead to fines and seizure.
Update the NVDC of any address changes
Submit a written notice or use the online portal within 10 days of moving. This ensures you receive renewal notices and legal correspondence regarding your vessel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does USCG documentation exempt me from state taxes?
No. While you do not need a state title, most states still require you to register the vessel for tax purposes and pay annual 'use' or 'property' taxes if the boat is kept in their waters for more than 30-90 days.
Can I document a vessel owned by an LLC?
Yes, provided the LLC meets US citizenship requirements. You must submit a copy of the Articles of Organization and a list of members to prove that at least 75% of the entity is controlled by US citizens.
What is the difference between net tons and gross tons?
Gross tonnage measures the total internal volume of the vessel, while net tonnage measures the volume of the space available for cargo or passengers. Form CG-1126 requires the vessel to be at least 5 net tons, which is a volume measurement, not a weight measurement.
How do I replace a lost or damaged CG-1126?
Submit an Application for Replacement (Form CG-1258) and pay the $22 replacement fee. You must provide an explanation of how the original was lost or destroyed to the NVDC.