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NEWS:

  • Revised versions of our forms have been posted on our forms page on 2/25/2025. If you have a saved version that was downloaded prior to this date, consider using our latest version of the forms. The new forms address issues with please wait screen and can be merged with other PDF documents. Furthermore, the forms can once again be used with a browser like Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome, thus saving the steps of having to download the form and having to use Adobe application to fill them out. If you are still seeing the please wait message after clicking on our forms, it means your browser is using a cached version. You need to close down all browsers and clear your browser cache and try again.  
  • On January 2, 2025, NVDC will officially be switching over to using the latest versions of our forms (expiration date of November 30, 2026).  There will be a 90-day transition period to start using the new forms.  
  • The NVDC is aware there are commercial entities that offer to manage the certification/renewal process on behalf of vessel owners for a fee.  The Coast Guard does not endorse any of these companies, and the companies do not operate on behalf of the Coast Guard in any way. Any fees charged or agreements offered by such companies are in no way associated with the NVDC certification process.  In addition, these companies are not authorized to issue any form of documentation, including travel letters and/or permits that authorize operation of ANY vessel. Customer complaints can be made through the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) website at https://www.ftc.gov/.  You are encouraged to contact FTC. See Third Party Awareness - 2024

  • Expanded Online Ordering

The NVDC’s eStorefront provides customers with an efficient and secure means to electronically apply for products directly with the US Coast Guard.  Customers can:

  •  Apply for an initial, replacement, or exchange of a Certificate of Documentation.
  •  Apply for Return to Documentation.
  •  Renew their Recreational vessel’s Certificate of Documentation (COD) for 1 to 5 years.
  •  Renew their Commercial/Registry endorsements on their COD for one-year.
  •  Renew their Fleet’s CODs
  •  Request an Abstract of Title (A/T) and/or Certified Copy of COD (CCOD).
  •  Change their address.
  •  File a Mortgage or Related Instrument.
  •  File a Satisfaction, Release of Mortgage or Lien.
  •  File a Notice of Claim of Lien.
  •  File a Bill of Sale and related Instruments.
  •  Request a Deletion Letter.
  •  Request a Certificate of Ownership for a Single Vessel or Multiple Unrelated Vessels.
  •  Request a Certificate of Ownership for a Fleet of Vessels.

​For products and services not listed, please contact the NVDC.

Customer Survey

Your opinion matters to us, and the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC) is committed to providing you with excellent customer service.  Your feedback will guide efforts to improve the Vessel Documentation Program. Please visit NVDC Customer Feedback to complete the survey. 

 

Mission Statement

The National Vessel Documentation Center facilitates maritime commerce and the availability of financing while protecting economic privileges of United States citizens through the enforcement of regulations, and provides a register of vessels available in time of war or emergency to defend and protect the United States of America.

 

 

NVDC Case Processing Report

The U.S. Department of Defense is committed to making its electronic and information technologies accessible to individuals with disabilities in accordance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794d), as amended in 1998. DoD websites use the WCAG 2.0 AA accessibility standard.

For persons with disabilities experiencing difficulties accessing content on a particular website, please use the form DoD Section 508 Form.  In this form, please indicate the nature of your accessibility issue/problem and your contact information so we can address your issue or question. If your issue involves log in access, password recovery, or other technical issues, contact the administrator for the website in question, or your local helpdesk.