Boat Owner Guide
Boat Documentation Requirements
Everything U.S. Coast Guard documented vessel owners need to know about vessel name, hailing port, and official number display requirements under 46 CFR Part 67.
What is a documented boat?
A documented boat is a vessel registered with the U.S. Coast Guard's National Vessel Documentation Center rather than an individual state. Documentation is required for commercial vessels of five net tons or more and is optional (but common) for recreational vessels of the same size. Documented vessels receive an official number, a Certificate of Documentation, and are subject to federal lettering rules under 46 CFR Part 67.
How to document a boat
- 1. File Form CG-1258. The Application for Documentation is submitted to the National Vessel Documentation Center along with a filing fee.
- 2. Provide proof of ownership. A builder's certificate for new boats, or a chain of bills of sale for used boats, showing ownership from the last documented owner to you.
- 3. Provide tonnage. A simplified tonnage measurement for most recreational vessels, or a formal admeasurement for commercial vessels.
- 4. Receive your official number. Once approved, the Coast Guard issues an official number and a Certificate of Documentation, valid for one year.
- 5. Mark the vessel. Display the vessel name, hailing port, and official number per 46 CFR Part 67 before operating.
Boat name and hailing port requirements (46 CFR Part 67 Subpart I)
Federal law is specific about how a documented vessel must display its name and hailing port:
- Vessel name. Must be displayed on some clearly visible exterior part of the hull.
- Name + hailing port on the stern. Both must appear together on some clearly visible exterior part of the stern.
- Minimum four-inch letters. Characters must be at least four inches in height, clearly legible, in durable material that contrasts with the background.
- Hailing port format. Must include the place (city or town) and the state, territory, or possession where the vessel is documented.
Official number requirements
The official number, preceded by the abbreviation "NO.", must be permanently marked in block-type Arabic numerals at least three inches high on a clearly visible interior structural part of the hull. It cannot be attached with removable fasteners. This is the most commonly missed requirement during a Coast Guard boarding.
Carrying your documentation papers
A documented vessel must carry its original Certificate of Documentation on board at all times when operating. Copies are not acceptable. Renew annually through the National Vessel Documentation Center to keep the certificate current.
Common documentation lettering mistakes
- Letters smaller than four inches (fails the visible-hull requirement).
- Vessel name on the transom but no hailing port with it.
- Official number attached with screws or adhesive plates rather than permanently marked.
- Low-contrast lettering (dark grey on black, cream on white).
- Non-marine vinyl that peels or fades within one season.
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This page summarizes 46 CFR Part 67 for boat owners and is not legal advice. Refer to the National Vessel Documentation Center for official guidance.