The National Vessel Documentation Center posted a notice on its website that in an effort to improve customer service and streamline its processes, it is changing the way Certificates of Documentation (CODs) are mailed as well as how customers should submit changes of mailing address.

As of Sept. 1, 2017, all renewed Certificates of Documentation will be mailed directly to the managing owner of record.

Additionally, change of address requests will no longer be accepted via the pay.gov payment website. To change an address, use one of the following methods:

1) E-mail the change of address to NVDC’s renewals department at nvdcrenewals2@uscg.mil;

2) Fax the change of address to (304)271-2541;

3) Annotate the change of address on the CG-1280 Certificate of Documentation renewal notice at the time of renewal, before submitting the form via fax or U.S. mail;

4) Call the NVDC at (304)271-2400. Please have your official number available.

All requests must include the official number and the owner’s name.

There is no fee to update mailing addresses. Additionally, no third party requests for receipts, notice, or proof that the COD has been issued will be acknowledged or honored, regardless of payment method.

NVDC wants this to be a successful transition and encourages users to provide feedback. Questions or trouble reports can be made by calling (800)799-8362 or (304)271-2400 or by emailing nvdc.w.webmaster@uscg.mil.

Visit NVDC’s website to view the notice in its entirety.

This blog is not a replacement or substitute for the formal posting of regulations and updates or existing processes for receiving formal feedback of the same. Links provided on this blog will direct the reader to official source documents, such as the Federal Register, Homeport and the Code of Federal Regulations. These documents remain the official source for regulatory information published by the Coast Guard.