If you receive a letter from U.S. VESSEL DOCUMENTATION in California telling you that your USCG Document is about to expire – DO NOT REPLY!
Actual vessel documentation is handled by the U.S. Coast Guard in Virginia. We have heard from several boaters that they received a very official-looking notification, and it referenced a very official-looking web site. The letter claimed that if the recipient did not reply/renew within 45 days he could be subject to a $10,000 fine and other fees. The recipient could renew for $75.00, or for 5 years for $300.
The cost to legitimately renew your Document is $26.00 per year. If you need to renew yours with the USCG, you can go to https://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/nvdc .
