USCG License Expiration
What You Need to Know
As of April 2024, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) extended the administrative grace period for renewing a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) from one year to six years. This means that mariners now have up to six years after their license's expiration date to renew without retaking the complete original examination. However, during this grace period, the license is not valid for operating vessels.
If your license has expired beyond the six-year grace period, the renewal process isn’t as simple as before. Depending on your endorsement, additional training or assessments may be necessary. While this may seem like a challenge, we’re here to guide you through every step and make the process as smooth as possible.
Renewing an Expired License
After the 6-Year Grace Period
To reinstate your license, the U.S. Coast Guard requires you to meet all the requirements for obtaining an original Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).
This means:
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Complete Examination: You must retake and pass the full USCG exam for your desired endorsement.
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Additional Requirements: Depending on your endorsement, you may need to fulfill extra training or assessments.
To avoid these extra steps, we always recommend renewing your license before the six-year deadline. But if you’ve passed that mark, we’re here to help! We’ll guide you through the reissuance process, ensuring you meet every requirement smoothly and efficiently.
