10 Questions about HIN Lookups and Boat Registration Search
How to do a boat registration lookup
To look up boat registration in the USA, use the CGMIX Coast Guard Port State Information Exchange. You can search by vessel name, Hull Identification Number (HIN), or Official Number. State-specific DMVs and third-party services like Boat-Alert.com and Boat-Abstract.com are also excellent resources.
1. US Coast Guard Documentation Lookup – CGMIX
- Visit: cgmix.uscg.mil/psix/psixsearch.aspx
- Search by: Vessel name, Official Number, or HIN
- Info available: Vessel details, documentation status, tonnage, service type, and more
2. State Registration Lookup
- Varies by state (check with each state’s DMV or equivalent)
- Search options: Registration number, HIN, or sometimes owner name
- Many states have online verification tools
- Boat-alert.com checks it in one place.
3. Third-Party Services
- Boat-Alert.com: Offers multi-state and multi-database searches, including theft, salvage, and registration data
- Boat-Abstract.com: Great for obtaining Abstracts of Title from the USCG
- Boat History Report: Also available for detailed boat background checks
4. HIN Lookup
- Found on the starboard side of the transom
- Use the HIN to search on CGMIX, state websites, or third-party tools
How to do a boat VIN lookup
In the boating world, the VIN is referred to as the HIN. You can look up a boat’s HIN using resources like Boat-Alert.com and Boat-Abstract.com, which are tailored for marine history and registration checks.
1. Find the HIN
- Look at the stern, starboard side
- On a metal or plastic plate, permanently attached
2. Search using the HIN
- Boat-Alert.com: Offers HIN, USCG, and state-level lookup with instant results
- Boat-Abstract.com: Provides USCG Abstracts and ownership records
- NHTSA VIN Decoder: Not designed for boats, but try hindecoder.com
3. What the HIN reveals
- Manufacturer ID, production serial, month/year of build
- Valuable when checking against databases for prior claims or registrations
Where to get free boat registration lookup
Free boat registration info is available from the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC) and Boat-Alert.com, which offers a free preliminary check.
Steps:
- Visit the NVDC or CGMIX
- Search using HIN or Official Number
- View data like documentation status, vessel name, and dimensions
Extra Tips:
- Boat-Alert.com: Try their Free Boat Record Check before purchasing a full report
- Boat-Abstract.com: Offers federally documented vessel records for a small fee
How to do boat serial number (HIN) lookup
The serial number of a boat is called the HIN. Use Boat-Alert.com, CGMIX, or your state’s DMV website to perform a lookup.
1. Locate the HIN
- Usually on the upper starboard side of the transom
- Alternate locations for non-standard hull types
2. Understand the HIN
- MIC (3 letters), Serial Number (5), Date Code (4)
- Decode with Boat-Alert.com’s HIN decoder
3. Lookup options
- Boat-Alert.com: HIN-based multi-database lookup
- Boat-Abstract.com: For USCG-registered vessels, get ownership and title history
- State DMV or CGMIX
How to get a boat history report
A full boat history report reveals title issues, liens, prior damage, and theft. Use Boat-Alert.com for affordable reports or Boat-Abstract.com for USCG title abstracts.
1. CGMIX Search
- Great for federally documented boats
- Shows basic vessel and documentation info
2. Abstract of Title
- Get from Boat-Abstract.com
- Includes ownership history, liens, and bill of sale data
3. Boat History Services
- Boat-Alert.com: Offers a Boat History Report across 92+ databases
- Ideal for buyers and brokers doing due diligence
Where to get HIN number lookup
HIN lookups are possible through the USCG’s PSIX portal, Boat-Alert.com, or Boat-Abstract.com.
Top Sources:
- CGMIX: cgmix.uscg.mil/psix/psixsearch.aspx
- Boat-Alert.com: Lookup with just a HIN
- Boat-Abstract.com: Get official USCG documentation history
How to do boat title search
A title search can confirm ownership, liens, and title status. Use state-level DMVs for state-registered boats and Boat-Abstract.com for federally documented ones.
Steps:
- Get the boat’s HIN
- Identify if it’s state-registered or federally documented
- Contact state DMV or request an abstract from Boat-Abstract.com
- Use Boat-Alert.com for lien check and damage history
How to do boat VIN check
A “VIN check” in boating is actually a HIN check. Use the HIN to check the boat’s history using services like Boat-Alert.com and Boat-Abstract.com.
1. Find the HIN
- Starboard side of the transom
2. Use Lookup Services
- Boat-Alert.com: Offers fast HIN checks and multi-database history
- USCG CGMIX for federally documented vessels
- State DMV for local registration info
How to do boat hull number search
Hull number = HIN. Search using Boat-Alert.com or Boat-Abstract.com for verified results.
Steps:
- Find the HIN on the starboard side of the transom
- Go to Boat-Alert.com or CGMIX
- Enter the HIN and get the vessel info
How do I do a HIN lookup?
To run a HIN lookup, use tools from Boat-Alert.com, Boat-Abstract.com, or the USCG.
Where to check:
- Boat-Alert.com: Fast, reliable HIN lookup and decoding
- CGMIX PSIX: For documented vessels
- National Documentation Portal
- Decode the HIN on hindecoder.com
Where to find free boat history check
Use the USCG CGMIX tool or Boat-Alert.com’s free record checker to get started.
- Boat-Alert.com: Offers a free initial check, then optional full report
- CGMIX: Official records of documented boats
- Best to combine free checks with paid reports for complete history
Categories: To learn more about Boat-Alert.com History Reports for used boats and search boats visit: www.Boat-Alert.com