Flag certificate for recreational craft; application for renewal

Flag certificates for seaworthy pleasure craft expire after 8 years. In order to continue flying the German flag on board, you must submit an application for renewal.

Flaggenzertifikat online beantragen
The Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency offers you the opportunity to apply for flag certificates online - quick and easy online application - upload evidence directly online - save and continue processing - automated data transfer

Antrag auf Änderung oder Verlängerung eines Flaggenzertifikates
PDF

This form can be submitted electronically (e.g. via a secure contact form using your user account with login via the electronic ID function or the ELSTER certificate) or handwritten and signed in paper form to the responsible authority.

For contact details of the responsible authoritiy and local valid information select under "Select location" a location.

The flag certificate serves as proof of the right to fly the German flag on a seagoing vessel or a seaworthy pleasure craft with a hull length of up to 15 meters.

It is issued to natural persons, partnerships or legal entities. They must have a residence or registered office in Germany and either be a German citizen or a citizen of the European Union (EU).
Flag certificates are valid for 8 years and must therefore be renewed regularly.

If you wish to extend a flag certificate that has been issued, you must submit a corresponding application to the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH).

You already have a flag certificate.

Required document/s
- completed (online) application
- original flag certificate to be renewed
- Copy of proof of changed information, if applicable
- Identity card or passport (copy)
- If applicable, joint ownership agreement with proof of the personal details of the respective owners (copy)
- Confirmation of full payment (copy of corresponding receipts)

You can apply for an extension of the flag certificate at the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency.

By post:

Go to the BSH website and access the section for flag certificates.
Select the PDF form "Application for amendment or renewal of a flag certificate".
You can fill it out on the computer and print it out or print it out and fill it out by hand.
Send the completed form together with the required documents and evidence by post to the BSH.

Online:

To apply online, go to the "Flag certificates" section of the BSH and follow the instructions.
You can upload evidence in various formats. The original flag certificate must be sent to the BSH by post for renewal.

Explanations on the application and information on the flag certificate can also be found on the BSH website.