What Happens After Passing Your Captain's License Exam?
Who issues the U.S. captain's license?
The National Maritime Center (NMC) is the Coast Guard division responsible for evaluating and issuing credentials in accordance with the statutes and regulations governing the Merchant Mariner Credentialing (MMC) program.
How does the captain's license application process go?
Once you have passed your final proctored exam and received your MLS Certificate of Completion, you must submit an application package to the NMC.
NOTE: Although everyone calls the final document a "Captain's License," the NMC refers to it as a Merchant Marine Credential (MMC).
The NMC application package must be submitted to your local Regional Examination Center (REC) in person, by mail, or electronically.
WARNING: Do NOT submit your application package directly to the NMC, as this WILL delay your application.
If your application still needs to be completed, you may receive an Awaiting Information (AI) email and/or letter requesting more information from the REC.
In most cases, fees are required for MMC transactions and our Captain's License Application Fees page has information on submitting payment, general questions and refunds.
Most applications are generally evaluated for Safety & Suitability, Medical Certificate, and Professional Qualification (Sea Service) items.
After your application has been evaluated and approved, you will receive an email and/or letter notification indicating that your license is on its way!
You can watch this video on the application process.
Where do I find the application forms?
You can find all the license application forms and the license checklist through our Help Center's Knowledge Base here.
How can I tell if I have the old or new forms?
If you look at the top right of the forms, you will see an expiration date.
This will tell you how long the forms are good for.
NOTE: Read about the Captain's Application Process: Status of CG-719 Series Forms.
I passed my exam; what is my next step?
Congratulations! Once you pass our proctored exam, you will receive a Mariners Learning System certificate recognized by the United States Coast Guard.
Submit the original certificate, application package, and applicable fees to the USCG Regional Exam Center within one year. Upon their approval of your package, they will send you your original license.
Do I need to submit Character Reference Letters?
Character Reference Letters are NO longer required. This was an old requirement that the Coast Guard had gotten rid of.
I don't want to do the application forms myself; can I pay someone to do them on my behalf?
While Mariners Learning System can help answer basic questions, like where to go or what to fill out, we cannot complete your application.
You can hire a third party to help you with your application process. Services like these will:
- Review your entire license/document application package for completeness
- Submit your application package to the USCG for approval by that agency
- Give you peace of mind before you write out that check for evaluation fees to the USCG
Most applicants submit independently, but these types of services are available (generally for those with unique situations).