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Captain's Application Process Paying MMC Fees

What are the MMC fees for? 

The Coast Guard charges a Merchant Mariner Credential fee to the applicant. This covers the cost of them reviewing your application packet and issuing or renewing your MMC.  

 

Mariners are encouraged to pay user fees online.

 

TIP: If paying via Pay.gov, be sure to send in a copy of your payment receipt with your application packet. 

 

If you prefer to pay in-person at a Regional Exam Center (REC), you can pay by check, credit card, or money order. Most RECs are no longer able to process cash payments—please be prepared to use another method of payment. Payments submitted by mail may NOT be made in cash. 

 

I want to pay by check/money order and mail it to the REC. To whom do I address the check? 

If paying by check or money order, write U.S. Coast Guard in the “Pay to the order of” line. On the “Memo” line write your full name and mariner reference number OR the last four digits of your social security number. Checks mailed to a REC for an incorrect amount will be returned to the applicant with a request for the correct amount. 

 

I am applying for a credential. How do I know what amount to pay? 

General 

When submitting your payment, you must ensure it is for the exact amount required. Here is a breakdown of licensing costs for Mariners Learning System students: 

Take a look over our guide on paying the application fee.  

 

Submitting Original Application  

Select the following categories for the User Fee Information section on pay.gov when paying for your original application:  

* Course in Lieu of Exam is for successfully completing our course and passing our final proctored exam.  

 

Submitting Masters’s Upgrade 

Select the following categories for the User Fee Information section on pay.gov when paying for your OUPV/Six-Pack Upgrade to 25/50 or 100 Ton Masters application: 

* Course in Lieu of Exam is for successfully completing our course and passing our final proctored exam. 

 

Submitting Towing or Sailing Endorsement 

Select the following categories for the User Fee Information section on pay.gov when paying for your addition of the Towing Endorsement and/or Sailing Endorsement application:  

* Course in Lieu of Exam is for successfully completing our course and passing our final proctored exam.

 

Submitting Deck License Renewal 

Select the following categories for the User Fee Information section on pay.gov when paying for your addition of the Deck License Renewal application: 

 

* Course in Lieu of Exam is for successfully completing our course and passing our final proctored exam.

 

I am applying for more than one endorsement. Will I be required to pay for each? 

Regardless of the number of endorsements requested, only one evaluation fee and one issuance fee will be required. The required evaluation fee is determined based on the cost of the highest endorsement you are requesting. 

 

Here is another good guide on guidance for determining the user’s fees.