Return flag certificate for pleasure craft

You can request the return of a flag certificate from the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH).

By post:

• Go to the BSH website and access the section for flag certificates.
• Select the PDF form "Application for return of an existing flag certificate".
• You can complete the application form as a PDF file on your computer and print it out or download it and complete it by hand.
• Send the completed application form together with the required documents, including the original flag certificate, to the BSH by post.
• You will receive confirmation of the return if you have noted this accordingly in the application.

Online:

• To apply online, go to the "Flag certificates" section of the BSH and follow the instructions.
• You can upload certificates in various formats.
• You must send the original flag certificate to the BSH by post for return.
• Note: You will only receive information on the confirmation of the invalidity of the flag certificate if this has been requested in the return.
• Explanations on the application and information on the flag certificate can also be found on the BSH website
  

A valid flag certificate must be returned if

• you sell the ship or boat,
• the ship is to be entered in a German or foreign ship register,
• the ownership structure changes, particularly in the case of joint ownership, for example if owners leave or new persons join the joint ownership, or
• the owner dies.

• completed (online) application
• Original flag certificate

Return the flag certificate immediately if you sell the vehicle or the ownership situation changes.

• § Section 22 of the Flag Act (FlaggRG)
• § Section 31 (2) of the Flag Law Ordinance (FlRV)

• Appeal against rejection notice

Forms available: Yes

Written form required: Yes

Informal application possible: No

Personal appearance necessary: No

Online services available: Yes

You will only receive the details for confirmation of the invalidity of the flag certificate if this has been requested in the return.

29.11.2022