MMC Renewal Checklist 2026: Every Item in Your CG-719B Packet
A single missing item sends your packet back with a deficiency letter and resets the clock by 6–8 weeks. This checklist covers every required document for a standard MMC renewal.
Updated May 2026 · 9 min read
The Full Checklist
Items marked Required apply to every renewal. Items marked Conditional depend on what endorsements you are applying for.
CG-719B Application Form (current version)
RequiredDownload from uscg.mil. Ensure you are using the latest version — outdated forms are returned. Fill out Section I (mariner info), Section II (credentials requested), and sign Section VI.
Proof of Citizenship — Passport or Birth Certificate + Photo ID
RequiredUS passport is the cleanest option. Birth certificate requires a government-issued photo ID as well. Copies must be legible — blurry photocopies are returned.
Copy of Valid TWIC Card
RequiredTransportation Worker Identification Credential. Must be valid (not expired). Include both sides. If your TWIC is expired or you do not have one, your application cannot be processed.
Physical Exam — CG-719K (within 12 months)
RequiredMust be performed by a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner. The form must be signed. Expiration is 12 months from exam date — not from submission date.
Drug Test — CG-719P (within 185 days of NMC receipt)
Required5-panel DOT test at a SAMHSA-certified lab. MRO section must be signed. The 185-day clock runs from when the NMC receives your packet, not when you mail it.
Sea Service Letters (if adding or upgrading endorsements)
ConditionalRequired for endorsement upgrades. Letters must include: vessel name, official number, gross tonnage, route, your capacity (master, mate, AB, etc.), start date, end date, and total days. Signed by employer.
CPR + First Aid Certification (for some endorsements)
ConditionalRequired for OUPV, Master 25/50/100 GT Near Coastal, and other passenger-carrying endorsements. American Red Cross or American Heart Association are the common providers. Valid 2 years.
STCW Certificates (if applying for ocean endorsements)
ConditionalBasic Safety Training (BST), GMDSS, or other STCW certificates are required depending on the endorsement. Copies of training certificates from an approved school.
Application Fee — $75 (check or money order payable to U.S. Coast Guard)
RequiredExact fee depends on the number of credential documents issued. As of 2026: $75 per MMC plus any individual credential document fees. Check the NMC fee schedule before mailing — overpaying is returned, underpaying causes delays.
Copy of Current MMC (if renewing)
ConditionalInclude a legible photocopy of all pages. For original applications, this is not required. For renewals, it helps the NMC match your record quickly.
How to Assemble the Packet
The NMC does not require a specific assembly order, but a common best practice is:
- CG-719B application form on top (this is the first thing the examiner sees)
- Fee payment (check or money order — never cash by mail)
- Copy of current MMC
- Proof of citizenship
- TWIC copy
- CG-719K physical exam
- CG-719P drug test
- Sea service letters (if upgrading)
- STCW certificates (if applicable)
- CPR/first aid certificate (if applicable)
Use binder clips, not staples. The NMC will separate documents during processing. Staples tear forms and are considered a minor nuisance — not a rejection reason, but a professional courtesy to avoid.
Most Common Deficiency Reasons
Drug test expired
The CG-719P date is more than 185 days before the NMC receives your packet. This is the single most common deficiency. Get your drug test within 60 days of mailing.
Physical exam expired or improperly signed
The CG-719K is more than 12 months old, or it is signed by someone who does not qualify as a licensed physician, PA, or NP. Chiropractors and dentists do not qualify. Online telehealth services are accepted if the provider holds a valid medical license.
Sea service letter missing required fields
For endorsement upgrades, the sea service letter must include: vessel name, official number, gross tonnage, route, your capacity, start date, end date, and total days. A letter missing any of these fields will cause a deficiency even if you completed the required sea service.
Wrong fee amount
The NMC fee schedule is updated periodically. Verify the current fee on uscg.mil before writing the check. Make it payable to "U.S. Coast Guard."
Where to Mail Your Renewal
Standard mail address for the NMC:
Attn: Mariner Licensing and Documentation
100 Forbes Drive
Martinsburg, WV 25404
Use FedEx or UPS with tracking and signature confirmation for high-value packets. The USPS Priority Mail with tracking is acceptable but provides less granularity. Do not use standard first-class mail for MMC packets.
After You Submit
Check your application status on NMC Homeport using your mariner reference number. Status updates typically appear within 2–3 business days of receipt. Check weekly — deficiency letters are posted to the portal before they arrive by mail, so you can see problems earlier.
Free. We track your MMC expiry and alert you at 10, 8, 6, and 3 months out.