Did you get an email or letter from the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) saying your application was rejected? Starting December 1, 2024, the USCG will strictly reject applications for original, renewal, and upgrade credentials if they are incomplete. This includes applications for OUPV renewal, Six-Pack licenses, and 100-Ton licenses.
You can read the USCG’s official notification regarding application rejections here.
If your application is rejected, you’ll need to resubmit your entire package after correcting the issue. Among the most common reasons for rejection is failure to include the evaluation fee receipt from pay.gov. This blog post explains how to fix this issue and avoid future rejections.
Why Applications Get Rejected Over Evaluation Fees
The USCG requires proof that you’ve paid the necessary fees to process your application. If you fail to include a pay.gov receipt for your evaluation fee, your application will be rejected.
Common Evaluation Fee Issues
- No Receipt for Evaluation Feesome text
- Solution: Pay the evaluation fee on pay.gov and include the receipt in your application.
- Confusion Over Fees
The USCG allows you to pay all fees upfront (evaluation, exam, and issuance fees) or just the evaluation fee initially. However, paying only the evaluation fee means you’ll need to pay additional fees later to receive your exams or printed credentials.some text- Solution: Use pay.gov page for mariner fees to ensure you’ve selected the correct fee options.
How to Fix a Missing Evaluation Fee
Step 1: Pay Your Fees on Pay.gov
Visit the pay.gov page for mariner fees and follow these steps:
- Select the appropriate fees based on your application type (e.g., OUPV renewal, private boat captain’s license, or 100-Ton upgrade).
- Complete the payment and download the receipt.
- If you’re unsure which fees to pay, click the chat option on the pay.gov page to consult the National Maritime Center (NMC) team.
Step 2: Resubmit Your Entire Application
The USCG does not retain any part of a rejected application, so you’ll need to resend the entire package. This includes:
- Corrected documents (if applicable)
- Pay.gov receipt for the evaluation fee
- All supporting materials, such as your CG-719B form, drug test, and TWIC information
Avoiding Evaluation Fee Rejections
Paying the wrong fees, or forgetting to include proof of payment, is one of the most common mistakes mariners make. At MM-SEAS, we take care of this step for you, ensuring your fees are correct and submitted on time.
Here’s how we help:
- We Handle Pay.gov Fees
When you use MM-SEAS, we pay your evaluation fee as part of your application process, removing the guesswork. - Thorough Application Review
Our team checks your application to ensure every requirement is met, from USCG license renewal fees to proper documentation. - Support Throughout the Process
Have questions about fees or other requirements? We’re here to help.
Why Choose MM-SEAS?
Submitting a complete, error-free application the first time saves you time, money, and frustration. At MM-SEAS, we specialize in helping mariners meet all USCG license requirements for original, renewal, and upgrade applications.
Getting Started
- Create a free account at MM-SEAS.
- Upload your information and documents.
- Click “Submit Application” to have our team process your application.
Pricing:
- $399 for a Stress-Free MMC. We pay the Coast Guard's fees at submission and charge your card.
Additional Resources
Need help with other rejection reasons? Check out these blog posts:
- Application Rejected Due to TWIC Issues
- Application Rejected Due to CG-719B Errors
- Application Rejected Due to Missing Drug Test
- Application Rejected Due to Missing Conviction Statement
Don’t let missing fees delay your Merchant Marine Credential (MMC) application. Whether you’re working on an OUPV renewal, upgrading your Six-Pack license, or applying for your first private boat captain’s license, MM-SEAS is here to simplify the process.
Start your Stress-Free MMC by visiting MM-SEAS. Let us handle the details so you can get back on the water faster!
Need to renew, upgrade or get your first USCG license? We're here to help.
About the author
Nate Gilman is President and Co-Founder of MM-SEAS. He hawsepiped from the deck to a 3rd Mate Unlimited license with full STCW compliance over more than 15 years at sea, and is a veteran of the NOAA Commissioned Corps. He works directly with the National Maritime Center, USCG-approved training schools, and vessel operators on credentialing policy, and writes on sea service documentation, evaluation standards, and how mariners move up the license ladder.
