Where to study

Tests

Driving testsCitizenship testsSchool and university admissionsNursing, medicine and healthEnglish and French testsTeachingMoney, law and insuranceTrades and work licencesPilots, drones, boats and radio

Countries

United StatesCanadaUnited KingdomAustraliaNew Zealand

United States · Captain’s license

Captain’s license renewal: how to renew your MMC

You can renew any time while your credential is valid, or up to 12 months after it expires, though you can’t work on an expired one. For a captain’s license renewal, you show 1 year of sea service in the past 5 years, or pass an open-book exercise, or complete an approved refresher course. You also need a current medical certificate or a new medical application, a drug test and a valid TWIC.

  • 5 yearsHow long a credential lasts
  • 12 monthsGrace period to renew after expiry
  • 1 year in 5Sea service that meets the renewal rule
Where to study

Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

What do you need for captain license renewal?

  • A completed, signed application and the fees
  • Proof that you hold a valid TWIC or have applied for one
  • Your current credential, or a copy of the front, back and attachments if it’s still valid
  • Evidence of a passed drug test, or that you’re exempt
  • An unexpired medical certificate, or an application for one
  • Consent to a National Driver Register check
  • Evidence that you meet one of the professional requirements

Ways to meet the professional requirement

  • 1 year of sea service during the past 5 years
  • A comprehensive open-book exercise
  • An approved refresher training course
  • At least 3 of the past 5 years working in a job closely related to running, building or repairing vessels, plus a Rules of the Road open-book exercise
  • Teaching a relevant Coast Guard-approved course at least twice in the past 5 years, as a Qualified Instructor

Renewing early

If you apply early and ask only for a renewal, the Coast Guard post-dates the new credential so it starts when your current one expires, up to 8 months after it accepts your complete application. You can ask in writing for immediate issue instead. Your old credential stops being valid when the new one takes effect.

If your captain’s license has expired

Within 12 months of expiry you renew the normal way, but you can’t serve until the new credential is issued. After 12 months, you must also show you’ve kept your knowledge current, by completing a course approved for this purpose or passing the complete exam for the original endorsement.

If you can’t meet the renewal requirements now, a Document of Continuity keeps your right to renew. It doesn’t expire and doesn’t let you work, and you must apply for it before the 12-month grace period ends.

Renewal fees →What the MMC is →
Sources: eCFR · National Maritime Center and 1 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

Explore

Everything else, in one place

OverviewCoursesCostOnlineRequirementsHow to get itSix-pack (OUPV)100 ton MasterWho needs oneCredential (MMC)

Exam and renewal

RenewalThe exam