Easier US Citizenship Proof for Maritime Program Applicants
Published Date: 7/1/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
MARAD is making it easier for companies to prove they’re U.S. citizens when joining their programs. They’re cutting out extra paperwork, like birth details and notarizations, to keep things simple and protect privacy. These changes will save time and hassle for businesses starting soon, with no extra costs involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Easier proof of U.S. citizenship
If your company wants to participate in MARAD programs, MARAD will simplify and modernize how businesses prove U.S. citizenship for corporations and other business formations participating in MARAD programs. MARAD says this will reduce paperwork and save time with no extra costs.
Remove birth date/place disclosure
MARAD will eliminate the requirement to provide dates and places of birth of corporate executives, directors, and stock owners in the affidavit of citizenship. That change reduces the amount of personally identifiable information businesses must submit and protects privacy.
Less stock-owner reporting for public companies
For publicly traded entities, MARAD will remove the requirement to provide certain information about registered owners of stock in the affidavit of citizenship. Public companies will no longer need to supply that registered-owner information when evidencing citizenship.
No notarization required
MARAD will eliminate the notarization requirement for the affidavit of citizenship. Businesses will not need to get affidavits notarized when submitting citizenship evidence.
Streamlined recertification process
MARAD will provide a simple, streamlined process for recertification of U.S. citizenship for program participants. This should make it easier for businesses to recertify their citizenship status when required.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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