MARAD Cuts Notarization Red Tape for U.S. Citizenship Proof
Published Date: 6/4/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting June 4, 2026, MARAD is making it easier for companies to prove they’re U.S. citizens to join its programs. They’re cutting out tricky paperwork, like birth details and notarizations, and simplifying recertification. This means less hassle and faster approvals for businesses, with no extra costs or delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
New Methods for Public Companies to Prove Citizenship
Beginning June 4, 2026, publicly traded entities may use several reasonably available methods listed in §355.3(d) to measure and affirm U.S. citizen share ownership, including the Depository Trust Company SEG-100 system, monitoring SEC filings (Schedules 13D/13G/Form 13F), communications with Non-Objecting Beneficial Owners (NOBOs), geographic surveys or statistical analyses of shareholder residences, dual stock certificates, or alternative MARAD-approved methods. MARAD explicitly accepts SEG-100 participation as an acceptable method but does not make SEG-100 mandatory. MARAD also modified the “fair inference rule” to permit reliance on reasonably available shareholder residence information, including geographic surveys and statistical sampling, while retaining the existing percentage ownership limits.
Remove Birth Date and Birthplace Data
Starting June 4, 2026, MARAD's affidavit form (see §355.2) no longer requires dates and places of birth for corporate executives, directors, and stock owners. MARAD said removing that information reduces unnecessary disclosure of personally identifiable information and the agency may request such details only if there is doubt.
Cut Notarization and Streamline Recertification
Effective June 4, 2026, MARAD eliminates the notarization requirement and allows an optional streamlined annual certification in lieu of a full affidavit when ownership information has not materially changed (see §355.4(b)). MARAD expects paperwork hours per response to fall from five hours to four hours (a 20% reduction), with a net annual cost saving of $24,756 across 550 respondents.
Optional MARAD Review of Compliance Plans
As of June 4, 2026, entities may submit citizenship compliance methods/plans to MARAD for review and approval; MARAD will share such determinations with the U.S. Coast Guard upon request. This option lets firms seek MARAD approval for their chosen methods to demonstrate ongoing compliance with U.S. ownership requirements.
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