Capt. Bud - The Captain's License expires every five years. It appears to me that the easiest way to get the license renewed is to go through a one day long refresher course from Sea School or one of the other CG approved learning operations (I assume they all operate about the same). The course is really an alternative to documenting at least 360 days of sea time. The day winds up with a test, which you are almost guaranteed to pass. A physical exam is usually available during the day for a fee ($45, as I remember). Check to make sure about this, otherwise you will have to get the physical exam report done on your own. You then get a completion certificate which you send to the CG along with the rest of the paperwork. As far as the drug test is concerned, I am enrolled in the Sea School random drug testing program, so all I needed was a recent certificate of compliance. Otherwise, you need a recent drug test - within six months, I think. To me, the bottom line is that the refresher course, especially if it includes a physical at the same time, is by far the easiest way to renew. And yes, the CG office overseeing all of this has moved to Martinsburg, West Virginia. Your paperwork is sent to one of the regional CG offices where it is reviewed and sent to WV if complete. The renewed license comes out of WV. Hope this helps!