What Does the Coast Guard Flag Look Like?
The official United States Coast Guard flag features a white field with a dark blue version of the Great Seal of the United States centered on it. The seal depicts an American bald eagle with wings spread, holding a shield with vertical red and white stripes on its breast. Inscribed in an arc above the eagle are the words "UNITED STATES COAST GUARD." Below the eagle is the Coast Guard motto "SEMPER PARATUS" — Latin for "Always Ready" — and beneath that the founding year "1790" in Arabic numerals, marking the establishment of the Revenue Cutter Service. The flag was officially adopted on January 28, 1964. Every Coast Guard flag at Tidmore Flags is produced to these official specifications with color-accurate artwork on a crisp white field. Shop the official Coast Guard flag →
Official USCG Flag – Made in the USA
Every Coast Guard flag at Tidmore Flags is made in the USA and manufactured to official U.S. Government design specifications. Select models carry FMAA certification to confirm Made in USA construction. Tidmore Flags has served America since 1963 — the same commitment to quality that the Coast Guard brings to every rescue. Shop Coast Guard flags →
The Coast Guard Standard vs. The Coast Guard Ensign — Which Do You Need?
The Coast Guard is unique among US military branches in having two official flags, and understanding the difference matters when you're buying.
The Coast Guard Standard (branch flag) — the white flag with the blue Great Seal — is the ceremonial branch flag used at parades, Coast Guard stations, government buildings, schools, and homes of veterans and their families. This is the flag we carry in nylon and polyester for outdoor display and in our indoor presentation sets with gold fringe. If you're a Coast Guard veteran, family member, or supporter looking to fly your pride at home or display the flag in an office or ceremony space, this is the flag you want. Shop the Coast Guard Standard →
The Coast Guard Ensign is a completely different flag — the distinctive 16-stripe diagonal red and white flag with the shield and eagle in the canton. First flown in 1799 by the Revenue Cutter Service to identify vessels with law enforcement authority, the Ensign is flown on Coast Guard cutters and boats underway to signal their authority to board vessels. It is a government-specification maritime flag produced to specific nautical sizing (15"x24", 30"x48", 60"x96") rather than standard flagpole sizes. We are working to add the Coast Guard Ensign to our collection — contact us for current availability or to be notified when it is in stock.
What Are the Coast Guard Colors?
The official colors of the United States Coast Guard are blue, white, and red — specifically the distinctive "Racing Stripe" red. The Racing Stripe is the bold diagonal red and white band seen on Coast Guard vessels, aircraft, and the Coast Guard Ensign, and it is one of the most recognizable visual identities in the US military. On the Coast Guard Standard (branch flag), these colors appear in the dark blue of the Great Seal against the white field, with the red appearing in the vertical stripes on the eagle's shield. The Racing Stripe red and white together have been the visual signature of the Coast Guard since the modern service identity was established in the mid-20th century. Every Coast Guard flag at Tidmore Flags uses color-accurate blue, white, and red to match official USCG specifications. Shop the official Coast Guard flag →
America's Oldest Seagoing Service — Founded 1790
The "1790" on the Coast Guard flag is not just a date — it's a point of pride. The Revenue Cutter Service, the Coast Guard's direct predecessor, was established by an Act of Congress on August 4, 1790, making the Coast Guard older than the US Navy (established 1798). It was the only armed force of the United States at sea for the first eight years of the nation's existence. The Coast Guard Ensign, first flown in 1799, was specifically designed to distinguish revenue cutters from merchant ships — giving them the authority to board and inspect vessels. That same authority and mission of maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and protecting American waters has continued unbroken for over 230 years. When you fly the Coast Guard flag, you're honoring the longest continuous maritime service in American history. Shop Coast Guard flags →
Nylon or Polyester — Which Coast Guard Flag Is Right for You?
Nylon Coast Guard Flag (Outdoor) — The best all-around choice for most homes, storefronts, schools, inland Coast Guard stations, and veteran organizations. Nylon is lightweight, quick-drying, and flies easily in a light breeze. The white field and blue seal stay crisp and vivid under UV exposure. This is the most popular outdoor Coast Guard flag for everyday display away from direct coastal exposure. Shop the Coast Guard nylon flag →
2-Ply Polyester Coast Guard Flag (Outdoor) — Built specifically for coastal and waterfront conditions. If your flagpole is at a marina, pier, waterfront property, Coast Guard station near the shore, or any location within regular reach of salt air and sustained marine wind, the 2-ply polyester Coast Guard flag is the right call. Salt air degrades nylon faster than inland conditions — polyester's tighter weave and heavier construction handles the marine environment significantly better and will outlast nylon by months in coastal exposures. Shop the Coast Guard polyester flag →
Indoor Coast Guard Flag with Pole Hem and Gold Fringe — The traditional choice for formal spaces including chapels, auditoriums, government offices, Coast Guard stations, VFW halls, American Legion posts, and veteran organizations. The gold fringe finish is standard for ceremonial display and color guard use. Shop the indoor Coast Guard flag →
Flying a Coast Guard Flag at a Marina, Dock, or Waterfront Property?
The Coast Guard has the most naturally coastal buyer base of any military branch — and coastal flying conditions are the most demanding on flags. Salt air, marine humidity, UV reflection off the water, and consistent sea breeze accelerate flag wear significantly faster than inland conditions. For any display within regular range of ocean or bay air, always choose the 2-ply polyester Coast Guard flag over nylon. Use stainless steel or brass hardware on your flagpole rather than standard aluminum — aluminum corrodes quickly in salt environments. Rinse your hardware periodically with fresh water to remove salt buildup. A polyester flag in a coastal environment will typically outlast a nylon flag by three to six months, making it the better value despite the higher upfront cost.
What Size Coast Guard Flag Should I Buy?
For a 20-foot residential or commercial pole, a 3x5 ft Coast Guard flag is the standard size. For poles 25 feet and taller, a 4x6 ft flag provides better proportion and visibility. When flying the Coast Guard flag on the same pole as the American flag, choose the Coast Guard flag one size smaller to keep the display in proper proportion. Use our Flag Size Calculator for an instant recommendation based on your pole height.
| Flag Size |
Recommended Pole Height |
Best Use |
| 2' × 3' |
10'–15' |
Small porches, wall mounts, boat displays |
| 3' × 5' |
15'–20' |
Most homes, storefronts, and smaller stations |
| 4' × 6' |
20'–25' |
Larger properties, marinas, and public buildings |
| 5' × 8' |
25' |
Stations, campuses, commercial and government sites |
Coast Guard Flag Presentation Sets
For formal indoor display, our Coast Guard Flag Presentation Set includes the Coast Guard flag, pole, base, and ornament — everything needed for a complete two-flag indoor display alongside the American flag. Presentation sets are the standard choice for government offices, Coast Guard stations, chapels, VFW posts, American Legion halls, schools, and ceremonial spaces. Shop the Coast Guard Presentation Set →
Coast Guard Flag with Gold Fringe
Looking for a coast guard flag with gold fringe or a USCG flag with fringe for indoor ceremonial display? Our indoor Coast Guard flag with pole hem and gold fringe is the traditional choice for government offices, chapels, auditoriums, VFW posts, and Coast Guard stations. The gold fringe finish on three sides gives the flag a dignified ceremonial appearance appropriate for any formal indoor setting. Shop the Coast Guard flag with fringe →
Ordering Coast Guard Flags for Stations, Schools, or Government Buildings?
We regularly supply Coast Guard flags to USCG stations, VFW posts, American Legion chapters, schools, municipalities, and government buildings. We offer bulk pricing and tax-exempt quotes for qualifying orders. Contact our flag experts or call 800-321-3524 Mon–Thu 8am–5pm CST, Fri 8am–4pm CST.
