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National Boating Safety School

Guide to Registering a Boat in Canada

January 29, 2025

In most cases, boat registration in Canada is optional. However, most boaters will need to obtain another similar piece of documentation, a Pleasure Craft License (PCL).

Let’s take a look at the details.

The difference between a Pleasure Craft License and Vessel Registration

Getting a Pleasure Craft License is one thing. Registering your boat is another.

Pleasure Craft License

A Pleasure Craft License (PLC) is a document issued by Transport Canada.

You are legally obliged to obtain one for:

  • any small pleasure craft with one or more engines whose total power is at least 10 horsepower (7.5 kW).
  • any vessel that is used strictly for non-commercial activities, such as recreation or daily living. Passengers do not pay to be transported on a pleasure craft.

Your PLC provides you with a unique license number which identifies the vessel and the license holder. This gives search and rescue personnel access to important information in the case of an emergency. 

Transport Canada’s Pleasure Craft Licensing Program develops and maintains the regulations, standards, policies and guidelines related to licensing Canadian pleasure craft.

Vessel registration

Boat registration is the process of registering a larger vessel with Transport Canada so that it can perform commercial activities legally on Canadian waters. The Canada Shipping Act 2001 stipulates that registration is optional for all pleasure craft, regardless of their size.

It is quite likely that you will only need to obtain a Pleasure Craft License.

If you are not sure, consider the following:

  • Is your boat a commercial vessel with a gross tonnage of 15 or more and powered by motors totalling 7.5 kW (10 horsepower) or more?
  • Will your boat have a marine mortgage?
  • Does your boat need a reserved name?
  • Will your boat be traveling outside of Canada?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you may need to register your boat. 

Guide to boat registration in Canada

In order to register your boat in Canada, you will need to make an application to Transport Canada. 

Step 1: Fill out the Vessel Registration Forms online, answer a few questions, and follow the directions explaining how to apply.

Step 2: Submit proof of ownership and other completed form(s) to Transport Canada, along with the associated fee. Fees will vary according to each vessel’s size and type.

You can submit your application online, by mail, or in person at the nearest Service Canada Centre. You can pay online if you are applying online, or by cheque or money order, payable to “Receiver General for Canada”.

Documents to:

Transport Canada, Vessel Registry AMSED

330 Sparks Street

Ottawa ON K1A 0N8

 

Renewals and other changes to your registration

You will be notified that it is time to renew your boat registration via a renewal form, which will be sent to you 30 days before the registration certificate expires.

You can also access renewal forms online.

If your boat is still in use, you must complete the renewal form and keep all valid registration documents in your boat at all times. 

Remember that Transport Canada must be informed if at any time your boat changes ownership.

 

Getting a Pleasure Craft License in Canada

If it turns out that vessel registration is not necessary for your pleasure craft, remember that you will still need to obtain a Pleasure Craft License. This license is good for 10 years.

Follow these steps to obtain your Canadian Pleasure Craft License:

Step 1: Fill out an application for Transport Canada. You can do this online or fill out the form in PDF format. 

Step 2: Include proof of ownership: a bill of sale, a transfer of ownership document, or a manufacturer’s statement of origin.

Step 3: Submit your application online, by mail or at a Service Canada Centre. If you apply online, you will receive an acknowledgement number that can be displayed on the side of your boat for 90 days, until you receive your official license.

If you apply by mail, send your documents to the following address:

Pleasure Craft Licensing Centre
P.O. Box 2006
Fredericton, New Brunswick
E3B 5G4

 

How to display your license number

Once you have your license number, you are legally obliged to display it on your boat.

It must be added to both sides of the bow, above the waterline, as far forward as possible, and in block letters that are at least 7.5 centimetres (3 inches) high in a colour that stands out clearly from the body of the boat.

 

Drive A Boat Canada issues Transport Canada approved Pleasure Craft Operator Cards

Boat registration and boat licensing are only one part of your responsibility when it comes to following the law. In Canada, all pleasure craft operators need to hold a valid PCOC (Pleasure Craft Operator Card) to take to the water legally. 

To get your card, just follow the approved Drive A Boat Canada online boating course and take our boating exam. 

We offer unlimited free retries! Register to get your boater card today!