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How-to: Pleasure craft licensing

How do I license a previously unlicensed pleasure craft?

To license a previously unlicensed pleasure craft, follow these instructions carefully when you fill out Form 84-0172, Application for Pleasure Craft Licence:

  1. Complete Part A.
  2. In Part C, select "DOMESTIC" if your boat was purchased in Canada, or "FOREIGN" if it was purchased outside of Canada.
  3. Since you are applying for a new pleasure craft licence, select "New" in the "Make application for" box.
  4. Complete Part D. Remember that this information will assist search and rescue personnel, should you ever need their services. Use the "Craft Remarks" box to provide any extra information that could be of use in an emergency.

     

    Note: Part D of the online application contains some fields (i.e. hull material, hull type, primary hull colour, and secondary hull colour) with drop-down menus. These menus offer suggestions on what to include in each field.

  5. Sign and date the form.
 

Note: An incomplete form may cause a delay in processing, especially if you mail in your application form.

How do I update the information on my pleasure craft licence?

To update the information on your pleasure craft licence, such as your name or address, follow these instructions carefully when you fill out Form 84-0172, Application for Pleasure Craft Licence:

  1. Complete Part A. Record updated name, address and contact information in this section. Note: if you are changing your name as it appears on your licence, you will need to show a document of legal name change.
  2. In Part C, select "DOMESTIC" if your boat was purchased in Canada, or "FOREIGN" if it was purchased outside Canada.
  3. Since you are applying for an updated pleasure craft licence, select "Update Information" in the "Make application for" box.
  4. Complete Part D. Remember that this information will assist search and rescue personnel, should you ever need their services. Use the "Craft Remarks" box to provide any extra information that could be of use in an emergency.

     

    Note: Part D of the online application contains some fields (i.e. hull material, hull type, primary hull colour, and secondary hull colour) with drop-down menus. These menus offer suggestions on what to include in each field

    .
  5. Sign and date the form.
 

Note: As you are requesting that your pleasure craft licence be updated, you will need to return your original licence. An incomplete form may cause a delay in processing, especially if you mail in your application form.

How do I transfer the licence of a previously licensed pleasure craft into my name?

To transfer the licence to your name, follow these instructions carefully when you fill out Form 84-0172, Application for Pleasure Craft Licence:

  1. Complete Part A.
  2. Complete Part B by writing the current licence number of the pleasure craft in the space provided.
  3. Since you are requesting a transfer of the licence to your name, select the "Transfer" box in the "Make application for" section.
  4. Complete Part D. Remember that this information will assist search and rescue personnel, should you ever need their services. Use the "Craft Remarks" box to provide any extra information that could be of use in an emergency.

     

    Note: Part D of the online application contains some fields (i.e. hull material, hull type, primary hull colour and secondary hull colour) with drop-down menus. These drop-down menus offer suggestions on what to include in each field.

  5. Complete Part E.
  6. Sign and date the form.
 

Note: An incomplete form may cause delays in processing, especially if you mail your application.

How do I obtain a duplicate (replacement) licence?

To obtain a duplicate licence, follow these instructions carefully when you fill out Form 84-0172, Application for Pleasure Craft Licence:

  1. Complete Part A.
  2. Complete Part B by writing the current licence number of the pleasure craft in the space provided.
  3. Since you are requesting a duplicate pleasure craft licence, select "Duplicate" in the "Make application for" section.
  4. Sign and date the form.

How do I submit my application form?

There are two ways to submit your application form: either in person or by mail.

In person

Visit a Service Canada Centre. In addition to the completed form, you will need to bring a document that shows you own the pleasure craft, such as a bill of sale. You will also need to provide personal identification. If all your information is complete, we will issue you a pleasure craft licence immediately.

 

NOTE: Help on accessing alternative formats, such as Portable Document Format (PDF) files, can be obtained in the alternate format help section.

Note: If you do not have a document that proves you own the pleasure craft, you must provide a signed declaration under oath (PDF version, 623 KB). Detailed information on how to fill out a declaration under oath is available below. There may be a cost associated with having a declaration under oath signed.

By mail

Mail your completed and signed Form 84-0172, Application for Pleasure Craft Licence, along with:

  • a document showing you own the pleasure craft, such as a bill of sale (or a declaration under oath); and
  • a signed photocopy of your personal identification document (both sides of your identification document must be on the photocopy).

Mail your application and supporting documents to:

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

 

Note: If your application is incomplete or if any supporting documents are missing, we will return the entire application package to you. To avoid delays, please ensure to carefully follow the steps outlined above.

How do I complete a declaration under oath?

You can complete the declaration under oath on the sample form that the Office of Boating Safety issues. However, you can also complete these declarations on another sworn document, as long as the document contains enough information to demonstrate that you are legally entitled to license a specific pleasure craft.

The declaration should include the following information:

  • your name, date of birth, and address, as the new owner;
  • the licence number of the pleasure craft (if applicable);
  • the make and model of the pleasure craft;
  • the hull identification number;
  • the hull material and colour;
  • the length of the pleasure craft;
  • the propulsion type;
  • the name of the previous owner;
  • an explanation as to why you cannot produce proof of ownership or other documents;
  • for an unlicensed pleasure craft, a statement that, to the best of your knowledge, the pleasure craft was not previously licensed;
  • the date the original licence was issued (if applicable);
  • your signature, as the new owner;
  • the signature of a lawyer, notary, justice of the peace, or commissioner of oaths; and
  • the printed name of the lawyer, notary, justice of the peace, or commissioner of oaths.
 

Note: A lawyer, notary, justice of the peace, commissioner of oaths, or another person legally entitled to sign such documents in Canada must sign a declaration under oath. You may have to pay a fee to obtain the signature for a declaration under oath. At this time, Service Canada employees cannot take declarations under oath for pleasure craft licensing.

Date Modified: 2010-02-25

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