Pleasure craft licences: Questions and answers

This page provides answers to the most common questions we receive about pleasure craft licences. For step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a new licence, transfer an existing licence, submit your application form, and process a number of other transactions, visit our How-to page.

1. What is a pleasure craft licence, and why do I need it?
2. What is a pleasure craft?
3. What types of boats do I need to license?
4. I just bought a new boat. How do I license it?
5. How do I license a new boat that I bought in the United States?
6. How do I license a boat I built myself?
7. How can I find out if the used pleasure craft I want to buy has an outstanding lien, mortgage, or loan against it?
8. I just bought a used boat. How do I transfer the licence to my name?
9. I am selling my boat. How do I transfer the licence?
10. How do I replace a lost pleasure craft licence?
11. Do I have to pay a fee to obtain a pleasure craft licence?
12. What kind of information does a pleasure craft licence include, and how is this information used?
13. Are the pleasure craft "licence" and the pleasure craft "operator card" the same thing?
14. What is the difference between a licence and registration, and which vessels need which documents?
15. Can I both register and license my pleasure craft?
16. What documents can I use as valid personal identification?
17. What documents can I use as valid proof of ownership?
18. Who can apply for a pleasure craft licence?
19. Can a licence have more than one owner listed on it?
20. How should I display the licence number on my boat?
21. Does the licence prove the ownership of my boat?
22. Is there a fine if I do not have a pleasure craft licence?
23. How does Service Canada treat the personal information on my application form?
24. How does the licensing system improve public safety and security?
25. What is a dealer or demonstration licence?
26. Do I have to pay taxes when buying a new boat or a used boat?

1. What is a pleasure craft licence and why do I need it?
   
   A pleasure craft licence provides a unique identification number – commonly referred to as the "licence number" – that you must display on your recreational vessel, as required under the Small Vessel Regulations of the Canada Shipping Act, 2001. This licence number helps law-enforcement and search and rescue officials trace a pleasure craft to its owner.
   
   
2. What is a pleasure craft?
   
   A pleasure craft is a vessel that is used for recreation and does not carry passengers. It is a vessel of a prescribed class under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001.
   
   Note
   For the purposes of this definition, a "passenger" is a person who has paid a fee to be transported in a commercial vessel.
   
   
3. What types of boats do I need to license?
   
   A licence or registration is mandatory for all pleasure craft equipped with motors of 10 horsepower (7.5 kilowatts) or more, including personal watercraft.
   
   Owners of pleasure craft of all tonnages and lengths may choose to license them under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001. Alternatively, pleasure craft owners may choose to register their vessels in the Canadian Register of Vessels.
   
   
4. I just bought a new boat. How do I license it?
   
   To license a new or previously unlicensed pleasure craft, you will need the following documents:
   
   
   • a completed Form 84-0172, Application for Pleasure Craft Licence;
   • proof of ownership of the vessel; and
   • a valid piece of personal identification (See Question 16).
    

   NOTE: Help on accessing alternative formats, such as Portable Document Format (PDF) files, can be obtained in the alternate format help section.
   If you do not have documents to prove that you own the pleasure craft, you will need to make a declaration under oath (PDF version, 623 KB) stating why you cannot produce the bill of sale or proof of ownership. You may use the sample declaration provided on the Office of Boating Safety Web site or another similar document, as long as it contains all the required information.

   You can apply for a pleasure craft licence at any Service Canada Centre. For the location nearest you, visit our Find a Service Canada Centre Near You page or call 1 800 O‑Canada.

   You can also apply by mail. If you are applying by mail, include a signed photocopy of both sides of your personal identification document. We will return the photocopy to you when we send you your licence.

   For more information about licensing a pleasure craft or submitting your application, visit our How-to page.
   
   

5. How do I license a new boat that I bought in the United States?

   To license a new or used boat you bought in the United States, you will need the following documents:

   • a completed Application for Pleasure Craft Licence;
   • proof of ownership of the vessel; and
   • a valid piece of personal identification (See Question 16).

   You do not need to provide customs clearance documents to license a boat that you purchased outside of Canada, but you still need to remit duty and taxes on the purchase to the Canada Border Services Agency.

   For information on how to remit duty and taxes on the purchase of a pleasure craft, please visit the Canada Border Services Agency Web site or call 1‑800‑461‑9999.

   A pleasure craft can have both a Canadian Pleasure craft licence as well as a licence issued in the United States (US).

   When in Canadian waters, pleasure crafts that have both an American and a Canadian licence should display only the Canadian licence number. Those who display both numbers could be subject to a fine.

   Only one number is to be displayed at any time. The most frequently used number (Canadian) should be permanently marked in the usual fashion. The lesser used number (US) should be on a board or any other removable method and is only to be displayed while in US waters.

   For more information about licensing a boat, visit our How-to page.
   
   
6. How do I license a boat I built myself?
   
   To license a boat you've built, you will need the following documents:
   
   
   • a completed Form 84-0172, Application for Pleasure Craft Licence;
   • a valid piece of personal identification; and
   • a declaration under oath (PDF version, 41.2 KB) that states who built the boat.

   Note: Be sure to check the "Home built" box in the "Description of vessel" section of the application form.

   For more information about licensing a boat, visit our How-to page.
   
   

7. How can I find out if the used pleasure craft I want to buy has an outstanding lien, mortgage, or loan against it?
   
   All provinces have personal property registries where citizens can search for financial and security information on personal property such as cars, boats, and tractors.
   
   These personal property registries provide online registration and search services to support both the legislative requirements of the provincial personal property security acts and the enforcement of money judgments and other civil enforcement proceedings.
   
   You can find your provincial site online by performing an Internet search using the name of your province and the phrase "personal property registry." You can also visit your local provincial service centre for more information.
   
   
8. I just bought a used boat. How do I transfer the licence to my name?
   
   To transfer a licence to your name, you will need the following documents:
   
   
   • a completed Form 84-0172, Application for Pleasure Craft Licence;
   • proof of ownership of the vessel; and
   • a valid piece of personal identification.

   If you do not have documents that prove you own the pleasure craft, you will also need to make a declaration under oath stating why you cannot produce the bill of sale or proof of ownership. You can use the sample declaration provided on the Office of Boating Safety Web site (PDF version, 623 KB) or another similar document, as long as it contains all the information required.

   You can apply for a pleasure craft licence at any Service Canada Centre. For the location nearest you, visit our Find a Service Canada Centre Near You page or call 1 800 O‑Canada.

   You can also apply by mail. If you are applying by mail, include a signed photocopy of both sides of your personal identification document. We will return the photocopy to you when we send you your licence.

   For more detailed information on how to submit an application by mail please visit our How-to page

   For information on how to remit taxes when you purchase a used pleasure craft, please contact the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) (see Question 26).

   For more information about transferring a pleasure craft licence, visit our How-to page.
   
   

9. I am selling my boat. How do I transfer the licence?
   
   When you sell your boat, keep a copy of your bill of sale in case someone later questions the ownership of the vessel. Provide the new owner with a signed bill of sale. The new owner will then have to transfer the pleasure craft licence by sending an application form by mail, or by visiting one of our Service Canada Centres with the necessary documents (as explained in Question 8 above).
   
   For information on how to remit taxes when you purchase a used pleasure craft, please contact the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) (see Question 26).
   
   
10. How do I replace a lost pleasure craft licence?
    
    To replace a lost pleasure craft licence, you will need the following documents:
    
    
    • a completed Form 84-0172, Application for Pleasure Craft Licence; and
    • a valid piece of personal identification.

    If the information on file does not indicate that you are the last licensee, you will also need to make a declaration under oath. You can use the sample declaration provided on the Office of Boating Safety (PDF version, 623 KB ) Web site or another similar document, as long as it contains all the information required.

    You can apply for a duplicate of your pleasure craft licence at any Service Canada Centre in Canada. Visit Find a Service Canada Centre Near You or call 1 800 O‑Canada.

    You can also apply by mail. If you are applying by mail, include a signed photocopy of both sides of your identification document. We will return the photocopy to you when we send you your licence.

    For more detailed information about replacing a lost pleasure craft licence, visit our How-to page.
    
    

11. Do I have to pay a fee to obtain a pleasure craft licence?
    
    No, there is no fee for obtaining a pleasure craft licence.
    
    
12. What kind of information does the application form for a pleasure craft licence require and how is this information used?
    
    

    A pleasure craft licence application form asks for basic contact information on the pleasure craft owner, as well as a description of the vessel. Law enforcement and search and rescue officials use the licence number to trace the owner of a pleasure craft when they need to enforce pleasure craft regulations, or when they find a boat adrift or overturned.
    
    

13. Are the pleasure craft "licence" and the pleasure craft "operator card" the same thing?

    The pleasure craft operator card is sometimes referred to as a licence, but the two are not the same. The pleasure craft licence provides each vessel with a licence number. The pleasure craft operator card is a form of proof that pleasure craft operators must carry to demonstrate their competency to operate a boat.

    The card is the most common proof of competency. However, boaters can also demonstrate competency if they:

    • can prove they successfully completed a boating safety course in Canada before April 1, 1999; or
    • have completed a rental boat safety checklist for boat renters.

    For more information on operator competency requirements and how they apply to you, visit the Course Providers Database page on the Office of Boating Safety Web site.
    
    

14. What is the difference between a pleasure craft licence and pleasure craft registration, and which vessels need which documents?
    
    Pleasure craft licence

    A pleasure craft licence provides a unique identification number – commonly referred to as the "licence number" – that an owner of a recreational vessel must display on the boat's bow. This number helps law enforcement and search and rescue officials trace a pleasure craft to its owner. An owner must display the licence number on both sides of the bow of the vessel, above the water line, in block characters not less than 7.5 centimetres (3 inches) high and in a colour that contrasts with the colour of the bow.
    
    The licence is mandatory for all pleasure craft equipped with motors of 10 horsepower (7.5 kilowatts) or more, including personal watercraft. Service Canada issues these licences.
    
    Note: You do not need a pleasure craft licence if a boat is registered (see Question 3 above).
    
    The pleasure craft licence is free of charge, and you can transfer it to any subsequent owner of the vessel. You must carry the licence on board your vessel at all times. However, a licence is not a title document. You must also carry other documents, such as a document that establishes ownership, to help avoid delays clearing U.S. or Canada customs, or in case of a fine.

    Registering your pleasure craft

    The Canadian Register of Vessels is a title system that keeps track of the owners of vessels. It contains information on each vessel such as ownership and vessel characteristics, e.g. tonnage, construction material and type. When you register, you receive an official number for your vessel, as well as a unique name. It also provides certain benefits, such as the right to fly the Canadian flag.

    If you intend to use your vessel as security for a marine mortgage, you are required to register your vessel.

    Registration is optional for all pleasure craft, regardless of tonnage and length, as per the Canada Shipping Act, 2001.

    There are costs associated with registering. However, the registration is good for as long as you own the vessel. You must carry registration documents on board the vessel at all times, together with any other ownership documents, to help avoid delays clearing U.S. or Canada customs, or in case of a fine.

    Transport Canada provides this registration service. For frequently asked questions on registration, please visit Transport Canada's Web site.
    
    Registering your small commercial vessel:

    In Canada, you must register commercial vessels of all sizes. This includes human-powered craft such as kayaks and white-water rafts used by guides for guided trips; but not lifeboats or other survival craft on board a larger ship, which are inspected as a part of the ship’s equipment. A pleasure craft licence is not acceptable for a commercial vessel. You should have your registration documents on board at all times.
    
    If your vessel is no more than 15 gross tonnage, you may register it in either the Small Vessel Register or the Canadian Register of Vessels. If your vessel is more than 15 gross tonnage, or if you want to register a mortgage, you must register it in the Canadian Register of Vessels.
    
    The Vessels Registry Fees Tariff allows for the registration of a “fleet of vessels”, which means two or more vessels of less than 5 gross tonnage that are owned by the same person, other than a federal, provincial, territorial or municipal government, for a flat fee of $50.00 if the owner applies for all registrations/renewals at the same time.
    
    Licensed vessels:

    If you licensed your vessel in the Small Commercial Vessel Licensing System (your licence begins with 'C') before July 1, 2007, it will be treated as if it were registered until:

    • it is sold to someone else; or, if it is not sold;
    • the licence expires
    
    If you licensed your vessel with Canada Customs, it will be treated as if it were registered until:
    
    
    • it is sold to someone else; or, if it is not sold;
    • July 1, 2012
      
      
    For more information on how to register your vessel, refer to Registration of Small Commercial Vessels.
    
    
15. Can I both register and license my pleasure craft?
    
    No, you cannot both license and register a pleasure craft.
    
    
16. What documents can I use as valid personal identification?
    
    Valid pieces of identification include the following documents:
    
    
    • provincial/territorial birth certificate
    • population list (Inuit and Cree only)
    • certificate of Canadian citizenship
    • certificate of registration of birth abroad
    • permanent resident card
    • record of landing
    • work permit
    • study permit
    • visitor record
    • valid Canadian passport
    • Minister permit
    • provincial/territorial driver's licences
    • other forms of government-issued identification (preferably with a photo)
    
    Note: Certain provinces and territories prohibit the use of their health cards as identification. For this reason, we cannot accept a provincial/territorial health card as proof of identification.
    
    
17. What documents can I use as valid proof of ownership?
    
    To establish proof of ownership, we accept documents that contain the following information:
    
    
    • name, address, and signature of previous owner;
    • name and signature of new owner;
    • description of the pleasure craft (make, model, and other details requested on the application form);
    • o hull identification number or compliance label number (if available); and,
    • pleasure craft licence identification number (if already licensed).
    
    Documents that we consider to be valid proof of ownership (depending on the application type) include the following:
    
    
    • bills of sale
    • statutory declarations
    • wills and bequests
    • separation or divorce agreements
    • court judgements
    • signed agreements of transfer of ownership (sale/purchase agreement)
    
    
18. Who can apply for a pleasure craft licence?
    
    Any person or entity owning a pleasure craft should apply for a licence. The owner(s) of the craft may authorize a third party to apply for the licence on their behalf (i.e. a dealer may apply for the licence on behalf of their customer so that the craft can be marked before it leaves the dealership), provided the following is submitted:
    
    
    • A letter from the owner or legal representative stating that the third party has authorization to act on their behalf and permission to supply Service Canada with the necessary documentation required to license the pleasure craft. You may use the sample letter provided by Transport Canada (PDF version, 6.9 KB)
    • Valid Identification to prove the person applying for the licence on behalf of the owner is who is specified in the letter of permission signed by the owner.
    • Other documents normally required to obtain a pleasure craft licence completed by the owner or legal representative.

    Note: "Third party" refers to any person or entity acting on behalf of the owner. This includes employees wishing to license a vessel on behalf of their employer (e.g. licensing a vessel under a business name).

    
    
19. Can a licence have more than one owner listed on it?
    
    Yes. All owners of a pleasure craft must request that their names appear on the licence. To do this, we need the following information:
    
    
    • a completed Form 84-0172, Application for Pleasure Craft Licence, that all owners have signed;
    • proof of ownership that lists all owners' names; and
    • a valid piece of personal identification for each owner.
    
    
    Note: When applying in-person, if all owners cannot be present to sign the application and licence generated by the Pleasure Craft Licensing system, the applicant applying in-person will need to provide a third party authorization letter (PDF version, 6.9 KB) from each absent owner stating that the client has authorization to apply for the licence on their behalf.
    
    
20. How should I display the licence number on my boat?
    
    You must display the licence number on both sides of the bow, above the water line, in block characters that are at least 7.5 centimetres (3 inches) high and in a colour that contrasts with the colour of the bow.
    
    
21. Does the licence prove that I own my boat?
    
    A licence does not prove that you own your boat. You must carry separate ownership documents with you.
    
    
22. Is there a fine if I do not have a pleasure craft licence?
    
    There is a fine of $250 if you are found to be operating a vessel without a licence. However, if you decided to register your vessel instead of licensing it, there is no fine.
    
    
23. How does Service Canada treat the personal information on my application form?
    
    

    At Service Canada, we protect all information you provide on your application form according to the appropriate privacy and access to information legislation.
    

24. How does the licensing system improve public safety and security?
    
    Search and rescue and law enforcement officials have immediate access to the boat information stored in the common database, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This information can help quickly identify owners of boats found adrift, overturned or sunk.
    
    
25. What is a dealer or demonstration licence?
    
    A dealer or demonstration licence is a pleasure craft licence used for demonstration purposes only. This type of licence does not apply to any one pleasure craft. A boat dealer applies for a dealer or demonstration licence to use it on any of the unlicensed pleasure craft in the dealer's name. Dealers should not paint the licence number on any boat, since boat owners must apply for another licence number once they purchase the pleasure craft.
    
    Boat dealers can read our Dealer's Guide to Pleasure Craft Licensing for best practices, frequently asked questions, and more.
    
    
26. Do I have to pay taxes when buying a new boat or a used boat?
    
    For the application of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) to the supply of a new or used boat, please contact the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) by calling 1‑800‑959‑8287.

    Additionally, Provincial Sales Tax (PST) may need to be paid to the provincial/territorial government. You should contact your provincial/territorial Ministry of Finance to get more information on how to remit the PST.

    For links to provincial/territorial departments of finance, business service centres, and other tax and financial services please visit the related provincial and territorial Canada Revenue Agency page.