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More information about pleasure craft licences
What is a pleasure craft licence?
A pleasure craft licence provides a unique identification number-commonly referred to as the "licence number"-that owners must display on a recreational vessel's bow, as required under the Small Vessel Regulations of the Canada Shipping Act, 2001. Owners must either licence or register all recreational vessels powered by engines of 10 horsepower (7.5 kilowatts) or more, regardless of where they operate them in Canada. Law-enforcement and search and rescue officials use the licence number to help trace a pleasure craft to its owner.
Obtaining your pleasure craft licence
Service Canada is the place to go to obtain a pleasure craft licence. More than 320 Service Canada Centres issue pleasure craft licences on behalf of Transport Canada.
Visit our How-to page to learn how to:
- license a previously unlicensed pleasure craft;
- transfer the licence of a previously licensed pleasure craft to your name;
- obtain a duplicate of your licence; and
- fill out a declaration under oath.
There is no charge for these services.
You can obtain a pleasure craft licence either in person or by mail. For more information about pleasure craft licences, visit any Service Canada Centre or community office. To find the centre or office nearest you, visit our Find a Service Canada Centre Near You page or call 1 800 O-Canada.
For more information
To learn more about pleasure craft licensing or about boating safety:
- read our Pleasure Craft Licence questions and answers;
- visit Transport Canada's Office of Boating Safety Web site, where you will also find general information about boating safety and the Safe Boating Guide; or
- call the Safe Boating line at 1-800-267-6687.
Boat dealers can read our Dealer's Guide to Pleasure Craft Licensing for best practices, frequently asked questions, and more.
