How to register a boat in Ontario Transport Canada

If a pleasure craft in Canada is equipped with an engine of at least 10 horsepower (7.5 kW), it must hold a Pleasure Craft Licence unless it is already registered in the Canadian Register of Vessels.

This unique document, similar to a car's license plate, displays a specific number on each side of the pleasure craft's bow. In case of emergencies, this number allows authorities like police and search and rescue teams to access information. Failure to have a valid licence or registration may result in a $250 fine.

The Pleasure Craft Licence, valid for 10 years, does not serve as proof of ownership. You can easily check the expiry date using your licence number.

What you need to apply for a pleasure craft license?

Proof of ownership or bill of sale

To establish proof of ownership, we need documents that include:

• name, address and signature of the person who sold you the pleasure craft
• name and signature of the new owner
• description of the pleasure craft (make, model and other details requested on the application form)
• hull serial number (HIN) (if available)
• pleasure craft licence number (if already licensed)

Declaration under oath

You can complete the declaration under oath using the sample Declaration Under Oath (PDF, 128 KB). You can also complete these declarations on another sworn document, as long as the document includes enough information to show that you’re legally entitled to license a specific pleasure craft.

Valid government-issued I.D.

You must provide valid government issued I.D. for all pleasure craft owners. Two owner names can be entered when licensing a pleasure craft. 

We accept:

• provincial/territorial birth certificates
• certificates of Canadian citizenship
• valid Canadian passports
• provincial/territorial driver’s licences

Apply for a new pleasure craft licence

A new pleasure craft licence is only needed when the pleasure craft hasn’t been licensed before. An existing licence stays with the pleasure craft but the licence needs to be transferred into the new owner’s name. Transfer a pleasure craft licence in Ontario

You must register your vessel if:

- Your vessel will be used for commercial purposes and is powered by motors totaling 7.5 kW (10 horsepower) or more

- You plan to operate your vessel outside of Canada

- You need to register a marine mortgage with Transport Canada

- You need to reserve a name for your vessel

Once registered, your vessel will be officially recorded in the Canadian Register of Vessels and assigned an official number.

Pleasure craft operator card (boating license)

Similar to obtaining a driver's license for your car, a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (Ontario boating license) serves as proof of competency, showcasing your understanding of essential rules for safely navigating a pleasure craft. To acquire a PCOC, simply enroll in a boating safety course and successfully pass the boating safety test provided by a Transport Canada accredited. Once obtained, your PCOC remains valid for a lifetime.