Use this link to apply through our portal for a Transport Canada boat licence.
A Transport Canada boat licence or “pleasure craft licence” applies to pleasure craft powered by an engine of 10 horsepower or more.
What a Transport Canada Boat Licence Is Used For
A Transport Canada boat licence assigns a unique licence number to your boat and links that number to your ownership information. This allows enforcement authorities to identify boats on the water and contact owners when necessary.
Common situations where a Transport Canada boat licence is required include:
- Operating a powered pleasure boat in Canadian waters
- Buying or selling a used pleasure boat
- Updating ownership or address details
- Replacing a lost or damaged licence
- Completing a licence transfer after a purchase
Our service helps you access the correct Transport Canada forms for each of these scenarios so you can submit your application accurately.
Who Needs to Apply
Most recreational boat owners fall under the pleasure craft licensing system. You are generally required to apply if your boat meets the following criteria:
- Used primarily for recreation
- Powered by one or more engines totaling at least 10 horsepower
- Operated in Canadian waters
Boats that are already registered under a different federal system, such as large commercial boats or registration of a government vessel, follow separate processes.
How Our Online Forms Access Helps
We do not collect documents on your behalf or gather proof of ownership for you. Instead, we make it easier to use the documents you already have by giving you direct access to the correct, current forms required by Transport Canada.
Our service provides:
- Online access to up-to-date Transport Canada licence forms
- Clear form selection based on your situation
- A streamlined way to complete applications without navigating multiple government pages
- Guidance on where each form fits into the licensing process
The $24 Service Fee for 2026 Applications
Transport Canada has introduced a new fee that affects all pleasure craft licence applications beginning in 2026. This is a significant change for many boat owners, especially those accustomed to free or lifetime licences.
Key points about the new fee include:
- A $24.00 charge applies to new applications
- The fee also applies to renewals, transfers, and duplicate licence requests
- The change takes effect on January 6, 2026
The purpose of this fee is to support the Vessel Remediation Fund, which addresses abandoned and hazardous boats across Canada. When legal context is relevant, Transport Canada licensing requirements are tied to Canadian maritime laws, including legislation found under the Canada Shipping Act.
Fee Exemptions
There is a specific exemption in place:
- Indigenous individuals exercising Section 35 treaty rights are not subject to the $24 fee
The End of Lifetime Licences
Many boat owners are affected by the phase-out of lifetime pleasure craft licences. Transport Canada has established a transition to time-limited licences for all pleasure craft.
All newly issued or transferred licences are now valid for:
- A fixed term of five years
This change applies regardless of when the boat was built or previously licensed.
Expiry Schedule for Older Licences
Transport Canada has also set specific expiry dates for older licences that were previously considered permanent:
- Licences issued before 1975 expire March 31, 2026
- Licences issued between 1975 and 1985 expire December 31, 2026
- Licences issued between 1986 and 1995 expire December 31, 2027
If your licence falls into one of these categories, a pleasure craft licence renewal will be required. Our service gives you access to the appropriate renewal forms so you can comply before your licence expires.
Mandatory Document Requirements for 2026
Transport Canada has standardized what is required for online licence applications. While we do not gather documents for you, it is important to know what information must be submitted with the forms you access through our platform.
Required items now include:
- A signed copy of government-issued identification for each owner
- Acceptable ID includes a birth certificate, passport, or driver’s licence
- Proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale
- A Declaration Under Oath if no receipt exists
- A clear, colour, full side-view photo of the boat
The side-view photo must show the entire boat and is now a digital requirement for online applications.
Submitting Accurate Information
Accuracy matters more than ever with Transport Canada licensing. Incorrect or outdated information can delay processing or lead to compliance issues.
Information that must be kept current includes:
- Owner name
- Mailing address
- Contact details
This applies whether you are applying for a new Transport Canada boat licence or updating an existing one.
The Updated 30-Day Rule
Transport Canada has shortened the timeframe for updating licence information.
Important changes include:
- Owners now have 30 days to report changes
- This applies to address changes, name changes, and ownership updates
Previously, owners had 90 days. As of January 2026, missing the new deadline can result in penalties.
Potential Fine
Failure to update required information within 30 days may result in:
- A fine of up to $250
Using the correct update forms promptly helps reduce the risk of penalties. Our service provides access to those forms so you can submit changes on time.
Transfers and Ownership Changes
When buying or selling a boat, the licence must be transferred to reflect the new owner. This is separate from small boat registration systems and does not convert a licence into registered status.
Transfers generally require:
- A completed transfer form
- Proof of ownership
- Updated owner identification
Replacement and Duplicate Licences
If your licence is lost, damaged, or unreadable, a duplicate request is required.
Situations that require a duplicate include:
- Physical damage to the licence document
- Loss during transport or storage
- Fading that makes the licence number unreadable
How This Fits Within Canadian Boat Registration
Canadian boat registration includes multiple federal systems. Pleasure craft licensing is one of them, and it operates separately from:
- The Small Vessel Register
- Commercial registration systems
- Registration of a government vessel
boat licence Canada
How We Support Your Application Process
Our role is focused and specific. We provide access to official Transport Canada forms and make it easier to navigate the application process using your existing documents.
What our service does:
- Offers centralized access to current licence forms
- Reduces confusion by matching forms to your situation
- Helps you complete applications online without unnecessary steps
This approach allows boat owners to stay in control while avoiding common application errors.
Common Situations We Help With
Boat owners use our service for a wide range of licensing needs, including:
- First-time Transport Canada boat licence applications
- Licence renewals after expiry
- Transfers following a sale or gift
- Duplicate licence requests
- Updates required under the 30-day rule
Each scenario requires a specific form, and our platform makes it easier to access the correct one.
Staying Compliant Moving Forward
With the introduction of fees, fixed-term licences, and shorter update deadlines, staying compliant now requires more attention than in the past.
Using the correct forms helps ensure:
- Your licence remains valid
- Your ownership information is accurate
- You avoid fines and delays
Our service continues to reflect current requirements so you can apply, renew, or update your Transport Canada boat licence with clarity and confidence.