To get your pleasure craft licence, you need to complete and submit an application that includes proof of ownership, valid government-issued identification, and a full side-view photo of your vessel. This process applies to recreational vessels equipped with engines of 10 horsepower (7.5 kW) or more, which must have a valid pleasure craft licence to operate legally in Canadian waters.
pleasure craft licence
A pleasure craft licence is not optional for most motorized recreational vessels—it is a legal requirement that helps identify your boat in case of theft, emergency, or enforcement. At the National Vessel Registry Center Corp., we simplify the entire process by offering a secure, digital platform for submitting your pleasure craft licence application quickly and correctly.
Our online service allows you to get your pleasure craft licence without printing, mailing, or waiting in line. Whether you’re applying for the first time, transferring ownership, or replacing lost documents, we provide tailored tools to make sure you submit the proper information and receive your licence without delays.
What You Need Before Starting Your Application
Before beginning the application process, it’s important to gather the required documentation so you can complete your form efficiently. When you apply for a pleasure craft licence through our platform, we make it easy to upload everything directly from your computer or mobile device.
To get started, make sure you have:
- Proof of ownership (such as a bill of sale or purchase agreement)
- A copy of government-issued photo identification
- A recent photograph of the vessel, showing a full side view
- The make, model, and engine information of the vessel
If you’re unsure whether your proof of ownership is acceptable, we can help you confirm that before submission. Our system is designed to reduce errors by guiding you through the process with prompts specific to your situation.
Applying for a New Pleasure Craft Licence
If your vessel has never been licensed before, you’ll need to apply for a new pleasure craft licence. This is a one-time process that results in your vessel being issued a unique licence number. This number must be displayed on both sides of your vessel’s bow in block letters at least 7.5 cm high and in a contrasting color.
Through our portal, we help you:
- Complete the new licence form in full
- Upload your supporting documents securely
- Submit your application directly to the appropriate authority
- Receive updates on the status of your licence
Once issued, your licence is valid for ten years. You’ll want to ensure that all your personal and vessel information is correct before submitting, as inaccuracies can lead to delays or the need for amendments.
Transferring a Pleasure Craft Licence After a Sale
When buying or selling a boat, the existing pleasure craft licence can be transferred to the new owner. The transfer process involves updating the ownership information linked to the licence number while keeping the licence number itself the same.
We help streamline this process by offering the exact form you need based on your submission type. You won’t need to guess whether your case calls for a new licence or a transfer—we help you choose the right option based on your answers.
Replacing a Lost or Damaged Pleasure Craft Licence
If your pleasure craft licence has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you can apply for a replacement using our digital service. This ensures your vessel remains properly identified and avoids any issues during inspections or enforcement checks.
We verify all information before it’s submitted to minimize delays. This keeps your licencing current, which is essential for safe and legal boating.
Renewing Your Pleasure Craft Licence
Pleasure craft licences must be renewed every ten years. Failing to renew on time can result in penalties or limitations in vessel use. If your licence is nearing expiration, our system allows you to renew easily while making any necessary updates to your contact or vessel information.
During renewal, you may update:
- Your address or contact details
- The vessel’s photo (if it has changed significantly)
- Engine or structural modifications
We provide digital tools to ensure your renewal form is current and compliant. Our platform walks you through each field and automatically checks for missing information, reducing the risk of your application being returned.
Making Changes to Your Existing Pleasure Craft Licence
If your circumstances have changed but your licence is still valid, we offer options to amend your existing licence. This may include updates to your name, address, or vessel specifications. Keeping your information current is essential to maintain valid status and to ensure your vessel can be quickly identified in case of emergency.
Common updates include:
- Changes in contact information
- Corrections to vessel specs or identification numbers
- Name changes due to marriage, divorce, or other legal events
We make it easy to access the right form for your amendment and provide guidance so your update is processed efficiently.
Legal Requirements for Licencing
The requirement to obtain and carry a pleasure craft licence is part of Canada’s broader regulations for small vessels. According to federal standards, vessels powered by engines of 10 horsepower or more must be licensed or registered. These rules exist to promote safety, accountability, and traceability across Canadian waters.
To review the current regulations governing small vessel licencing, visit the official federal site: SOR/2007-126.
When you use our platform, you can be confident that your application is compliant with these standards. We’ve aligned our services with the federal process so your submission won’t miss critical steps or include outdated information.
What Makes Our Pleasure Craft Licence Service Different
We understand that government forms can be confusing and time-consuming. That’s why we’ve developed a digital system that removes the guesswork. You no longer have to print and mail documents or wait in line to submit your application. Instead, our system lets you handle the entire process online—quickly and securely.
What we offer:
- Easy-to-use digital forms tailored to your situation
- Secure upload tools for ID and ownership documentation
- Assistance with application accuracy and completeness
- Real-time progress tracking and support
We help you meet all the required conditions while avoiding the mistakes that slow down approvals. Our platform is built for convenience and designed to support every stage of the pleasure craft licencing process.
Secure Your Pleasure Craft Licence With Confidence
Getting your pleasure craft licence doesn’t have to be complicated. With our online service, we provide you with everything you need to apply, update, or transfer your licence—without delays or confusion. Whether you’re a first-time boat owner or updating an existing licence, we offer a faster, easier way to stay compliant and get on the water legally.
Our forms are available for:
- New applications
- Transfers of ownership
- Renewals
- Replacements
- Information changes
We make sure your documentation meets all current requirements and is submitted securely. Our goal is to keep your vessel properly licensed, visible in the national system, and ready to operate safely anywhere in Canada.
If you’re ready to get started, simply select the type of pleasure craft licence form that fits your needs, upload your documents, and let us take care of the rest. We’re here to help you every step of the way.