When buying or selling a boat in Canada, there’s more to transferring ownership than simply signing a bill of sale. Whether the boat is registered with Transport Canada or carries a pleasure craft licence, ownership transfer requires proper forms, accurate documentation, and compliance with Canadian maritime laws. At the National Vessel Registry Center Corp., we make it easier to complete your boat transfer online.
For those with boats listed in the Canadian Register of Vessels, the process involves specific Transport Canada forms that must be completed and filed.. Through our secure portal, you can find and submit the official Transfer of Ownership form and other documentation you may need, streamlining the process from start to finish.
What You Need to Transfer Ownership of a Registered Boat
If your boat is registered with Transport Canada through the Canadian Register of Vessels, you’ll need to complete several key steps to legally transfer ownership. Unlike a pleasure craft licence, which is primarily for recreational boats, registration provides proof of ownership and nationality, allowing the boat to operate internationally and bear the official name and port of registry.
When ownership changes—through sale, gift, or inheritance—the registration must reflect the new owner’s details. The Transfer of Ownership form for registered boats ensures that this information is updated in Transport Canada’s records. Without a proper transfer, the new owner cannot be recognized as the lawful holder of the Certificate of Registry.
To complete the transfer, you’ll need:
- A bill of sale for a boat that includes the boat’s name, official number, and description.
- The original Certificate of Registry, which must be returned to Transport Canada.
- The Transfer of Ownership form, which you can conveniently access through our online portal.
- Details of the new owner, including name, address, and citizenship status.
Each step ensures that the new ownership is properly documented and that the boat remains compliant with Transport Canada’s registration requirements.
How Our Portal Simplifies the Process
The National Vessel Registry Center Corp. provides direct access to Transport Canada’s official forms, including those needed for a boat transfer. Rather than navigating multiple pages or mailing paperwork, you can complete and submit the necessary forms through our secure, online service.
When you select the Transfer of Ownership form from our platform, you’ll be guided through each field to ensure accuracy before submission. Once submitted, the form is processed electronically, helping to reduce errors and delays.
Our system offers forms for:
- Registered boats under the Canadian Register of Vessels
- Pleasure craft licence transfers
- Registration renewals, reinstatements, and mortgage filings
Each of these options helps you keep your Transport Canada records up to date and ensures your ownership is properly recognized.
The Role of the Transfer of Ownership Form
This form is essential when changing the ownership of a registered boat. It confirms that one party has transferred all rights, title, and interest in the boat to another. Without completing this step, the original owner remains legally responsible for the boat, even after it has been sold.
Through our site, you can access this form directly. Once filled and submitted, Transport Canada updates its official record to reflect the new owner. If multiple owners are involved, all must sign the form to release their interest in the boat.
Failure to complete this step may delay future transactions, including registration renewals, mortgage changes, or name alterations. Submitting the Transfer of Ownership form ensures your record is complete, accurate, and legally valid.
What Happens If There’s a Mortgage Against the Boat
One of the most common complications during a boat transfer is the existence of a mortgage. When a mortgage is registered against a boat with Transport Canada, it must be cleared or properly reassigned before the ownership transfer is finalized.
If a financial institution or individual holds a mortgage on the boat, the current owner cannot complete the transfer until the mortgage is discharged or the lender provides written consent for the transfer. This rule ensures that all financial interests in the boat are properly documented and protected.
In cases where the new owner assumes the mortgage, additional forms may be required to reflect this arrangement. These can also be accessed through our portal.
If a mortgage is being discharged, you’ll need a Discharge of Mortgage form, signed by the lender, confirming that the loan has been paid in full. Once this is filed with Transport Canada, the ownership transfer can proceed.
For more information on how mortgages are treated under Canadian maritime laws, you can refer to Transport Canada’s governing legislation.
Transferring a Boat with a Pleasure Craft Licence
For recreational boats powered by motors of 10 horsepower or more, a pleasure craft licence is required. This is separate from registration and is meant primarily for boats used strictly for personal, non-commercial purposes.
When you sell or otherwise transfer ownership of a boat with a pleasure craft licence, the licence must also be updated. The new owner has 90 days to apply for a transfer using the Pleasure Craft Licence Application. This can be done online through Transport Canada’s website or using our forms.
To complete a pleasure craft licence transfer, you’ll need:
- Proof of ownership (such as a bill of sale)
- A signed application form
- Copies of government-issued identification
- The existing licence number
We provide access to the proper forms to simplify this process and help ensure your new ownership details are recorded without delay.
How We Help You Complete Your Boat Transfer
At the National Vessel Registry Center Corp., we make it simple to locate and submit the right Transport Canada forms for your boat transfer. Whether your boat is registered in the Canadian Register of Vessels, carries a pleasure craft licence, or is listed in the small boat register, our online system provides a straightforward way to file the required documents.
We offer:
- Secure, encrypted form submission directly to Transport Canada.
- Easy access to the official Transfer of Ownership form.
- Online access to forms for mortgage registration, discharge, and more.
- Options for renewals, replacements, and registry updates.
With our platform, there’s no need to mail paper forms or wait for in-person processing. Everything can be handled online, allowing you to complete your transfer quickly and efficiently.
Take Care of Your Canadian Boat Documentation with Ease
Completing a boat transfer in Canada doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re transferring ownership of a fully registered boat, updating a pleasure craft licence, or handling a transfer involving a mortgage, we simplify the process so you can focus on enjoying your time on the water.
Visit our site today to start your transfer and handle all of your Canadian boat documentation needs with confidence.
