FAQs: Canadian Boat Registry

Transport Canada issues the Canadian Registry Certificate. All registered vessels will have this certificate. This kind of document contains all the details of the vessel, like the ownership, vessel characteristics, tonnage, construction, type, and material, among others. There are some fees involved in obtaining it. However, the registration offers significant benefits. These would include having a proof of ownership. Since it's a legal title for your vessel, you can use it to prove your ownership when you sell it later on. The certificate also allows you to have the right to fly the flag of Canada or use your boat as a form of security if you're getting a marine mortgage. All commercial vessels should have a Canadian Registry Certificate. However, for pleasure craft, registration is an option, regardless of the boat's length or tonnage, under the Canada Shipping Act of 2001. That means load requirement is no longer necessary when applying for registration.
A Canadian Registry Certificate
When you register your boat, you must pay for its fees. The good thing here is that the certificate is good as long as you own the boat. While boating, you should always carry its registration and other related documents. Make sure that you have other ownership documents on hand to avoid delays in clearing Canada customs or the US. With proper documents ready, you can avoid a fine. All forms in obtaining a Canadian registry certificate are available at our website. Applying for it using our online service can take only less than five minutes to complete the form. After that, you can submit it along with the documents. This certificate isn't applicable to a registered boat or licensed vessel with the laws of another country, like the US.  


How Much Is The Fee For Obtaining The Registry Certificate?
The fee is only $525. When using our online service to apply for this certificate, you need to send your payment first before we can start processing your application. As mentioned earlier, the certificate is available for non-pleasure vessels with an engine of 10 horsepower. If you have a commercial vessel, it should be registered with the Canadian Register of Vessels under Transport Canada. This certificate is valid up to three years. You can renew it 30 days before it expires. Although the official number indicated in the certificate will stay with the boat forever, you must report all changes you made to the vessel and your personal details. Failure to follow this requirement would lead to suspension or cancellation of the certificate.

If you've ever lost your boat registration number, you know just how frustrating and difficult it can be to track it down. If your boat is misplaced or stolen, having the boat's name and description at hand is crucial. If you are familiar with the appropriate resources, locating this information should not be challenging. Because all Canadian vessel owners must have this document, it is essential to know where they may get it if they misplace it. The good news is that there are several different methods to find this information. This article will demonstrate how to locate a lost boat registration number in Canada and provide the resources you need to do it. Continue reading if you want to get more details!
Check Your Proof of Ownership Documents
Even while the vast majority of boat owners are aware of the location of the documentation proving their ownership of the vessel, you must verify this information before commencing the process of locating your boat registration number. The original loan agreement, the original purchase agreement, and the original bill of sale are all examples of papers that fall under this category. Frequently, these papers will contain information regarding the date and location of the boat's acquisition, in addition to the vessel identification number. They may give the boat's name (VIN) at other times. 

Whether you do not have any of these papers, you should attempt to get in touch with the dealer or lender from whom you acquired your vessel to find out if they can assist you in determining the VIN of your vessel. Even if they are unable to provide you with the information you need, they may be able to point you in the direction of the government agency or department that is most suited to answer your questions.
Look For the Number on Your Boat Itself
When you are looking for the registration number for your boat, the first place you should look is on the boat itself. The number will be printed on the left side of the boat, just above the waterline, for most recreational boats in Canada. You should seek a sticker typically between 10 and 16 inches long; it will have all of the essential information about your boat printed on it. The first three letters of this number make up what is referred to as the "Boat Registry Number," or BRN for short. This is the most important component of the number. These three letters will provide detailed instructions on getting further information about your boat over the Internet.
Search For the Boat Registration Number in Government Databases
You may check your boat's registration number in official records if you've forgotten it. Most Canadians are unaware that the federal government keeps a registry of every boat in the country, complete with the identifying information of its owner. The Canadian Coast Guard manages the database and is available online to law enforcement and border officials. Even though the boat's registration number is not displayed outside, it is simple to locate with a little online research. It is significantly simpler for law enforcement to locate illegally used boats if they have access to a searchable database of all registered boats (such as smuggling drugs or people across borders). People who have misplaced their boat's identification number may also use this method to track it down.
Ask For Help from Friends or Family Members Who Have Recently Registered a Vessel in Canada
There is also the possibility of asking people close to you, such as family members or friends if they have recently bought or sold a boat and seeing if they have the boat registration number. If they do, then it shouldn't be too difficult to determine whether or not you've located the yacht you were seeking via some online research. Several steps must be taken before a boat can be registered in Canada, regardless of whether it is brand new or used. Ensure that your vessel was constructed in accordance with the standards set forth by Transport Canada; both the make and model of the boat need to have been approved. The next step is to obtain a personalized affixing decal by contacting the Vessel Registration Office of Transport Canada.


Call The Manufacturer of Your Boat. If You Are Unable to Find the Number Anywhere Else
If you cannot locate the number in any other location, you should contact your boat's manufacturer. They will be able to give you this information and other significant particulars on your watercraft. If you purchased your brand new boat, it should have come with a paper certificate with the registration number. As long as the dealer still has the information in their records, they should be able to access it for you. Because the standards that govern how and where the boat registration number needs to be displayed might vary from state to state, you should probably check with the manufacturer (or on their website) before putting in too much effort to discover the number before you start looking for it.

You can forgo applying through Transport Canada to register your pleasure craft. That’s because you can also register a boat through the National Vessel Registry. Doing so will simplify the process and help you free up your time so you can focus on business obligations or family.

However, it still is important to understand why registering your boat is important although it is not mandatory. It still needs to be done, as it provides an extra measure of protection. Not only does registration help identify your boat during an emergency, it allows you to apply for a marine mortgage, if necessary. 
Why You Should Register a Boat
When you register a boat, it gives you more latitude to substantiate ownership, along with your bill of sale, and to navigate the waters without worry.

So, what is involved in the registration process and how is it different from licensing?


Registration versus Licensing
Licensing Your Pleasure Craft in Canada
Unlike a boat operator’s license that proves your operator status, or that you can operate your boat, a pleasure craft license represents an ID number that you place on your boat so search and rescue (SAR) personnel can find you in an emergency. 

While a pleasure craft license represents this I.D. number, a vessel registration shows that you have legal title, which backs up your proof of ownership (the bill of sale). The registration allows you to give your boat a unique name, an official number, and the right to use your boat as collateral for a marine mortgage.
Boat Licensing Requirements
Small Vessel Regulations in Canada require that boat owners of pleasure crafts of any size, equipped with motors of at least 10 horsepower or 7.5 KW, be licensed. You can get a boat license through the National Vessel Registry for 10 years and renew the license after that period. 

If your boat has already been licensed, make sure it has the correct name and current address. Any change or renewal of your name or address is not the same as renewing your license.
Registering a Boat through the National Vessel Registry
Registering a boat involves selecting 3 names for your boat to ensure the name’s uniqueness. The boat’s name must not sound similar or be the same as another boat’s name in the registry. Otherwise, it defeats the purpose of naming the boat - to find your vessel in an emergency. 

Part of the process involves completing an application for registry, showing evidence of ownership and title, and providing a statement of qualification. You will also need to have the boat measured for tonnage. Naturally, you can simplify this protocol by using the National Vessel Registry to complete a boat registration process.

Indeed, it is helpful to know the steps of the process and stay on top of your legal obligations along these lines. Doing so will reduce any administrative difficulties in operating your boat and will help you navigate the waters with confidence.

As the owner of a Canadian pleasure craft, you must know the regulations governing Canadian waterways. Therefore, it is important for you to gear yourself with the right equipment and to understand the procedures and differences between licensing and registration. Knowing these details will ensure your and your passengers’ safety and the safe navigation of other boaters.
The Advantages Experienced When You Register a Boat
Each vessel registered in Canada possesses a unique identification number. The ship's tonnage, construction material, and type are displayed in the country’s registration database as well. As a registered boat owner, you are given the I.D. number and, again, can choose a unique name for your boat. 

You also can fly the Canadian flag or display it on your boat. Per the 2001 Canada Shipping Act, registering a boat is optional if you own a pleasure craft. Regardless of your boat’s length or tonnage, registration is optional.

Registration remains valid as long as you’re the owner of the vessel. Always carry your registration onboard as well as the ownership paperwork (bill of sale). Doing so is extremely helpful if you cross from and to Canada into and out of the U.S.

Again, if you register your boat through the National Registry Center online, you can save a great deal of time, as you can use the site’s forms to RUSH through your license or registration paperwork.

 It only takes minutes to complete an application and upload the necessary documents. Going through a secured and encrypted web portal saves you a good deal of money and time.
Register Your Pleasure Craft Today
Don’t delay the process if you wish to register a boat. Take the steps needed so you can operate your boat without delay. By going through the National Registry Center, you can simplify the process and ensure compliance.

The obligations of daily life can often get in the way of your boating time. Between work and family engagements, you cherish those days that you can spend out on the water with the people you care about. If you forget to renew your boat registration, however, you can find yourself stuck at the dock until your paperwork is updated.

It is an all too common predicament. Maybe you lost track of the date, or your renewal notice got buried in a stack of mail–regardless, missing your vessel registration renewal can quickly turn into a bureaucratic headache. Fortunately, there is an easy way to submit your renewal documents in an accurate and prompt fashion.


Navigating a Complex Process
When you think about boating, you think about freedom. The open water, the wind in your hair, the worries of land far off on the horizon. You probably don’t associate boating with piles of paperwork. The truth is, boat ownership is a sizable responsibility, and as such, there are certain pieces of documentation that you need to keep updated. Your vessel’s registration is a foundational piece of such paperwork.

So, how do you submit your registration renewal to Transport Canada? The traditional method would be to first source the appropriate forms to complete. Then you will need to compile any needed supporting documentation. After writing out a check for the requisite fee, you will then need to package your application and get it to the post office. If you are a busy individual, that can seem like a time-consuming hassle.
How to Renew Boat Registration in Canada Quicker 
In this day and age, most of the business that we conduct takes place online. Renewing your vessel’s registration does not need to be an exception. By working with an experienced private service such as the National Vessel Registration Center, you can submit your registration renewal–as well as a number of other documents–through a secure, SSL-encrypted web portal.

Our mobile-optimized site can help you complete even complex, nuanced documents in a matter of minutes. By using our easy-to-fill, streamlined web forms, you can avoid the nuisance of printing documents, filling them out in ink, and trying to get to the post office before it closes. We also make it easy to upload supporting documents and photographs should your application call for them.
Learn More - Contact Us Today
Whether you need a registration renewal or a first-time license, we can help. We offer these and an array of other online forms to serve the many needs of Canadian boat owners. Take some time to explore our site–if you need a vessel documentation form, the odds are good that we have it. 

Despite the nature of any such bureaucratic processes, figuring out how to register a boat in Canada doesn’t have to be that difficult. In fact, it can be quite simple. Now, there will be a variety of circumstances under which the process will be slightly different. Let’s go over some of these.
How to Register a Boat in Canada
So, you just got a new vessel and the seas are waiting for you! Well, they will be once you have your registration in place. After all, you do not want to risk setting sail without all your papers in place, or else you could end up sailing in violation of the Canada Shipping Act of 2001. But don’t worry, because registering your vessel won’t be hard at all. All you need to do is head over to our home page and find the first time registration form. You will have to provide thorough information about the vessel itself, such as its measurements, tonnage, and engine specs, as well as the name you intend to give it. Once you’ve filled up everything as needed, your application will be on its way to the official registry. You’ll be setting sail in no time!
Purchasing a Used Vessel
Now, if you are purchasing a vessel from a previous owner rather than a brand new one, then the process will be slightly different. You won’t have to apply for initial registration, but the person or entity selling you the vessel will have to fill out a form for a transfer of ownership, as long as the vessel was registered in Canada. You might think that the sale itself is enough to make the new ownership official, but in reality, there needs to be an administrative process that ratifies this in the eyes of the government and the relevant boating agencies. The transfer of ownership should be carried out by the previous owner, so if you are the one selling your vessel, then this process is up to you. If you’re the buyer, then this process will ensure that you are registered as the official owner.
Registering an Imported Vessel
If you are looking into how to register a vessel in Canada when the boat in question is imported, you will have to first go through the customs process. Once that’s done, make sure to save all your receipts in case you are ever asked for proof you paid all the necessary fees and taxes on an imported boat. After you have that figured out, you will need to wrap up the process of importing a boat into Canada by applying for registration with Transport Canada, which you can easily do through our platform here at the National Vessel Registry Center. Just make sure that you have a valid proof of transfer and ownership, and that the vessel isn’t registered abroad.
How to Register a Vessel in Canada
If you are wondering how to register a vessel in Canada, our team here at the National Vessel Registry Center are here to help you with any process relevant to Transport Canada applications. 

Are you wondering whether or not registering your Canadian vessel is the right move? Have you considered Nova Scotia boat registration (or registering your vessel anywhere else in Canada) but don’t know if this is the proper course of action? These are common concerns. Over the years, we’ve helped so many vessel owners here at the National Vessel Registry Center Corp. to determine whether or not they should register their vessels. There are many reasons that Canadian vessel owners just like yourself have decided to register their vessels. 

 
A Marine Mortgage You Can Count On 
There’s a very simple way to determine if you should register your vessel. Ask yourself: “do I want to get a marine mortgage that will be registered with Transport Canada?” If the answer to that is “yes,” then odds are that you should probably register your vessel. Indeed, that’s a requirement if you want to get that kind of financing. For many, these are better mortgages than they might be able to find elsewhere. Moreover, they’re backed by Transport Canada. This is one of the most common reasons that anyone registers their vessel. 

 
Using the Vessel How You Want 
Do you dream of traveling abroad in your vessel? Moreover, when you have those dreams, do you imagine your vessel being recognized internationally as a registered vessel? That’s one more reason that many folks choose to register their vessel. With registration, you’ll get exactly that: you can take your vessel outside of Canada and, wherever you go, you’ll be recognized as a registered vessel. Another big reason that folks register their Canadian vessels: because they want to have a registered unique name, unlike any other vessel out there. 

 
The Size and Motor of Your Vessel 
You may have read to this part and thought: “OK, I’m oh-for-three. I don’t want any of that.” That doesn’t mean, however, that you should dismiss vessel registration out of hand. Look at the size of your vessel. If it has more than 7.5 kW (which is also ten horsepower) and its gross tonnage is a number higher than 15, you may consider getting your vessel registered. Indeed, if your vessel has both of those qualifications and you plan on using it for commercial purposes, then you’re definitely going to want to get it registered. 


Beyond Nova Scotia Boat Registration 
It’s entirely possible that, after reading to this point, you still aren’t sold on whether or not you should register your vessel, one way or the other. That's perfectly fine. Here at the National Vessel Registry Center Corp., we have a team of trained professionals who are more than qualified to answer any of your questions. In fact, they can actually walk you through each of the forms we offer, step by step, so that you’re filling them out right the first time. To see everything that we offer, head to our site. To talk to our staff, email us or call (800) 419-9569.