FAQs: Initial Documentation

How do I obtain a boat registration in Canada? First, you must know that you must register your vessel with the government to operate it according to the law. As a result, many individuals are unaware that they do not necessarily need to own a boat to register it. Even if you don't own the boat, you can still register it in Canada using this approach. For the majority of Canadians, summertime means being on the water. Whether fishing, boating, or swimming, there's nothing quite like being by the water on a hot day. Even better, if you happen to be a boat owner! If your boat is not registered in Canada, you will not be able to take it out for a spin. Even if you don't own a boat, you may still register it in Canada by following these steps:
Know the Types of Boats That Require Registration
When it comes to buying a boat, there is a ton of new information that you need to take into consideration, and you should not ignore any of it. You will need to educate yourself on the many kinds of boats, the kinds of boats that are permitted in your region, how to register the boats, and a whole host of other things. One thing that may not be immediately evident is that even if you do not really own the vessel but are only borrowing it from someone else, you may still be obliged to acquire a boat registration in Canada. 

This is something that may not be immediately obvious. In Canada, a boating license is required for anybody who owns a vessel longer than 6.1 meters. A wide variety of watercraft are required to be registered in Canada, ranging from houseboats and yachts to powerboats, sailboats, and canoes; furthermore, each category of watercraft is subject to its own set of guidelines pertaining to safety and upkeep.
Find the Right Authority for Boat Registration in Canada
Your boat registration in Canada may need to be transferred from one state or province to another if you relocate. Provincial governments in Canada are your best hope for doing this. Depending on where you live, you may be able to get help from a local government office that handles boat registrations. As an excellent starting point, the Canadian Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators has an up-to-date contact list of all the Canadian provinces and territories. Provincial governments in Canada are in charge of vessel registration. Before transporting your boat over regional boundaries, ensure it is registered in the new area. The process of registering a yacht may be started after you've moved. Still, since most provincial organizations have precise criteria for what papers they need, getting started as soon as possible is preferable to avoid rushing.
Determine the Length and Weight of Your Boat
You must first determine whether or not your vessel falls within the definition of "small craft" to apply for boat registration in Canada. This section explains how to measure your boat and what to do if you don't possess one but are still looking for one. While the length and weight of a vessel are measured in feet from bow to stern, the total weight of the vessel is calculated by combining all of the vessel's components and deducting the weight of any water it may hold. A shipping business may weigh the boat for you if you're unsure, or you can obtain an estimate from someone who's been on a boat before and knows what they're talking about. These charts from Transport Canada's website might help you figure out which category your vehicle fits into.


Gather the Required Documents
Collecting the necessary documentation, including Making sure you possess all of the required documentation, is the first stage in the boat registration process in Canada. Before you can register the boat in your name, you will need a bill of sale, evidence that you are insured, and, if there are any liens on the boat (debts or unpaid loans), you will need to have them removed. Check to see if the title is held in the name of the person selling it to you. If a corporation or partnership bought the boat and the title was issued in their name, you may be able to have it transferred into your name without having to change the title. However, before going any further, you should make sure that you find out what steps are required to have the boat transferred into your name without having to change the title.

Boat registration BC has changed over the years. In the past, you could obtain your boat number at the same time as your boat license; however, this is no longer the case, and instead, you will need to go through a distinct procedure to obtain your boat number. If you go to the correct location, you can still place an order for both your boat license and your boat registration number simultaneously.

If you already have a boat license, it should be easy to register your watercraft and obtain its registration number. The following tips will help you through the process of getting your boat registered:
Gather All the Documents Required For Registration
It's as easy to register a watercraft in British Columbia as it is to register a vehicle. Identification, evidence of address, and insurance details are just some of the many papers you'll need for either one. However, yacht registration requires a more extensive list of supporting documents, unlike vehicle registration. First, before completing the paperwork, you should learn as much as possible about the yacht model you intend to register.

All the necessary paperwork must be brought along for the fuel type (gasoline, diesel, or electricity) and the engine type (gasoline, diesel, or electricity). Fill out an application and attach the materials mentioned above once you're ready to move forward with your application. In addition to the vessel's name and class, the registration document needs details on the vessel's proprietor.
Complete the Application for Boat Registration BC Form
B.C. registration is required if you are a first-time boater or have recently bought a sailboat. You can register your boat either online or in person. If you only have one boat and want to avoid trouble traveling to the registration office, the internet choice is convenient. However, if you have multiple boats or need your registration number immediately, visiting in person is the way to go. Apply for a BC registry number by completing the Application for Vessel Registration.

You must provide details about yourself and the watercraft you're registering. The boat's proprietor and pilot must be listed (in most cases, these will be the same). Additional yacht proprietors' identities will be needed if more than one person is listed on the registration. Provide a thorough account of the boat and motor to ensure relevance.
Provide Personal Information like Your Address and Contact Information
To register your watercraft with the province of British Columbia and be considered a new resident, you must provide some information about yourself. Your personal information, such as your location, phone number, license number, or a "Personal Identification Number" allotted by the government, is required as the first step in the process. Suppose you already have a boat registration number and want to transfer your boat ownership to another individual. In that case, you can bring that number with you to the registry office when you go in to register your boat.

The registry office will then be able to transfer ownership of your boat to the new proprietor. If this is the case, make sure that you bring any documentation necessary for a transfer, such as a duplicate of the title and the bill of sale for the watercraft you are transferring, just in case it is asked for.

Pay Your Fees, Which Vary Depending On What Type of Vessel You Have and Where You Live
Paying the required costs is the first thing you must do to get your watercraft registered in British Columbia if you live there. If you have a professional sailboat or a recreational craft, the costs will differ. Where you reside can affect the prices you must pay in some circumstances.

Your registration number will be written on the document you receive after paying the required costs and getting reimbursed. The number is significant because if the Coast Guard needs to recognize your watercraft, it will assist them. Put this information away somewhere secure so that you can return to it in the future.

If you're wondering how to get a boat registration B.C number, you've come to the right place. The National Vessel Registry Center, Corp is a trusted resource for information about getting your BC registration and more. 

It’s a new year in Canada and boating season is right around the corner. If your resolutions for 2022 included purchasing a pleasure craft, you are going to want to know how to register a boat in Ontario. Before you hitch your new boat to your trailer and head for the dock, make sure you have all of your documentation in order. Read on to learn more about how you can get your boat registration.
Do I Even Need to Register My Boat?
Whether or not your boat needs to be registered in Ontario is a valid question. Generally speaking, the answer is yes. If you own a motorized boat with 10 or more horsepower, you will need to register your vessel with Transport Canada. This also includes personal watercraft like jet skis. 

While registering your watercraft may seem like a hassle, it is a necessary facet of boat ownership. By maintaining a registry of all motorized vessels, Ontario is able to keep the waters safe for all boaters to enjoy. Having your boat registered may also afford you some peace of mind–in the unlikely event that your boat is stolen or lost, your registration numbers may prove pivotal to its recovery.



Though it can get a little confusing, it’s important to know that a boat license and a boating license are two different things. Often referred to as a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC), a boating license is proof of competency to operate a vessel–it does not pertain to the ownership or registration of a particular boat.
Gathering the Correct Information
So, it’s time to register your boat. What information do you need to complete the process? You will want to gather some simple pieces of supporting documentation, including your proof of ownership, a government ID, a profile photo of the vessel, and a third-party authorization form (if necessary).

Once you have submitted your application and supplementary materials, you will receive a temporary registration that is good for 90 days. Your official Ontario registration will arrive in the mail within a few weeks, and it will be valid for 10 years.
An Easier, Online Solution
You probably never imagined owning a boat would come with so much paperwork. Instead of toiling over hand-written forms and driving to the post office, you can submit your applications to Transport Canada online, and a private service such as ours can help.

At the National Vessel Registry Center, we offer simple online forms on our easy-to-navigate website. Whether you need an initial registration, transfer of ownership forms, or historical research, we offer an easy, online pathway to submitting these documents and more.
Find Out How To Register a Boat in Ontario and More - Contact Us
Looking to fill out your first-time registration online? Contact one of our customer service representatives today to find out how we can help you. You can fill out your application in minutes and submit it via our secure, SSL-encrypted portal.