FAQs: Document Renewals & Replacements FAQs

If your original Certificate of Registry has been misplaced, damaged, or lost, you can apply for a replacement boat registration through our online portal. 



Our service provides the streamlined forms you need so you can request a new document quickly, helping you keep your paperwork in good order without unnecessary delays. 
What a Replacement Boat Registration Certificate Does 
A replacement certificate restores your official proof of registration when the original is no longer available. This document shows that your boat is properly entered in the national registry and is active under the markings required by Canadian maritime laws.

It may also be needed for activities such as selling your boat, refinancing through a lender, or handling a new mortgage. Without a valid certificate, certain transactions can become more difficult, and you may not have the paperwork required if your boat is inspected. 

A new certificate ensures that all official details—including name, tonnage, usage, and port of registry—are available in a clear, Transport Canada–accepted format.

Some boat owners request a replacement after discovering the original was damaged during travel, while others do so because the document was never returned after a docking inspection, survey, or legal matter. Regardless of the reason, your new certificate carries the same legal standing as the one you previously held.
When You Should Apply for a Boat Certificate Replacement
There are several occasions when applying for a replacement certificate is the right step. Common situations include:

Your document was lost while traveling, trailering, or storing equipment.


Moisture, fading, or accidental tearing made the certificate unreadable.


You switched to a digital storage system and cannot locate the original.


Your lender, insurer, or a marina requested an updated physical document.


You are preparing the boat for sale and want to provide clean, current proof of registry.



If any of these apply to you, obtaining a replacement certificate can prevent frustration later.


Why the Certificate Matters for Different Types of Registration
Your certificate connects directly to the type of registration your boat holds with Transport Canada. Even though these categories serve different needs, each may require a replacement document under certain circumstances.

Here are common forms of recognition where a replacement may be requested:

Many owners of boats carrying Canadian boat registration will need a replacement certificate if theirs is lost, as this record is used for ownership, financing, and international travel.


Recreational owners with a pleasure craft licence do not request the same certificate type, though they may still need to access various forms through our site for other Transport Canada requirements.


Owners handling the registration of a government boat may need a replacement certificate if the physical copy used aboard is no longer available.


Certain commercial or work-related operators listed in the small vessel register may require a replacement if their document is misplaced.



Our portal focuses on the forms needed for federally registered boats, helping you access what you need quickly when something goes missing.
How Our Service Helps You Request a Replacement Boat Certificate
Our online system is built to simplify how you submit your application. Instead of searching through multiple Transport Canada pages, you can go directly to the form you need, complete it online, and submit it securely. Here, you can: 

Go directly to the Certificate of Registry replacement certificate form without having to navigate Transport Canada's site.


Complete the application using the information from your existing registration record.


Submit everything electronically so your request can be processed without mailing delays.


Keep a digital record of your submission for your own reference.


Continue using our platform for renewals, boat name changes, ownership transfers, and mortgage-related filings.



Our service centralizes the required forms so you can complete everything needed for a replacement boat registration process through a single access point.


What You Need Before Submitting Your Boat Registration Replacement Request
Although we do not assist in collecting materials, most owners find that they already have the basic information needed to complete the replacement request. Commonly required details include:

Your official number


The name of your boat


Your current contact information


Confirmation of your ownership status


Any applicable supporting information about recent changes



You do not need to upload the old certificate—even if damaged—since the purpose is to replace it. Transport Canada refers to the record already on file for verification.
Situations Where a Replacement Certificate Can Prevent Problems
Many boat owners only realize the importance of having a replacement certificate when an urgent situation arises. By requesting a new document early, you avoid potential issues such as:

Delays in selling a boat when the buyer’s agent asks to see official paperwork.


Trouble during inspections or audits when operators must show current documentation.


Complications with financing or refinancing when a lender requires a physical proof of registry.


Problems during international travel where certain ports require a valid certificate onboard.


Inconvenience when officials need to confirm registry details and you cannot produce the physical document.



A replacement keeps your records clear and accessible—something especially helpful if you are traveling through different regions or working with organizations that require strict documentation.
What Happens After You Submit the Certificate Replacement Form
After you send your request through our portal, Transport Canada reviews the information to issue your new certificate. The timeline varies depending on workload and mailing conditions, but many owners find that having the correct form submitted through a centralized service helps prevent delays caused by incomplete or mismatched applications.

Your replacement certificate will typically arrive by mail, and it will contain the same information as your original unless you applied for a separate change—such as an ownership transfer or alteration to the boat’s name—through a different form. Your new document will need to be kept onboard, stored securely, or placed where regulators can easily access it during checks.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Replacement Certificates
Does the replacement change anything about the boat’s registration?
No. A replacement certificate simply provides another copy of your existing record. Your official number, ownership information, and registry status remain the same.
Can I request a replacement if I recently renewed my boat?
Yes. Renewal and replacement are two separate processes. If you renewed but lost your new certificate, you can still apply for a replacement through our portal.
What if I lost my certificate outside Canada?
Many boaters misplace documents while traveling, especially during long-distance trips. You may still request a replacement certificate from anywhere, as long as you have access to the online form.
Can I store my certificate digitally?
You may keep digital backups for your personal use, but Transport Canada still requires certain documents to be available in physical form onboard. A replacement ensures you always have what you need for inspections.
Apply for Your Replacement Certificate Today
If your Certificate of Registry is missing, damaged, or unavailable, you can apply for a replacement boat registration directly through our portal. Whether your boat is used commercially, recreationally, or within a specialized category, having an accurate, up-to-date certificate ensures smoother interactions with regulators, lenders, and anyone relying on official documentation.

Our online form gives you a straightforward way to request the replacement you need so you can stay focused on your time on the water, not paperwork.

 

Have you misplaced your Canada boating license? Or maybe it was destroyed or stolen. There is no cause for alarm! Replacing your license will not be difficult if you follow these straightforward instructions. Bear in mind that the procedure might differ depending on where you live; therefore, check with the authorities in your area for more information on the subject.

On the other hand, the process as a whole is relatively uncomplicated and shouldn't take too much time. Therefore, start immediately, and you won't have to wait long before you can get back on the water. It may appear daunting, but if you have the correct information, replacing your Canada boating license can be a breeze. In order to make the process run as smoothly as possible, here are some helpful hints.
Make Sure You Have All of The Required Documents Before You Start
Before you begin, check that you have all of the necessary documentation in your possession. One of the essential things to do is to ensure that you are prepared with your original evidence of ownership (in the case of a boat) or identity (in the case of personal watercraft), as well as proof that you have completed the required boater education course. You will need them when you go to acquire a replacement for your driver's license. If you are having difficulties locating them, you should contact the person who initially provided them. The date shown on your certificate might be incorrect; thus, if necessary, they may be able to issue a new certificate with the correct information printed on it. Your notice of suspension or cancellation will include a list of any extra papers you need to bring to the hearing.
Gather Information on How to Replace Your Canada Boating License from The Ministry of Transportation's Website
When you lose your Canadian boating license, it can be an annoyance, but it's familiar enough that there are many ways to get around the problem. Contacting the Ministry of Transportation will allow you to verify what you are required to do. If you've misplaced, stolen, or damaged your driver's license, you may find instructions on how to get a new one on their website. If lost or damaged, you could get a replacement by paying a service fee; however, if it was stolen or destroyed, you will be required to purchase an entirely new item. In either scenario, you will be required to take additional steps to demonstrate that you are who you say you are and pay any fees that may be appropriate. Checking the MTO website to see what steps need to be taken is the most effective course of action to take.
Pay Careful Attention to All Eligibility Requirements
You won't be able to start replacing a Canada boating license until you've satisfied all of the licensing requirements, so make sure you have a complete understanding of those requirements before you start your application. Completing a boating safety course or proof of prior possession of an Ontario boating license are two of the most general prerequisites. In Section 35 of Ontario's recreational marine legislation, you can discover the whole list of qualifications needed to qualify for a boating license in the province of Ontario. If your license was lost or stolen, or if you are asking for a duplicate license due to a name change or for any other reason, additional distinct standards must be met in each of these scenarios. Before you begin filling out any papers, you should make it a point to go over the application criteria relevant to your province thoroughly.
Follow the Application Instructions Closely
You will need to submit the necessary papers to replace your boating license if you wish to use it. The procedure might be somewhat altered based on the specifics of the situation. If you have misplaced your Canada boating license or were never issued one in the first place, all you need to do is complete the necessary paperwork, make the required payments, and submit it to the correct location. Your replacement card should come within three weeks, but there is a chance that it may take longer if there is a backlog before or after a holiday or if there is a lengthy period of severe weather. If you lose or have your license stolen, you may apply for a new one online without paying any expenses. Even if it's been a while since your original certificate was taken and you already have another one, if you have an online account with Service Ontario, you'll be able to login and replace it. This is true even if you already have another one.


Allow Enough Time for Processing
Updating your boating license may make you anxious, but that doesn't have to be the case. The employees at the Ministry of Transport are standing by to guide you through the steps necessary to get your new license in the shortest amount of time feasible. Please allow the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario anywhere from six to eight weeks to process your request if you already possess an Ontario boating license but need to replace it. While waiting for your replacement card, you will be issued a temporary license on paper. Paper licenses that are merely temporary are only good until the expiration date printed on the card.

The whole point of registering your vessels with Transport Canada is to get the corresponding documentation in order in accordance with the Canada Shipping Act. This will grant you your claim over your vessel without issue going forward just as long, of course, as you keep a physical copy on you. This is why a replacement certificate will come in handy.
Your Registration Certificate
Why do you register your commercial vessel with Transport Canada? Well, in part, you do this to comply with the national guidelines for vessels, of course, but this also helps you establish ownership over the vessel itself going forward. Now, because of this, it’s very important to have your certificate at hand while operating your vessel, for it represents the good standing of your vessel with the government and displays the authorization to operate. An official physical certificate will be mandatory, meaning that you need to keep such a copy on board whenever you’re operating. Because of this, it’s important to make sure such a copy is never missing from your vessel and protect it going forward.
Did Something Happen to Your Certificate?
So, if having your official copy of the certificate around is so imperative, what if something happens to it? Maybe it got wet and damaged or it went missing. In cases such as these, you are going to have to go through a particular process in order to make sure you are able to continue operating without a problem. No, a photocopy or a digital version of the certificate won’t be valid forms of documentation. If you’re stopped by the corresponding authorities and you don’t have an official copy of your certificate, you might end up having trouble. Hence, you have to request a replacement certificate from Transport Canada so that you’re able to receive another official certificate. 
Getting a Replacement Certificate
So, how do you take care of such a request? What do you have to do in order to receive a replacement certificate? It’s not as simple as re-downloading the certificate and printing it, but don’t worry, this isn’t that complicated. All you need to do is submit the form for a replacement request, which you will find here on our website. Your registration is still in order, after all, so there’s no need for you to go through the overall application process again. It won’t take long for you to receive the new certificate for you to keep aboard at all times and avoid potential problems.
Apply For a Replacement
Once you know what you need to do, it will be time to actually submit your replacement certificate request. You can do so directly and risk delays, or you can submit everything through our platform here at the National Vessel Registry Center Corp. We are always making sure that people have easier access to Transport Canada registration forms and applications, as well as the right venue through which to submit them. You’ll be able to find everything you need here on our website. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us by calling +1 (800) 419-9569 or emailing us at info@canadianvesselregistry.ca.

After months of research, comparison shopping, and more, you are ready to take the plunge. You did your due diligence and found a vessel that is the perfect size and has all you want. Importantly, the boat is right in the price range of what you can afford. Closing the deal can be one of the most exciting moments you may have experienced, and you look forward to taking out your boat for that first trip on the water. Before you get too far ahead of yourself, you want to be sure that you have taken care of all the necessary paperwork so that you can legally sail your vessel. Knowing how to register a boat in BC and other Canadian provinces will help you make sure you have all you need for your sailing pleasure.








The First Steps to Register




The first step for you to take with registration is to get all your necessary paperwork in order. You will need to provide documentation to Transport Canada, the government agency responsible for vessel registration. You must have proof that you are a Canadian resident, and you also must show that you are the rightful owner or one of the owners of the boat. Providing a copy of the bill of sale for your boat is going to be what you will do as part of your submission of the registration documents. You also need to fill out the appropriate application, so finding the paperwork you need matters as well. There will also be a registration fee that you must pay.




Where to Start to Register




Learning how to register a boat in BC or elsewhere in Canada means finding the paperwork and filling it out. If you have never done this before, it can be confusing at first as you try to figure out what forms you need, what documentation to provide, and how to answer the questions on the form. You will also find that you will need to mail the form, along with your payment information, to Transport Canada. You may be wary of providing information this way since it may not be the most secure method for your personal information.  Luckily, there is a better solution for you.




We Can Help You Register




Here at the National Vessel Registry Center Corp., we can provide you with the help you need so you can learn the best way how to register a boat in BC. We are an outside company that helps facilitate documentation transactions with Transport Canada. We have all the forms you need to help you register, and we provide clear links on every page of our website, so you have no trouble finding the forms you need. You can perform the task electronically with us, and our site is encrypted, so you know your personal and payment information is always safe. Come to our website today to begin the registration process.