FAQs: Ownership

A boat can have up to five registered owners when it appears in the Canadian Register of Vessels, and this structure allows people to share responsibilities, costs, and long-term plans for the same craft. Use this link if you wish to update your boat ownership.



We provide the online forms that help you move through requirements smoothly, keep your registration current, and make it easier to manage every step of the process.

The system benefits families, partnerships, business collaborations, and even people arranging bareboat charters in Canada who want their documentation to reflect accurate control and management.
What Shared Boat Ownership Looks Like in the Canadian Register 
Allowing more than one person to appear as an owner helps Canadians manage boats together in a transparent, legally recognized way. The Register uses a standardized format that distributes the entire boat into equal categories known as shares, and these shares are assigned directly to the owners listed on the Certificate of Registry.
How Ownership Shares Are Divided
The structure is simple so that owners can avoid confusion later.

Each registered boat is divided into sixty-four shares.
• Fractional shares are not permitted.
• A boat can have up to five people who jointly hold these shares.
• The Register treats all listed owners as part of a joint arrangement unless they allocate specific shares among themselves.
• The system records ownership in a clear, uniform manner so that lenders, buyers, and regulators always see who is responsible for the boat.

For many people, this format creates the stability needed to co-manage a boat, particularly in situations where equal partners want to share long-term access, maintenance decisions, or financial obligations. It also benefits those who want to place a boat into commercial service later or use the Register instead of relying solely on a pleasure craft licence.
Why Some Groups Choose Registration Instead of Licensing
A pleasure craft licence is appropriate for many recreational boats, but it does not function as a title document. When more than two owners want to share the same craft (and they’re eligible), moving into the Canadian Register of Vessels may be an option. Registration creates a recognized ownership record with federal status, and that clarity is valuable in business settings and among families that prefer formal arrangements.

Here are situations where shared boat ownership leads people toward registration:

Families who want several members to appear as official owners.
• Friends purchasing a boat together so no single person bears the entire financial burden.
• Partnerships preparing to operate a boat commercially.
• People who want the additional standing provided by registration in federal records.
• Groups who want the option to mortgage the boat or make long-term commercial decisions.

How the Register Handles Joint Owners
When all owners appear on the same Certificate of Registry, each listed person is recognized in Transport Canada’s database. That official record establishes who has authority over the boat and who must participate in transfers, transactions, or ownership changes.
Joint Ownership in Everyday Use
Shared boat ownership appears in many forms, and the Register is built to accommodate all of them.

Co-owners can split the cost of maintenance, moorage, insurance, and upgrades.
• Owners can rotate control of the boat based on private agreements.
• The registration stays valid as long as the boat continues meeting the basic requirements and ownership changes are reported.
• When someone wants to sell their share, the group can update the registration by filing the appropriate forms through our portal.
• Every owner’s name appears on the certificate, which reduces ambiguity if questions arise about representation or authority.

Even though informal arrangements often work well among trusted friends or relatives, formal registration protects the group against misunderstandings. 

The Register’s share-based structure safeguards each person’s legal interest, which is helpful when any future modifications, transfers, or commercial plans come into play.


Multiple Owners and Commercial Activity
Some owners pursue commercial projects, charters, or partnerships. When operating a boat in commercial contexts, registration often becomes mandatory. The Register ensures that ownership information is transparent and accessible for business partners, lenders, and clients.

Examples of situations where several owners appear on the documentation include:

Commercial fishing groups.
• Companies placing boats into work fleets.
• People coordinating bareboat charters in Canada.
• Families planning to operate the boat occasionally for hire.
• Business partners financing a boat through a marine mortgage.

These setups require dependable records. Registration supports those requirements more effectively than licensing, especially when more than two people invest in the craft.
When the Small Vessel Register Might Apply
Some owners move their boat into the small vessel register, depending on how the craft is used. This register still issues federally recognized identification but under a different category from full registration. Although it serves a different purpose from a pleasure craft licence, it offers its own path for owners who want official federal recognition without appearing in the main Register. 

The ownership structure and limitations can differ based on the category, which is why many groups shift to full registration when more than two people wish to share the boat.

All of the forms at our portal meet Canadian maritime laws. Here, you can submit the information without sorting through paper packets or searching multiple pages. We streamline the filing process so all owners can move forward without unnecessary delays.
Why Groups Often Prefer Full Registration
When multiple individuals are involved, especially when exceeding two people, full registration generally becomes the most practical and secure choice. It creates a record that fully reflects the shared structure and gives each owner documented control.

Groups tend to choose registration for these reasons:

It supports up to five owners on one certificate.
• Ownership shares are clearly defined.
• Transport Canada boat registration provides federal recognition.
• The boat gains the ability to carry an official name.
• The structure offers long-term stability for families and partners.
• Ownership changes are straightforward when all parties are ready to update the record.

Some people transition to full registration after beginning with a pleasure craft licence because they want additional transparency or because their ownership group expands later. By presenting all required forms online, our service makes that shift simpler.

[caption id="attachment_33976" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Transport Canada transfer of ownership[/caption]
How Our Portal Assists You With Shared Ownership
Our role is to supply online access to the forms needed for various Transport Canada programs. When you are preparing for shared boat ownership, our site keeps the paperwork accessible so every owner can participate without confusion.

Here is what we provide:

Forms for Transport Canada boat registration submitted electronically.
• A platform that replaces paper mailing delays.
• Easy access from any device so multiple owners can stay coordinated.
• A secure digital environment for submitting the information Transport Canada requires.
• A straightforward way to update ownership when someone enters or exits the group.
• A user-friendly system that keeps your documentation process steady even with several individuals involved.

We focus exclusively on providing the forms and the online pathway to help you send your application or renewal to the proper authority. This reduces the back-and-forth that often slows down multi-owner filings.
Moving Forward With Your Ownership Plans
Whether you are planning a shared purchase, updating your existing registration, or expanding the number of owners, the Register makes it possible to structure co-ownership in a predictable and federally recognized format. 

Up to five people can legally share boat ownership, and the share-based system gives each owner equal status in the record. With our online forms, navigating Transport Canada’s system becomes more convenient for everyone involved.

If you and your group are ready to move ahead, you can manage the necessary applications directly through our portal. We keep the process accessible, streamlined, and available at any time so that shared ownership stays organized and easy to maintain.

A Joint Owner is Someone Who Owns a Vessel With Someone Else 
In the context of Canadian vessel documentation, a joint owner shares ownership of a vessel. 

If the vessel was built in Canada, you can attach the form for a Builder’s Certificate for First Title in Canada and, if applicable, all the Bills of Sale that led to you owning the vessel. 

If the vessel was built in a foreign country but never previously owned, a Builder’s Certificate from that foreign country will suffice. 

Do you wish to maintain good status with Transport Canada as a Canadian vessel owner? Maybe you need to provide evidence of ownership when selling your yacht. This post will teach you how to quickly verify your Canadian watercraft's ownership, whatever the reason. Have there been times when you were out on your boat and wondered whether you were legally authorized to do something? Perhaps you have sailed in Canadian waters and were curious about the rules. 

Here in this essay, we'll go through the several ways you might demonstrate your rightful possession of a Canadian watercraft. We'll go through the many forms you need and the best practices for maintaining their currency. Read on if you're interested in learning more about proof of ownership! The best ways to safeguard and conveniently access your evidence of ownership are outlined below.
Keep Your Registration In A Safe Place - Preferably Somewhere Waterproof!
Various storage options are available to ensure the security of your evidence of ownership. You could, for instance, store it in a container that is waterproof and resistant to fire, or you might tie it with a chain attached to a metal ring. If, on the other hand, you want something more conventional and convenient to take with you at all times, then you should consider purchasing a waterproof wallet. They are available in various forms and dimensions; thus, choose the one that best meets your requirements. Store it in a waterproof location, such as a tackle box or the bottom of a cooler. You don't want to take the chance of losing this essential piece of paperwork if your Canadian vessel capsizes!
Make Sure You Always Have a Copy of Your Registration On the Board 
You should always ensure you have a copy of your registration on board your operating vessel. You must be able to provide evidence of ownership in a timely way if, for some reason, you are ever required to do so. You won't be held back from going back on the water if you do it this way. This may be used as evidence of ownership if someone ever wants to demonstrate that they are the rightful owner of the boat. This is vital if you ever need rescue or if you ever need to verify ownership of the Canadian vessel if it is involved in an accident. It is also vital because, if your boat is ever lost at sea, it will assist in ensuring that any insurance claims are paid out correctly.
Carry Your Papers with You When You Take Your Canadian Vessel Out for A Sail
Take your boat out for a spin, but don't forget to bring the paperwork that proves you're the rightful owner. The registration papers are legitimate legal documents that would be required to be shown to a law enforcement officer if you were stopped by them while on the water. Having the original registration documents on you makes it easier for authorities to contact the owner of the boat that is damaged and washes up on land. 

This will allow you some breathing room to get in touch with a lawyer before the yacht is either repossessed or auctioned off. Keep your registration out of the back of the filing cabinet or the bottom of the desk drawer. Many potential purchasers will only buy a Canadian vessel if they can see the original paperwork and any extras that came with it. If the person you plan on leasing your boat to needs a license, providing them with a copy of yours will make the process much smoother.


Update Your Insurance Information As Soon As It Changes
Knowing where to store and how to access your Canadian vessel registration certificate is essential. Keeping your registration current is one of the greatest ways to prove ownership. Things like updating your insurance details and registering your yacht with the National Vessel Registry Center are examples of what this category encompasses. Keep the certificate handy if you need to provide evidence of ownership, such as if you are stopped at a border and asked for it. When entering Ontario from the United States or another province, you may be requested to provide evidence of ownership. You may be asked for proof if you want to rent a slip at a marina or stay overnight at someone's house where a boat is moored in the backyard.

If you're a Canadian citizen planning to take your boat abroad, you must show ownership. It's crucial to know which papers to bring if stopped by law police while proving ownership.

Sometimes the sea, and life, can present unforeseen challenges. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to know how to register a boat without ownership, you have probably found yourself in just such a situation. While the circumstances that brought you to this point may vary, there is, fortunately, a path to obtaining registration for a vessel without ownership.
Have You Lost Your Ownership Documents?
As you likely recall from purchasing a boat, there can be a fair amount of paperwork to navigate. Between registering your vessel, obtaining the correct provincial licensing, and acquiring a certificate of ownership, there is quite a bit of documentation to keep straight. No matter how organized you may be, however, sometimes accidents happen and things get misplaced. So, what do you do when you have lost your certificate of ownership?

Firstly, there is no need to panic. You can get a replacement certificate of ownership of Transport Canada. As the agency keeps thorough records on file, they will have access to your information, and can in turn send you a new copy.


Getting Your Boat Registered
It should be noted that you will need an official copy of your certificate of ownership to register your vessel, so do not think having a photocopy or picture of it on your phone will suffice. If you have lost this document, be sure to file an official request with Transport Canada.

Once you have your new proof of ownership, you can register your vessel by working with a private service such as us. We can help you gather the necessary information you need to submit a complete and accurate registration application to Transport Canada.
Finding an Abandoned or Lost Vessel 
Exploring Canada’s scenic waterways can lead to a number of discoveries. Aside from panoramic views of nature and rare scenes of wildlife, you may even come across a lost or abandoned boat. If you are a particularly bold hobbyist, you even want to restore it and add it to your own personal fleet. So, how can you go about ensuring that the boat has been abandoned?

Start by looking for any identification on the boat, including registration numbers. Once you have some pertinent information to work with, contact Transport Canada to see if the boat has indeed been abandoned, or if its owner had simply lost it (or worse–it was stolen). If it is, in fact, abandoned, you can file to be the receiver of its ownership, and in turn, hold its registration.
Still Curious About How to Register a Boat without Ownership? Contact Us
While Transport Canada does well to make its forms available, filling them out can be a hassle. Between identifying the correct form, printing it out, and writing in the correct information, getting a replacement certificate of ownership can take up a significant amount of time. Luckily, the National Vessel Registry Center can help. 

Our easy-to-browse website hosts all the boat documentation forms you need. We used streamlined documents and an encrypted portal, so you can trust us with the secure transmission of your personal information Transport Canada. To learn more, contact us today.

Outside of purchasing a home or a new vehicle, buying a boat is one of the larger financial commitments that you can make in your life. If you are shopping for a Canadian vessel to call your own, you may be interested in purchasing a used model. In truth, a second-hand vessel that has been well-maintained by the previous owner can provide you with tremendous value. Wondering how do you prove ownership of a boat? We'll explain. 

If buying a used boat is the route you will be taking as a prospective vessel owner, you have a few steps that you will need to take. First, you will need to determine your budget. Keep in mind, that outside of the cost of the boat itself, there are maintenance and docking fees to consider as well. Then, you will want to peruse online and print listings. After you have located the ideal boat for you, you should then contact the seller and make an offer.

Once you and the seller have agreed to a price and money is ready to exchange hands, you may think you are in the clear to take to the water and leave the troubles of land behind. There is one last, very important part of the process to complete, however: ensuring that your vessel documentation and proof of ownership are current.


Buying a Canadian Vessel With Little to No Current Paperwork
The internet has made it possible to find and purchase just about anything. Used boats and other watercraft are no exception. While there are some amazing deals to be had, there are also a fair amount of lemons and risky situations that you can find yourself involved with.

Let’s say you have found an amazing boat at an unbelievable price–the deal of a lifetime, right? There is, however, one sizable catch. The boat is coming from a salvage yard and it has no original paperwork. Is this an issue and should you think twice?

The short answer is: Maybe. While it is not necessarily illegal to purchase a boat that has none of its original documentation, it may lead to some unfortunate surprises once it comes into your possession. Perhaps the boat has been in a significant accident, or it has multiple liens against it. These are not issues that you will want to navigate after you have finalized your purchase.

Fortunately, there are some relatively simple ways to find out more about a boat’s history. If you can secure some basic facts, such as the vessel’s registration number, you can request historical research from Transport Canada. This can give you an idea on the boat’s background as far as owners and damaging incidents it was involved in, provided it is in the Canadian Vessel Registry.

Working with a private service, such as ours at the Canadian Vessel Registry Center, can allow you to obtain historical research in a quick and efficient way by using our online portal.
Transferring a Registration or License to Demonstrate Ownership
Considerable transactions such as buying a car or house tend to come with a fair amount of paperwork. In Canada, this is also true for boats. If the vessel you are purchasing is already licensed or registered, that documentation will need to be transferred to your name. While this can seem like a mountain of paperwork to complete, it can be done in a pretty straightforward and timely fashion with our help.

You will first have to gather some basic information. You will need your proof of ownership of the vessel (think receipts, titles, etc.), a photograph depicting the full side-view of your new boat, and a valid form of Canadian government identification. Once you have assembled these items, you will then need to complete a pleasure craft transfer of license form.

You can do this in one of two ways. You can source the document from Transport Canada, print it and complete it in ink, package it with your supporting documentation and then submit it via mail to the appropriate Canadian government entity. Sounds like a lot of work, right? 

Your other option is to work with us at the Canadian Vessel Registry Center. We offer an easy-to-fill online form for this and a number of other boat documentation matters. You can use our website to quickly find the form you need, fill out the pertinent fields, and upload your supporting documents and payment via our SSL-encrypted web portal. We strip out all of the confusing fine print and redundancies so you only worry about the aspects of your needed document that apply specifically to your situation.
Learn More By Contacting Us Today
Whether you need to transfer an existing registration, apply for a brand new one, or acquire another form of vessel documentation, we can help. We specialize exclusively in helping Canadian boaters get the forms they need in a prompt manner so that they can get back out on the water. To learn more, contact one of our customer service representatives today.