FAQs: Ownership Transfers

Collect everything that will be required for the changing ownership of a boat in Ontario. You'll need the old title and proof of registration when you file for a replacement title in the state where you first registered your boat. Include your bill of sale, which should have all the details from your last title and any additional papers confirming where and when you purchased the item. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's crucial to ensure that you're not accidentally giving the title to someone who is only using your name. 

Some boat dealers won't let you register your new vessel in your name until they verify that the title has been transferred from the seller to the buyer. In the case of joint ownership, all stated owners must agree to sell their stake to the purchaser. A competent inspector should review the work and attest to its safety if the boat has been altered since it was built.

Use this form to legally change boat ownership on our platform. This is the direct method to report a transfer, whether you bought or sold a boat, inherited one, or are adjusting ownership details. 



 

When you complete the appropriate form through our online portal, you can move the process forward quickly and without unnecessary complications. 
What Does a Change of Boat Ownership Involve? 
Changing ownership refers to updating Transport Canada’s records so the new owner is officially listed. This is a mandatory requirement for many boats, depending on how they are licensed or registered. Since Canada has multiple systems, the correct process depends on the boat’s status at the time of sale.

This often applies when:

You purchase a previously registered boat.


You sell your boat to an individual or organization.


You transfer a boat into a different ownership structure.


You inherit a boat and need to update government records.



When transferring ownership, various details must be reported accurately. Even though ownership transfers may feel straightforward, the paperwork can slow people down. Using our online system removes those barriers by giving you easy access to the specific form needed for your situation.


Change Boat Ownership: Importance for Records 
Transport Canada uses ownership records to maintain accurate national databases. These records support identification, compliance checks, safety programs, and communication with owners. 

If your boat falls under an area where ownership reporting is required, an unreported transfer can create long-term issues, including delays during future sales, renewal problems, and potential complications during inspections.

Accurate ownership information matters especially when the boat:

Participates in commercial activity.


Needs proof of historical ownership.


Is financed and requires clear title.


Falls under rules tied to nationality requirements.



Government-issued information must match the current owner, which is why reporting a change promptly is strongly recommended.
When You Need a Transfer Form When You Change Boat Ownership
If your boat is documented through federal boat registration in Canada, a transfer form is mandatory when ownership changes. A transfer is also required if the owner listed on previous documents no longer maintains any legal connection to the boat.

The transfer form is generally relevant when the boat has:

A valid certificate under federal registration.


An existing official number.


A recognized history in Transport Canada’s databases.



By using our online portal, you can access the specific form you need instead of searching for it on your own. We provide digital access only—no handling of your documents, no gathering materials, just streamlined access to the official form used for the change.


How Our Service Helps You Complete the Transfer
Our platform exists to make the federal process easier to navigate. You no longer have to locate the correct form manually or figure out whether you downloaded the right version. Instead, you can find everything in one location and move through the transaction online.

Using our service gives you:

Convenient access to official forms.


A user-friendly portal that helps you submit the transfer.


Digital processing that reduces the chance of sending incomplete materials.


A structure designed to simplify working with Transport Canada’s requirements.



We assist you by removing the guesswork. When you follow the prompts, you access the form appropriate to your situation so you can proceed efficiently.
What You Need Before Reporting the Transfer
Even though we do not assist in gathering or obtaining documents, you will need certain materials in your possession before you begin. Because the transfer must demonstrate a clear exchange, the information entered must match what the government expects.

Typically, you will need:

Proof of the transaction, which is often in the form of a bill of sale boat document.


The boat’s official number, if applicable.


Information on all previous and new owners.


Details about the boat that confirm the correct record is being updated.



Having this ready before opening the form makes the online process smooth and fast.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOHnFQIgBIE
Change Boat Ownership: The Pleasure Craft Licence
Some boats operate strictly under a pleasure craft licence, which is separate from federal registration and the small vessel register. This licence must also be updated if you are transferring ownership. The process is different from federally registered boats, but ownership information still needs to reflect the new buyer.

When you use our site, you can find the correct online portal form that lets you update the licensing information as needed, making it faster to take care of these recreational boat transitions.
Transfers for Federally Registered Boats
If your boat appears in the national registry, the transfer procedure is more involved than licensing but can still be completed online through our platform. This includes boats used for commercial purposes or those meeting specific tonnage requirements. Many owners choose this kind of registration because it supports marine financing and indicates legal title.

When you complete a transfer for boat registration in Canada, the details you submit help Transport Canada update the certificate. Once approved, the new certificate will reflect the current owner, keeping the registration valid.

Our online system helps you navigate the process by giving you direct access to the correct form.
Change Boat Ownership: The Small Vessel Register
Some boats are recorded in the small vessel register, which exists for certain non-pleasure boats and specific operational circumstances. If the boat is listed there, a transfer is required when ownership changes. Having access to the correct form helps ensure the new owner is appropriately listed for regulatory purposes.
How the Transfer Protects Buyers and Sellers
When you change boat ownership, you want to protect both sides of a transaction. Buyers want to ensure the title is clean and properly recorded. Sellers want their name removed from any responsibility once the boat leaves their possession.

Completing the transfer promptly helps avoid:

Confusion about legal ownership.


Future claims regarding the boat.


Delays when applying for future registration changes.


Problems with insurance or financing.



This effort creates a clean transition in Transport Canada’s system.
Step-by-Step Path to Using Our Online Portal
When you’re ready to handle the transfer, you can use our portal in a streamlined way. You are not required to mail anything or track forms independently. Everything can be done in one place digitally.

Here’s how the process typically flows:

Visit our online portal.


Select the transfer form that matches your boat’s status.


Enter the requested ownership details.


Provide information that aligns with your proof of transaction.


Submit the form and allow processing to begin.



We simplify the submission, but the information must still be correct. Our structure keeps everything organized so you can move through each stage confidently.
How Canadian Maritime Laws Connect to the Transfer
Canada’s maritime rules influence how ownership information must be submitted, who may hold legal title, and how records are maintained. Transfers are part of the broader regulatory structure, which helps establish lawful ownership.

Our portal aligns with these regulations by giving you direct access to the correct form associated with your situation.
Moving Forward With Your Transfer
Once you’re prepared to move the transfer ahead, our online platform allows you to handle everything efficiently. We give you the tools and access needed to complete the change boat ownership submission from start to finish.

If you’re ready to begin, you can return to the transfer page anytime and proceed with your ownership update. Our goal is to make the experience direct, simple, and reliable, helping you keep your boat’s legal information accurate as quickly as possible.

 

In most cases, the surviving joint owner becomes the sole owner, but official steps are still required to reflect this change. To transfer boat ownership fully, the surviving owner must submit the appropriate forms through our online portal so that Transport Canada can record the updated information. 

This ensures that future transactions, sales, financing, or modifications can proceed without delays. 



 
What Happens to Shared Ownership After a Death?
Joint ownership often includes a right of survivorship, which means the surviving owner retains ownership of the boat. However, this does not automatically update government records. The official registry still shows both names until the proper documentation is filed. For many owners, this creates questions about future operations, especially when planning to:

Sell the boat
• Renew boat registration in Canada
• Make changes to the endorsement or authorized use
• Add a new owner later

We simplify the administrative process by giving you direct access to the forms necessary to reflect the change. Instead of navigating long government pages, you can work through our streamlined system to complete the steps required for updated ownership recognition.
Why Official Records Must Reflect the Change
Even if joint ownership seems straightforward, Transport Canada requires formal updates to maintain accurate registry data. These updates help ensure that the surviving owner can operate or sell the boat without future complications. 

The registry acts as proof of rightful ownership, protecting buyers, lenders, and owners.

A change in ownership must be recorded when:

A joint owner passes away
• An estate inherits a portion of ownership
• A boat is being prepared for sale
• A new joint ownership arrangement is being established

Following Canadian maritime laws helps ensure that all requirements are met when you need to make any ownership updates.


How Our Service Helps With Transfer Boat Ownership
Our platform is designed to make it easier for you to reach the forms that apply to your situation. We do not gather documents for you, but we provide the online forms so you can send your information to Transport Canada without needing to track down paperwork yourself. When you need to transfer boat ownership after the loss of a joint owner, our system allows the surviving owner or estate representative to complete the necessary steps online.

Owners often appreciate that they can:

Access forms at any time
• File from anywhere in Canada
• Submit ownership updates in a simplified format
• Complete multiple documentation needs in one place

This approach helps reduce the confusion and delays that sometimes come with government paperwork.
When is Estate Involvement Required?
If the deceased owner’s portion of the boat becomes part of their estate rather than passing automatically to the surviving joint owner, additional steps may apply. This typically occurs when the ownership arrangement did not include a right of survivorship. In these situations, the executor or administrator must determine whether the estate plans to:

Transfer the deceased owner’s interest to the surviving owner
• Transfer the interest to another heir
• Sell the boat and distribute proceeds

Our service includes access to the relevant forms that estates may need when they must complete a transfer boat update involving multiple parties.

Remember: this is different from "Form 8 - Declaration of Transmission." That's the form for you declaring what you'll do with your shares in the event of death or bankruptcy.


How Does the Process Differ for Registered Boats?
For boats that hold official registration rather than a pleasure craft licence, ownership changes must be filed through the registry system. Many owners choose registration because it provides additional benefits such as name approval and recognition for international travel. 

Any time a registered boat is owned jointly, Transport Canada requires immediate updates when circumstances change, including the passing of an owner.

Some of the reasons owners prefer registration include:

Ability to apply for a marine mortgage
• Clearly recorded ownership history
• Recognition beyond Canadian waters

What About Boats With a Pleasure Craft Licence?
If your boat operates with a pleasure craft licence rather than registration, you still need to update ownership. However, the process is different from the one used for registered boats. A pleasure craft licence is primarily for recreational use and does not replace the benefits associated with registration. 

You only need to ensure that the licence reflects the current owner’s name and contact information so that authorities can identify the boat if needed.

For owners dealing with a change after a joint owner’s passing, our site offers direct access to the forms required to update this information. This is especially useful if you plan to sell the boat later or operate it independently moving forward.
When Does a Bill of Sale Boat Apply?
In some cases, ownership updates after a joint owner’s death involve selling the boat, either through the surviving owner or through an estate. If the boat is being sold, the new owner will need appropriate documentation, often including a bill of sale boat form. 

This document records who is taking ownership and at what date, helping Transport Canada keep accurate records. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vqgdzt3oyMA
How Do I Transfer a Boat on the Small Vessel Register?
Some owners have their boats listed in the small vessel register, which applies to certain commercial or work-related boats. When a joint owner passes away, the surviving owner or estate must update the registry details, just as they would with other types of registration. This step is crucial for maintaining the boat’s legal status, especially if it continues to be used commercially. 

Failure to update ownership can lead to delays or restrictions if you attempt to make further changes down the line.

Our portal provides the forms required for these updates so you can move forward without navigating complicated government instructions.
What Steps May Need To Be Completed After a Joint Owner’s Passing?
While every situation is different, most ownership updates follow a similar pattern. Through our online service, you can access the forms you may need for:

Removing the deceased owner’s name
• Updating the surviving owner’s information
• Notifying Transport Canada of a legal or estate-related change
• Finalizing a transfer to a new buyer
• Filing additional changes as needed in the future

We make the process smoother by keeping all relevant forms in one place, allowing you to handle each step without extra searching.
How Can I Ensure My Boat Remains Fully Compliant?
Maintaining updated ownership information is essential for smooth operations, lawful use, and future transactions. Whether you manage a recreational craft, a commercial boat, or a boat listed on any Canadian registry, the updates ensure that government records accurately reflect current ownership.

Owners can avoid complications by completing these updates promptly. With our platform, you can address any ownership changes—including those related to the passing of a joint owner—through a straightforward digital process that keeps every step accessible and secure.


Support for Future Ownership Changes
Even after you finalize the ownership update, you may need to make other changes later. Our service gives you ongoing access to multiple documentation options including updates, renewals, and transfers. 

Many owners return to our service whenever they need:

Renewal forms
• Name changes
• Deletion requests
• Mortgage-related updates
• Future ownership transfers

Maintaining accurate documentation helps keep your boat compliant and ready for any future plans you may have.
Move Forward Confidently With Your Ownership Update
Losing a joint owner is a difficult experience, and the administrative tasks that follow can feel overwhelming. Our online portal simplifies one major part of that process by giving you quick access to the forms needed to update ownership. 

All owners deserve a clear pathway to maintain accurate information, stay compliant with Canadian maritime laws, and protect their rights. By using our platform, you can complete these steps efficiently and continue operating or managing your boat with confidence.

 

Like with any big purchase, buying a used boat in Ontario will require caution, prudence, and thought. Let’s go over everything you should keep in mind when going through this. 
Buying a Used Boat in Ontario
The first thing you want to keep in mind when buying a used boat is to make sure that it is ready for it to be purchased by you. You don’t want to buy a vessel that comes with a claim of lien or a mortgage that you will hence be responsible for. Because of this, you will want to request information about the vessel from the current owner. A good document to request in these cases will be an official transcript. This is a service provided by Transport Canada in which they provide a comprehensive compilation of documents related to the aircraft, including financial ones. If you receive a complete and certified transcript, then you can rest assured that you’re looking at reliable information that can properly inform your purchase.
Checking the State of the Vessel
One you know that the vessel’s background is appropriate for a purchase, it will be time to check if the boat itself is good to own and operate. It’s always a good idea to hire a professional boat surveyor who can at least check the hull and the motor before you make a formal offer so that you don’t have to deal with any mechanical surprises down the road. This also lets you take the condition of the boat into consideration at the time of negotiating the price. Keep in mind that if the seller offers a surveyor, it’s better not to go for them. Find your own surveyor to stay on the safe side and don’t sign an agreement of purchase until you are confident about the state of the boat. As with everything, make paper copies of all the transactions involved.
Have the Current Owner Transfer the Registration
Once you’ve made sure that you are purchasing the vessel, it will be time to get its registration. If you are buying a used boat, it will most likely already be registered with Transport Canada, so instead of you having to register the vessel, the owner will have to transfer it to you. This process is fairly simple, and it will mostly involve the current owner submitting the corresponding form to Transport Canada. The form, which is readily available here on our website, is very straightforward. It will only be a brief matter of time before the registration is under your name,


Transport Canada Forms
It’s common knowledge that engaging with government agencies can often be quite frustrating, especially when it comes to transportation. Registering your vessel, for example, can be a very inconvenient process, which is why we make an effort to make it easier for you. Here at the Canadian Vessel Registry Center, you will be able to find all the forms you might need in relation to your vessel. For more information about this process or to ask any questions about it, reach out. 

A boat ownership transfer in Canada is mandatory when you have purchased a boat and need to transfer the ownership to you. This entails transferring the pleasure craft license ( PCL) and its numbers that are used to identify the boat. 

Don’t confuse this type of document with your boat’s registration, as registration serves to show you own the legal title for the boat or can show proof of ownership. A bill of sale can also be used to show this type of proof. 


The Main Document Used for Transfer: The Pleasure Craft License
To physically transfer ownership, you need to transfer the pleasure craft license (PCL). The PCL represents the identification numbers shown on each side of a boat’s bow, which is used by Search and Rescue teams during an emergency. The numbers are contained in a database that gives rescuers access to licensed boats and their owners.

By comparison, the registration for a boat gives the boat owner legal title and allows the operator to give the vessel a unique name and official number. It also allows the owner to use the boat as collateral for a marine mortgage and to fly the Canadian flag. To register a pleasure craft, your boat must feature a propulsion motor of at least 7.5kW or 10 horsepower. 

This same rule also applies to licensing. You can obtain a license for free for 10 years and renew the license after that period. You should keep your contact information up-to-date on both your registration and license.

According to the magazine OttawaLife Magazine (OLM), a registered vessel’s name can also be used during rescues, as it is unique to the boat. The name should be clear, short, concise, and easy for search officers to remember. While the PCL is used to display numbers on the boat’s exterior, the registration number is displayed, along with the registered tonnage, inside the pleasure craft.
Boat Ownership Transfer in Canada During a Sale
If you buy or sell a pleasure craft, boat ownership transfer in Canada is fairly quick and straightforward. As a buyer of a new pleasure craft, you need to fill out an application for a pleasure craft license to perform the transfer.

To proceed with the transfer, insert “transfer ownership” in the area of the application that asks for the reason for the application. You will also need to upload specific documents to complete the transfer.
What You Need to Include
To facilitate the transfer online, you need to include the following:

The PCL application, completed in full
A copy of a valid government-issued ID for each owner that is signed
Proof of ownership or a copy of the boat’s bill of sale
A copy of a photo of the full side view of the boat

When the pleasure craft has been sold and a boat ownership transfer in Canada has been performed, you are exempt from carrying the new license up to 90 days, provided the ownership transfer is currently underway or you have not yet received the updated license. 

You also are excluded from carrying the new license if you have a copy of the transfer documents and the current license onboard. Boat owners who do not carry their license onboard are subject to a $250.00 fine.

If you cannot show proof you are the new owner of the boat, you must declare, under oath, that you own the boat and explain why you cannot provide a bill of sale or comparable proof of ownership. A form is available through Transport Canada for this purpose.

Sellers of pleasure crafts should keep a copy of the bill of sale in case there is a question later about ownership. Provide the buyer of the boat with a signed bill of sale so he or she can make the transfer.
Registering Your New Boat
Once you complete the boat ownership transfer in Canada or complete the license application for transfer, you will need to register your pleasure craft. While licensing is free and the PCL is good for 10 years, registration will cost you some money. However, it is money well spent, as it allows you to show proof you own the boat which is helpful to have if you venture outside of Canada.

According to Transport Canada, registering a boat costs $250.00. This price will give you legal title through the Canadian Register of Vessels. It also allows you to give your boat a unique name and port of registry. The cost for transferring registration is $150.00.

When registering a new boat, you will be required to choose at least 3 names for your boat in case one of the names has been taken. You will then pay your registration fee after completing the application for registration. To ensure everything is submitted correctly, you will need to show evidence of ownership and a statement of qualification for registering the vessel.
Transfer Ownership or Register a Boat Now
To ensure you fill out the proper documents for both a transfer and registration, you may want to use the services of a third-party provider. Doing so will allow you to execute a boat ownership transfer in Canada or registration of a pleasure craft fairly fast.

Sometimes, unexpected changes happen in life. Through no fault of your own, you may be in a position where it is time to sell your boat. Of course, this may also be a more optimistic occasion–maybe you are looking to upgrade your vessel and are seeking to move on from your current boat. Regardless of the situation that has prompted you to sell your vessel, you are going to want to learn a bit about how to transfer boat ownership. If you have already gone through the trouble of listing your boat (in both print and digital marketplaces), finding a buyer, and negotiating a price, the last thing you want is to hit a potential snag in your transaction. Fortunately, by having a bit of knowledge on the necessary paperwork, you can ensure a smooth transfer of ownership.

As a boat owner, you understand that boats are expensive. Apart from the price tag on the vessel itself, there are also maintenance costs and docking fees to consider. With this in mind, it is no wonder that there is a bustling secondary market for boats in Ontario. This Canadian province, which is home to more than 250,000 lakes, is an ideal setting for boaters, so it makes sense that there is no shortage of boat buyers and sellers in Ontario. 
How to Transfer Boat Ownership on a Pleasure Craft License
How you will go about transferring ownership of your vessel will largely depend on how it is documented with Transport Canada. If your boat has been used for purely recreational purposes, it likely holds a Pleasure Craft License (PCL). A PCL, also called a boat license, is mandatory for all motorized vessels with engines of 10 or more horsepower (8.5 kW). A PCL is valid for a period of ten years, and it assigns vessel registration numbers, which must be affixed to the boat’s exterior (both sides of the bow in three-inch high letters).

There is a process to follow when transferring a PCL. On the back of the registration document, there is a field for the current owner to sign the vessel over. This signed form, coupled with a bill of sale to serve as proof of ownership, can then be returned to Transport Canada for processing.


What to Do About Registered Vessels
If the boat being sold is in the Small Vessel Registry, there is a slightly different process to be followed. In this instance, you will need to complete an “Application for Transfer of Ownership for a Registered Vessel.” This form will prompt you for some basic information about yourself, the vessel in question, and the buyer. Coupled with a bill of sale, you can forward this document to Transport Canada, who will then update the registry.

One of the most common concerns for those dealing with vessel ownership is how to transfer boat ownership in Ontario. Even though the bureaucratic process itself can be quite complicated, we are here to make it a lot simpler for you. 
When to Transfer Boat Ownership?
Sure, the concept of transferring boat ownership is pretty straightforward, but the process isn’t exclusive to instances in which the ownership is transferred from one entity to another. The process is actually more versatile than that and you might need to take part in it even if you aren’t selling your vehicle to someone else. Let’s go over some of the instances in which you will need to make use of this form and over how to transfer boat ownership in Ontario.

Buying a Vessel
Whenever you buy a new vessel, it’s up to you to register it under your name with the Canadian Register of Vessels. But, if you are purchasing a vessel from a previous owner rather than, say, a dealership or a store, the sale itself is not enough for the boat to be legally yours. There needs to be a transfer of the boat’s ownership in order to properly register you as the official owner of the vessel in question. This is not to say, however, that this process is up to you. Instead, it has to be the prior owner who fills out this form and carries out this transfer process. 
Selling a Vessel
Now, this applies when it is you who are selling your vessel as well. This time, it will be up to you to transfer ownership of the boat to the buyer or new owner. Part of the selling process will involve you submitting the necessary paperwork to back up the sale in terms of legal ownership and registration.
Adding or Removing an Owner
You should also know that the process to transfer ownership won’t just include those instances where you are selling the vessel to someone else. You will also need to make use of this form when you are adding an owner (such as a partner or spouse) to your boat ownership or, in turn, removing one from it. You have to be aware, however, that in order for someone to be eligible for ownership of the vessel, even if it is shared, they have to be a Canadian citizen, a Canadian resident, or a corporation incorporated under the laws of Canada.

Are you buying a vessel ? Or, alternatively, are you in the process of selling your vessel and want to make sure that you’ve “crossed every T and dotted every I,” so to speak? One of the more common web searches that brings someone to our site is when they type: “how to transfer boat ownership.” It’s been said that “the best two days of vessel ownership are the day that you buy it and the day that you sell it.” At our site, we can help you with both days. 
Transferring a Registered Vessel 
Should your vessel be registered with Transport Canada, we have the form you’ll need to transfer it to a new owner (or to have it transferred to you). Specifically, we’re referring to the “Application for Transfer of Ownership for a Registered” vessel form. Again, this is just for registered vessels and not pleasure craft. Should you need to make this go through a bit faster, we offer “priority request/rush processing” services as well. That means we’ll put you on top of the queue. A word to the wise: we cannot offer refunds if the boat sale does not go through. So, only avail yourself of this form if it’s a sure thing, a formality, and so forth. 


Transferring a Pleasure Craft 
The previous paragraph is about transferring ownership of a vessel that’s been registered. Should you have a pleasure craft, you transfer ownership by signing the reverse side of your vessel license and then give it to the person you sold the pleasure craft to. Then, they have 90 days to complete and sign the reverse side of the vessel license. 
Other Ways of How to Transfer Boat Ownership 
Often, ownership isn’t necessarily transferred solely from one party to another. Indeed, a vessel owner will bring on their significant other, a new member of the ownership team, or, alternatively, remove someone from ownership. Should that be the case, you can use the same form for registered vessels at our site. One thing to keep in mind, though: Canadian citizenship. For a new member of your owner partnership to be legal, they have to be a resident of Canada, a citizen of Canada, or even a Canadian corporation. 
Beyond Transferring Ownership 
Perhaps you’ve transferred ownership to someone else, leaving you on the lookout for a new vessel. Or, alternatively, maybe you’ve just purchased a vessel from someone else, and now you want to make sure that you have all of the forms that you need to be in compliance with the powers that be. We can help. At our site, you can find all of the different forms of Canadian vessel documentation that you might need. Specifically, you can find all of the forms here for the Small Vessel Registry in addition to Pleasure Craft Licensing, vessel documentation, and more. To see everything that we offer, head to our site. 

The loss of a beloved person is always something sad, even when we grow old and we know how nature’s cycle ends. Although it can be hard to deal with, you can do a transfer of ownership so grandpa’s weekend ship where you spent many holidays can still be of use.

The last thing you will be thinking about when someone passes away is what to do with the physical things they left behind. But sooner or later, the law and the government require paperwork to be done, both for the deceased one and for his or her assets.
Getting On With The Transfer of Ownership
Once the grief starts to dissipate as you deal with the situation, you should look after the legal aspects of it. When a person dies, there is quite some documentation involved that the family has to take care of. If the deceased one owned a vessel registered with Transport Canada, then keep on reading to find what do you need to transfer it to someone else.



The process of transferring the shares from one deceased person to another is called ‘transmission’. The boat can be registered to an individual owner or could be co-owned. There are some differences between the procedures for each situation. When an individual owner dies, their shares in the vessel become part of their estate. It is settled by the estate executor. When a joint owner dies, their shares pass to the surviving registered joint owner(s). The second one is often common if the ship was bought after getting married.
Required Information To Fill The Form
To get started with the ownership exchange, head to the National Vessel Registry Center website and look for the ‘Registry Forms’ option. At the bottom options, you can find a tab that reads ‘Transmission of death/bankruptcy’.

Start by writing down the vessel’s official number. The port of registry and name of the vessel are not mandatory if the boat is registered under the Small Vessel Registry, only if it is under the Canadian Registry of the Vessel. The next step requires your personal information: full name, address, a number to contact you, an email address, and the language in which you want the certificate.

Next up comes the details of transmission. You have to specify whether the process is being required by an individual, corporation, foreign corporation, or Indian band and how must you/them be registered. Select if there is any registered mortgagee as well. Write the full name and address of the authorized representative, how the shares of the vessel have been transmitted (death, in this case), and the manner in which the property has been transmitted.

Depending on who is requiring the transfer, you have to fill in the blanks of the chosen option. Provide the contact information with an email address, telephone number, and full name. Pay the fee for the application with your credit card information and that would be it. You can additionally select rush processing if you need to, for an extra fee.

One of the great things about boating–and one of the reasons why it is so popular–is that it can be a lifelong hobby. No matter what age you may be, you can find something to appreciate about being out on the water, whether it is fishing, sightseeing, or even inter-tubing. As your life changes and grows, however, it is not unusual for your boating needs to evolve as well. Perhaps you and your family have outgrown your vessel and you need something larger. Maybe you are looking to downsize as your boating activities are less involved than they once were. Regardless of your circumstances, if you are looking to sell your vessel, there is surely a market for it. While boating can and should be enjoyed by all, purchasing a new boat can be expensive, so it makes sense that there is a thriving secondary market. If you are looking to make a sale, you may also find yourself wondering, how do I transfer ownership of a boat?

If you have done the work of listing your vessel, locating a buyer, and negotiating a price, you are probably eager to finalize the transaction. In truth, you are very nearly done at this point, but there are some paperwork matters that you will need to address when finalizing the deal. Specifically, you are going to need to transfer ownership of your Pleasure Craft License (PCL) or vessel registration. The good news is, at the National Vessel Registry Center, we can help you do this quickly online–read on to learn more.
How Do I Transfer Ownership of a Boat with Vessel Registration?
If your boat has a vessel registration with Transport Canada, there will be a process to complete in order to transfer ownership. Typically, registered vessels are used for commercial purposes or are financed with a marine mortgage, though that is not always the case. When you sell a registered vessel, a Form 6 - Bill of Sale will need to be processed with Transport Canada. This document should include your vessel’s name and official number, as well as a signature and printed name. Additionally, the buyer will need to provide a Form 3 - Statement of Qualification for Vessel Registration.
Transferring a PCL
Most recreational vessels will carry what is called a Pleasure Craft License, which serves as a registration document with Transport Canada. To transfer this document, the seller must sign it over on the designated field on the backside of the form. This, along with a bill of sale, will then need to be mailed to Transport Canada for processing.


Completing a Transfer of Ownership Online
We can help you transfer a PCL or vessel registration online. Simply locate the web form you need in our easy-to-navigate top menu, and in just a matter of minutes, you can submit your documents through our SSL-encrypted web portal. If you have any questions about our services, contact one of our friendly customer service representatives today.