There are several types of Canadian boat registration, depending on whether your vessel is used for personal, commercial, or registered purposes. This boat documentation includes Pleasure Craft Licences, Small Vessel Registry entries, Canadian Register of Vessels entries, certificates, transfers, name changes, and transcripts. Each document serves a distinct purpose, and correct classification ensures legal compliance and operational clarity.
Canadian boat registration numbers
We provide a secure online platform to help you navigate all relevant documentation, from initial licensing to registration modifications, ensuring your vessel fully complies with Transport Canada requirements.
Different Categories of Canadian Boat Registration
Understanding the different types of documentation helps vessel owners determine what forms they need and when. Common documentation types include:
- Pleasure Craft Licence
- Small Vessel Register registration
- Canadian Register of Vessels registration
- Certificate of Registry
- Transcripts and historical records
- Forms for name change, ownership transfer, mortgage filing
Each category supports specific legal requirements and operational needs depending on vessel usage.
How the Pleasure Craft Licence Fits Under Canadian Boat Registration
When your vessel is used exclusively for personal pleasure and is motorized, a Pleasure Craft Licence is required. This licence is distinct from full registration and does not confer Canadian registry status or documentation of ownership. It serves primarily to identify your vessel by number, which must be visibly displayed on both sides of the bow.
If your vessel is used recreationally and you meet horsepower thresholds, you’ll need this licence. Our service helps you apply, renew, or replace your Pleasure Craft Licence and verify that safety equipment, including life jackets and approved devices, meets standards tied to the licence.
Commercial Vessel Registration Options for Canadian Boat Registration
When a vessel is used commercially—for example carrying passengers or cargo for hire—you must register it with Transport Canada. There are two main pathways:
- Small Vessel Register: for commercial vessels under 15 gross tons
- Canadian Register of Vessels: for larger commercial vessels, or those requiring name reservation or mortgage
A registered vessel receives a Certificate of Registry, a unique vessel number, and documented ownership. These documents are recognized legally across Canada and internationally.
We guide you through selecting the appropriate register, calculating gross tonnage, reserving names, and completing a full registration or renewal—all via our digital portal.
Certificates of Registry and Their Role
When your vessel is registered, you receive a Certificate of Registry. This official document demonstrates legal ownership, port of registry, vessel name, and eligibility to fly the Canadian flag. The certificate must be carried on board for inspection or sale.
If anything changes—such as ownership transfer, vessel name, or classification—you’ll need to file for a new certificate. We provide all documentation and submission assistance for those updates.
Transcripts, Historical Research, and Their Relevance
For vessels that have been registered previously, you can obtain transcripts or historical research records. These documents track past ownership, historical status, mortgages, and name or port changes—often used during purchases or legal processes.
Transcripts are administrative summaries of registry events since 1984. Historical research extends further back, pulling data from microfilm and archival sources for vessels registered before that date. We support both certified and uncertified versions, depending on your needs.
Please note that only registered vessels generate these records; pleasure craft licensed solely at the provincial level do not have registry transcripts.
Forms for Name Changes, Transfers, Mortgage Filings
When you make changes to a registered vessel’s details, specific form types are part of Canadian boat registration. These include:
- Change of Vessel Name or Port of Registry
- Transfer of Ownership
- Vessel Ownership Security (Mortgage) filings or discharges
- Duplicate certificate requests
- Deletion requests for de-registration
Each update requires an official form submitted to Transport Canada. Our platform provides secure access to all forms, guided instructions, and electronic filing support.
Safety and Compliance Documentation Tied to Registrations
Beyond registration and licences, certain safety certifications and compliance documents apply to commercial vessels. These may include inspection certificates, safety equipment approvals, crew qualifications, and operational procedures governed by regulations such as SOR‑2007‑126. Where documentation affects vessel eligibility or operations, we refer you to the relevant regulatory provisions to ensure full compliance.
What’s the Difference Between Documentation and Licensing?
Licensing (specifically, Pleasure Craft Licence) applies only to recreational vessels and serves identification purposes. Documentation—such as Certificates of Registry and transcripts—applies to registered vessels and provides legal ownership records recognized officially. Mixing these up can cause confusion. Our team helps you determine which path matches your vessel’s purpose and propulsion.
When Recreational Owners Benefit from Documentation
Even recreational boat owners can choose to register their craft to gain legal proof of ownership, name protection, and enhanced credibility. While not legally required for pleasure use, voluntary registration still counts as official Canadian boat registration. We can help recreational owners navigate voluntary registration, name reservation, or switch from licence to registry if needed.
In What Situations Would You Need Multiple Types of Documentation?
You may find yourself needing several document types across the vessel’s lifecycle:
- Starting with a Pleasure Craft Licence for recreational use
- Converting to commercial use and registering via Small Vessel Register
- Transferring ownership and updating the Certificate of Registry
- Requesting transcripts for legal or financing due diligence
- Changing the vessel’s port of registry or name
- Filing or removing a marine mortgage
Our system consolidates all of these documentation paths into one portal, allowing you to manage every form and file from a single account.
How We Assist with All Canadian Boat Registration Needs
Our platform offers full support across:
- Pleasure Craft Licence application, renewal, and replacement
- Registration for Small Vessel or Canadian Register of Vessels
- Certificate issuance and update forms
- Ownership transfers, name changes, mortgage filings
- Transcripts and historical research services
You can access all document types, track progress, receive electronic deliveries, and get expert support—all in one place.
Getting Started with Canadian Boat Registration
Regardless of your vessel’s purpose—recreational or commercial—we help you identify which documentation applies. Then, you can:
- Apply for required licence or registry entry
- Update or transfer documentation if details change
- Order transcripts or historical research as needed
- Maintain compliance through renewals and updates
Our service provides clarity and convenience in managing Canadian boat registration.
Let us help you acquire, update, or verify your vessel documentation. We guide you through every document type you may need, from licences to registries, certificates, and history reports—ensuring you stay compliant, informed, and in control.