You can change the name or port of registry of your boat by using our Change of Vessel Name And/Or Port of Registry form. If you are ready to update your boat name and port of registry, our online platform makes the process straightforward.

This is the only form that allows you to complete these changes, as you cannot make them through renewal, replacement, or other applications. Boat owners can request a change at any time, and our service provides access to the form you need.
Using the Correct Form to Change a Boat Name or Port of Registry
The Change of Vessel Name And/Or Port of Registry form is specifically designed for this purpose. Other forms, including those for renewal, replacement, or mortgage transactions, cannot be used to modify a boat’s name or registry port. Attempting to use the wrong form could result in delays or rejection of your request.
With our service, you can easily access the correct form, fill it out, and submit it through a streamlined process. This ensures your request is directed properly and avoids unnecessary confusion.
When Can You Make These Changes?
There are no restrictions on timing when it comes to changing your boat’s name or port of registry. You can do so at any point during your certificate’s validity period. Whether your boat was just registered last month or several years ago, you have the freedom to update the details whenever needed.
That said, it is always advisable to make changes promptly. Keeping your registration current ensures that your boat complies with Canadian maritime laws. Having documentation that matches your boat’s actual name and registry port avoids complications when you travel, sell, or transfer ownership.
How We Help Facilitate the Process
We provide direct access to the Change of Vessel Name And/Or Port of Registry form through our site. By having the necessary form in one place, owners don’t have to search across multiple government pages. Our platform is designed for ease of use, allowing you to handle updates to your boat name and port of registry quickly and efficiently.

Why the Boat Name Matters
Your boat’s name is more than a label. It becomes an essential part of its legal identity. For commercial and personal boats alike, the registered name is what appears in official records. Without a proper update, your documentation may no longer align with how your boat is identified publicly.
There are many reasons why an owner may want to change a boat’s name. Sometimes it is to reflect a new chapter in their life, other times it is to personalize the boat with a unique identity. Similarly, changing the port of registry may be necessary when relocating, when ownership changes, or if the home port listed no longer reflects the boat’s primary base of operation.
Renaming ensures consistency in records, prevents confusion, and allows you to operate without issues. It also adds a personal touch, letting you choose a name that fits your lifestyle, brand, or purpose.
Whatever the reason, the process is always handled through the official Change of Vessel Name And/Or Port of Registry form. Without it, the change cannot be legally recognized.
Changing the Port of Registry
The port of registry is the geographic location linked to your boat in official Canadian records. Many owners choose to change it when moving their boat to a different base of operations or when their circumstances change. This update can also be useful for boat owners who want documentation to reflect a more convenient port.
Through our service, you can easily update the port of registry without having to restart the registration process. You simply complete the dedicated form and submit it with the necessary details.
Practical Implications of Not Updating
Operating a boat with outdated registration details can create complications. For instance:
- Insurance providers may refuse claims if the boat’s documentation does not match its current name or port.
- When selling your boat, discrepancies between records and the actual boat may slow down or block the transfer of ownership.
- Traveling across international waters may be problematic if authorities see mismatched details.
By submitting the Change of Vessel Name And/Or Port of Registry form, you avoid these complications and maintain compliance with Canadian maritime laws.
Boat Registration in Canada and Related Processes
Changing your boat name and port of registry is just one part of broader boat registration in Canada. Registration links your boat to Canadian authority, provides proof of ownership, and allows for international recognition. Updating your details when necessary keeps your registration accurate and active.
It is worth noting that while registered boats use certificates that can be updated through this form, smaller recreational boats may instead carry a pleasure craft licence, which operates under different rules. These distinctions highlight why using the correct form for your registered boat is essential.
Our Role in Streamlining Access
We don’t create or alter your documents, but we do provide the correct forms that make these processes accessible. By centralizing the Change of Vessel Name And/Or Port of Registry form online, we simplify what could otherwise be a complicated task. Boat owners can rely on our platform to ensure they’re using the right form every time.
Preparing for a Name or Port Change
Before submitting the form, it is useful to make sure you have chosen a new name that complies with regulations and is distinct enough from existing registered names. A rejected application due to name conflicts can slow down your process. Similarly, ensure the port you select is one of the valid registry ports recognized by Transport Canada.
By thinking ahead and then using the correct form through our service, you can complete your update without delays.
Long-Term Benefits of Updating
Changing your boat name and port of registry when needed ensures your ownership records remain accurate. This protects your rights as an owner, helps with smoother sales or transfers, and supports international travel recognition. It also keeps you compliant with Canadian maritime laws, avoiding penalties or disputes.
Change Your Boat Name and Port of Registry Today
You can change the name or port of registry of your boat at any time by submitting the Change of Vessel Name And/Or Port of Registry form. This is the only form that allows for these changes. Through our service, you can access the correct form directly and manage updates efficiently. Keeping your documentation current not only maintains compliance with Canadian maritime laws but also provides peace of mind when operating, selling, or traveling with your boat.
