Yes. Certain types of boats must be formally registered with Transport Canada, while others can be licensed instead. Registration depends on the boat’s size, engine power, and purpose. If you are operating a commercial craft or want benefits such as a reserved name or the ability to register a marine mortgage, you will need to complete Canadian boat registration. Even for non-commercial owners, registering rather than licensing can offer additional benefits.
boat registration
Our online portal provides the official forms you need so that you can complete registration or licensing easily and securely without having to search multiple government pages. We make the process of connecting your documents to the right registration form far simpler.
Boats That Must Be Registered
Certain commercial boats must be entered in Transport Canada’s registry. This applies to boats with a gross tonnage of 15 or more that are powered by engines producing at least 7.5 kW (10 horsepower). It also covers barges that meet these thresholds. In these cases, Canadian maritime laws require formal registration, not just licensing. Registration provides your boat with an official number and certificate of registry.
For commercial operators, registration is mandatory when carrying passengers or goods for hire. It is also the only way to record mortgages and liens. If you anticipate needing these features in the future, starting with registration avoids extra steps later. We provide the official online forms for both first-time and renewal submissions.
Reserved Names and Marine Mortgages
Another situation where registration is necessary is when you want a reserved name for your boat. Only boats listed in the registry can have exclusive names protected nationwide. Similarly, any marine mortgage or financial lien on a boat must be recorded with Transport Canada. Without registration, lenders generally cannot secure their interests, which can limit financing options.
We host the Transport Canada forms that let you choose, reserve, or change a name, and also the forms for adding or discharging a mortgage. Our portal keeps everything in one place so you can manage these items more efficiently.
boat registration in Canada
Registration for Small Commercial Boats
Not all commercial boats are large. Some fall into the Small Vessel Register. This applies to non-pleasure boats with a gross tonnage of 15 or less and an engine producing at least 7.5 kW (10 horsepower). Barges under 15 gross tons and commercial river rafts also belong in the Small Vessel Register.
If you want to travel internationally or use a reserved name, you can opt to register in the large register even if your boat qualifies for the small one. Our service makes the Small Vessel Register application available online, alongside the large register forms, so that owners can quickly select the right option.
Pleasure Craft Options
If you own a pleasure craft and are not using it for commercial activity, you have a choice. Boats with engines of 10 horsepower (7.5 kW) or more must at least have a pleasure craft licence, which is similar to a vehicle licence plate. This provides an identification number but does not prove ownership. However, you may choose to register your pleasure craft instead of obtaining a licence. Registration gives you an official certificate of ownership, eligibility for a reserved name, and the ability to register a mortgage.
We provide both the pleasure craft licence and registration forms in one place, making it simple to decide which fits your situation best.
Documentation for Boats Under Construction
Canadian boat registration can also apply to a boat being built in Canada or planned for construction. Owners can register before the boat is launched if they want to secure financing or reserve a name. This is particularly helpful for commercial operators or anyone investing in a larger craft. Our site hosts the relevant forms so you can act early without waiting for completion.
Compliance With Canadian Maritime Laws
Transport Canada oversees registration under federal law. These rules are set out in the Canadian maritime laws, which outline mandatory and optional registration categories, mortgages, and the division between large and small registers. By using our service to access the official forms, you can ensure that your application goes to the correct register and complies with current legal requirements.
Benefits of Registering Rather Than Licensing
Choosing registration instead of licensing offers several advantages:
- Proof of ownership recognized across Canada
- Ability to name your boat exclusively
- Eligibility to record marine mortgages
- Easier travel in foreign waters where official registration is required
Many owners of pleasure craft choose registration even when licensing would suffice, simply for these added benefits. Our site brings together every Transport Canada form you might need to make this choice.
How We Simplify the Process
We do not collect or prepare your supporting documents. Instead, our role is to give you a streamlined way to find and submit the official Transport Canada forms for Canadian boat registration, renewals, transfers, or licensing. By centralizing all forms for the large register, Small Vessel Register, and pleasure craft licence, we make it much easier for boat owners to complete the process correctly.
Renewal, Transfers, and Other Forms
Once registered, you may need to renew, transfer ownership, change the boat’s name or port of registry, or replace a lost certificate. All these actions use separate Transport Canada forms. Our online portal organizes them under clear headings so you can quickly access what you need.
We also host the forms for discharging a mortgage, deleting a registration, and other updates. Whether you are managing a commercial fleet or a single recreational craft, you can handle ongoing documentation through our site.
Preparing for International Travel
If you plan to take your boat abroad, registration can be crucial. Many foreign ports expect to see an official certificate of registry rather than a simple licence. Even smaller boats may benefit from being in the large register if international voyages are anticipated. We offer the forms to upgrade or register appropriately, so you are not delayed when traveling.
Flexibility for Owners
The system gives owners flexibility. Commercial operators can choose between the Small Vessel Register and the large register depending on their needs. Pleasure craft owners can opt for a licence or registration. By visiting our portal, you can compare requirements side by side and decide which form of documentation works best for you now and in the future.
Secure Access to Official Forms
Every form on our website is an official Transport Canada form. You complete and submit it through our secure system, which forwards it directly to the government. This saves time, reduces errors, and eliminates the frustration of navigating multiple government links.
Canadian boat registration is mandatory for large commercial boats and barges of 15 gross tons or more with engines producing at least 7.5 kW. It is also required when you want a reserved name or need to register a marine mortgage. Commercial boats under 15 gross tons belong in the Small Vessel Register. Pleasure craft with engines over 10 horsepower must at least have a pleasure craft licence, but owners can opt to register instead. Our online service provides all the official forms in one place so that you can complete registration, licensing, or updates efficiently while complying with Canadian maritime laws.