How to Apply for a Boat Registration in Ontario

Boat Registration in Ontario

If you are in the market for a new boat, you are no doubt facing a number of important decisions. As you have probably learned from carrying out some basic research, there are a plethora of options out there. Boats tend to come in a wide array of shapes and sizes, and depending on what you plan to use your vessel for, you should be able to find one that is tailored specifically to your needs. Once you do discover the boat that is exactly right for you, you then have to determine whether you will purchase a brand new model, or explore Canada’s secondary marketplace. As you have also probably learned, boats are expensive, so it can make sense to look for a deal on a previously owned, well-maintained vessel. Regardless, once you have the keys to your new boat in your hands, you are going to want to get in the water as soon as possible, but before you do so, you may want to learn a bit about how to apply for a boat registration in Ontario.

If you happen to be a full-time resident of Ontario, or if you own a vacation home there, you already understand that it is an ideal place to launch a boat. The reason for this is fairly simple: Ontario is home to more than a quarter of a million freshwater lakes. Theoretically speaking, you will never run out of places to launch your boat in this Canadian province. In order to maximize your enjoyment of Ontario’s waters, you will want to make sure that your boat is in good standing, paperwork-wise, with Transport Canada. As the nation’s primary transportation agency, Transport Canada issues vessel registrations, pleasure craft licenses (PCLs), and pleasure craft operator cards (PCOCs) to boaters all over the country. Read on to learn more about how to get your documentation online.

Do You Need a Boat Registration in Ontario?

A vessel registration is only required for certain types of boats in Canada. To be a bit more precise, you will need this mode of documentation if your boat is to be used for commercial means or traveling on international waters while flying the Canadian flag. You will also need to register your boat if it was purchased with a loan from a bank. Once issued, your registration will assign your boat a completely unique moniker of your choosing, which will serve as its main mode of identification.

To get your registration, you will need to complete Form 1 – Application for Vessel Registration and Form 3 – Statement of Qualification for Vessel Registration. You will also need four photographs of your vessel and a tonnage measurement when packing your application for Transport Canada.

Boat Registration in Ontario

Get Your Registration Online Today

We can help you register your boat online – simply select the correct option from our navigation menu and follow the prompts on our easy-to-use fillable web forms. To learn a little bit more about our services, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page today.