Changing your name on a BC boat registration is a very straightforward process; however, if you want to use your boat for commercial purposes, you should make this change as soon as feasible. Even if you are merely a recreational boater who wants to change their legal name, it is still a good idea to do this as soon as possible since there are several advantages to changing the name on your boat registration. If you wait too long, you might run into problems. The following are some helpful hints for changing your name on the registration of your vessel in British Columbia:
Complete the Change of Address Form
Changing your address on your BC boat registration is a very simple process. You will need to complete a Form to Change Your Address (on page 4 of the BC vessel registration document “Application for Registration of Vessels”). In addition, you will be responsible for locating any registered mortgages, liens, or encumbrances imposed on your yacht. You will need to ensure that both your name and your partner’s name will be on the property title if you are in a common-law relationship. If this is not the case, you will need to complete extra documents issued by the Registry. The National Vessel Registry Center is where you may hand in your application to register your vessel.
Make sure the name change of your BC Boat Registration is legal in Canada.
To change your name on the BC boat registration, you will first need to determine whether or not the change is allowed in Canada. If you change your name due to getting married or entering into a civil partnership, the change will be recognized by the law, and you won’t have to do anything further to make it official. If you want to change your name for any other reason, such as taking your partner’s last name or going back to the name you were given at birth, you will need to go through the process of legally altering your name first.
Even though a name change is legal in your province, it does not indicate that a new name with the same or a similar spelling may be registered at the federal level. In British Columbia, for instance, you are free to use whatever name you choose, whether it is your own or someone else’s, provided it is not already in use.
Make sure everyone’s paperwork is up to date.
The inhabitants of British Columbia (BC) have a strong affinity for the water, and many of them value socializing with loved ones when out on the water. But there are regulations to ensure that only authorized passengers are on board. One of the most crucial pieces of documentation for a day of fun on the water is your BC Boat Registration, so remember it if you’re planning on having visitors join you. Different procedures apply depending on whether the boat will be used for business reasons or whether the owner wishes to maintain the privacy of their registration details.
Reading all the information provided by the province of BC is a good idea regardless of whether or not the subject of this post is something you’re interested in doing (in this case, changing your name on your registration). Having all the necessary information and papers ready is crucial for any endeavor requiring documentation.
Submit Your Documents for Review
Changing your name on your boat’s registration papers is easy but might leave you scratching your head if this is your first time doing it. Whether you want to alter your first and last names or simply your last name will determine which paperwork you need to file. Please attach a photocopy of your marriage license or decree absolute if you change your first and last names (which you get once your divorce has been finalized).
If you want to alter your name on the boat registration, you’ll need to provide an original photocopy of identification (such as a passport) to back up the change. Suppose you merely want to change your surname. In that case, you only need to submit the original Notice of Change in Personal Name form and a photocopy of your marriage certificate or decree absolute (if applicable). Verify the spelling of all names, addresses, and other details on this form.
You’ll receive an Approval Letter in the Mail.
A name change between registration renewals is common. Perhaps it’s a hyphenated name, or the two of you have agreed to adopt the same surname. Maybe you’re newlyweds. To alter your name on your British Columbia vessel registration, you must explain the cause in a letter and mail it in. Include the original and a copy of your British Columbia vessel registration with the letter.
You may need to provide supporting evidence if your name has changed officially, such as via marriage or divorce. You only need some of this data to get aid from the government. After three weeks (or less), you should get a letter of approval in the Mail indicating that everything is in order and up-to-date on their end after submitting your letter and accompanying papers.
Changing your BC boat registration name is a simple process, but it’s important to do it right. Whether you’re getting married, divorced, or going through some other change in your life, your BC vessel registration needs to be updated.
We ask that you contact us via email for more information. We’ll walk you through the process and ensure you get exactly what you need.
