If you’ve recently bought or sold a boat in Canada, one of the first pieces of paperwork that you are likely to encounter is the transfer of the Pleasure Craft License. It is not the most thrilling bit of boating; no one purchases a boat to fill in forms, but it is an important step that keeps everything legal and has the facts of the new owner on file.
Whether you're selling or buying, you'll appreciate how it works so you can save time and prevent the "back and forth" that occurs when something is missed. Let's go through what it entails and how you can go about doing your pleasure craft license transfer online quickly.
Why You Can't Get Around the Transfer
A Pleasure Craft License is your boat's identification number. It is needed for the majority of Canadian recreational craft powered with a 10-horsepower (7.5 kW) or bigger engine. When your boat is sold, the license is not lost—it remains with the boat. The name and contact details that go with it, however, should be updated to describe what the new owner is. That is what boat ownership transfer is.
If you don't take this step, the authorities will still have the old owner on record, and that can be a problem. For example, if the boat is in distress or comes in for being abandoned, the registered owner is who will get the call (or penalty).
What the Buyer Needs to Do
If you’re buying the boat, it’s your responsibility to make sure the license is transferred into your name. The seller should give you:
- The current Pleasure Craft License document.
- Proof of ownership (usually the bill of sale).
- Any other paperwork that proves the vessel’s history.
Once you have these, you can submit an online application to Transport Canada for the transfer of the pleasure craft license. You'll need to furnish copies of your identification, proof of ownership, and an unobscured photo of the boat with the license number clearly visible on the bow.
What the Seller Must Do
If selling the boat, you should present the new owner with the original license permit and evidence of ownership. Make copies for yourself, though—just in case.
It's a good idea to notify Transport Canada, too, that you've sold the boat. Although the new owner is responsible for making the transfer, notifying the authorities gets you covered in case your new owner waits ages or forgets.
Doing It Online vs. By Post
Nowadays, everybody prefers to do their pleasure craft licence transfer online. It takes less time, you can upload your documents at once, and you get a confirmation email as evidence that your application is in process.
If you'd rather handle it by mail, you can submit paper applications as well, just keep in mind that it will take longer—especially during boating season. And if you're mailing documents, mail copies, not originals, unless otherwise specified.
Basic Errors That Slow Down the Process
The process of transfer itself is straightforward enough, but there are a couple of simple mistakes that hold it back:
- Unclear photos – If your boat photo makes it difficult to read the license number, your application may be returned.
- Missing proof of ownership – A bill of sale is usually necessary, and this must contain details like the make, model, and serial number of the boat.
- Old address or ID – Double-check that your details match what's on your documents.
It only takes an extra couple of minutes to review everything before you send it in, and it will save you weeks of waiting.
How Long Is a Transfer?
If you complete your application online with all the required documents, it can be quick—sometimes a few weeks. If you're mailing it in, it will be longer. While you wait, you can continue to use your boat legally as long as you have your transfer application copy and proof of purchase with you on board.
When a Transfer Won't Do
Be aware, however, that a transfer pleasure craft ownership is only for licensed recreational boats. If you are converting to commercial usage, you will need to register the boat instead.
Also, if the boat you're buying already has a license instead of a registration, it's a whole different procedure—be sure to check what you have before you begin.
Smooth Transfer Tips
- Start early – Don't wait until the boating season is in full swing; processing takes longer in summer.
- Copy everything – Whether buying or selling, always have a paper trail.
- Update your info – If you've moved or changed phone numbers, include them on your application.
Final Word
A transfer of a pleasure craft license isn't the most thrilling part of boat ownership, but it's one of those things that keeps everything physically and legally above board. It's usually the fastest way to do it by doing it online, but use whatever method you prefer, just have all your documents in order before you start.
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