Registering a boat in Canada is more complicated than you may think. There are various kinds of licensing and registration in Canada, and which one you need to obtain depends on the type of vessel you have.

Difference between Pleasure Craft Licensing and Vessel Registration:
The main difference between a pleasure craft license and vessel registration is whether the boat is used for recreational or commercial purposes. Licensing is generally reserved for recreational crafts, while registration is meant for commercial vessels—even though it is worth noting that owners of boats that are not required to be licensed or registered can still select to do so if they wish.

Pleasure Craft License:
A pleasure craft license is a unique identification number that benefits law enforcement and search and rescue personnel access essential information in the event of an emergency. Any pleasure craft equipped with a motor of 7.5 kW (10 horsepower) or more that is not registered will need a pleasure craft license.

Tips to Register Your Boat in Canada:
You can apply for a pleasure craft license by mail or online. You will need to fill out the appropriate form and incorporate proof of ownership and a signed copy of a valid piece of government-issued identification. Pleasure craft licenses are free and are legitimate for ten years after the date they are issued.

Transport Canada Vessel Registration:
Like a pleasure craft license, vessel registration offers a boat with a unique identification number. It also functions as a legal title system for boat ownership. Registered vessels are permitted to fly the Canadian flag, reserve a name and can be used as security for a marine mortgage.

All government-owned and commercial vessels equipped with a motor of 7.5 kW (10 horsepower) or more, barges, river crafts and boats that will be travelling outside Canada need to be registered. Vessels with a gross tonnage of 15 or more will need to be registered in the Canadian Register of Vessels, while those with a gross tonnage of 15 or less can be registered in the Small Vessel Register.

Ways to Register a Vessel:
In order to register a vessel in Canada, the owner must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or corporation. To apply for vessel registration, you will need to fill out the suitable form and include a statement of owner qualification, evidence of ownership and tonnage measurements. There is a fee for registering your vessel that includes reserving your vessel’s name.

About Vessel Registration Canada:
We are a small Canadian company devoted to taking care of all your boating registration and licensing requirements. We have been assisting people register and license their boats since 2014 and began this website in 2020 to connect with more people. Our staff have been boating for decades all across Canada. We understand that a boat is best enjoyed while you are on the water instead of stuck behind a screen filling out registration paperwork!