
If you own a boat in Ontario, you must register it before you can take it out on the water. This is a simple but necessary process. If your boat is commercial, you must register it with Transport Canada. If it is non-commercial, you will need to obtain a pleasure craft license. This is a document that provides your boat with a unique license number, which is valid for 10 years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who to register with | Transport Canada |
| Who must register | Owners of commercial vessels in Ontario |
| Examples of commercial vessels | Fishing boats, ferries, tugboats |
| Alternative to registering | Obtain a pleasure craft license |
| Who can obtain a pleasure craft license | Owners of non-commercial boats in Ontario with an engine or engines of 10 hp (7.5 KW) horsepower or more |
| How to obtain a pleasure craft license | Apply online or by mail |
| What to include in the application | Proof of ownership, a signed copy of a valid piece of government-issued identification, three names for the vessel, a registration fee, evidence of ownership/title, a statement of qualification for vessel registration, vessel measurements for tonnage |
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What You'll Learn

Commercial vessels must be registered with Transport Canada
If you own a boat in Ontario, you must register it before you can take it out on the water. The process for registering a boat depends on whether it is a commercial or non-commercial vessel.
Non-commercial vessels with engines of 10 hp (7.5 KW) horsepower or more, including Personal Watercraft (PWC), require a pleasure craft license. A pleasure craft license is a document that provides your boat with a unique license number, which is valid for 10 years. The paperwork must be kept on board at all times when the boat is being operated. You can obtain a pleasure craft license by applying online or by mail. You will need to fill out the appropriate form and include proof of ownership and a signed copy of a valid piece of government-issued identification.
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Non-commercial vessels need a pleasure craft license
If you own a non-commercial boat in Ontario, you will need to obtain a pleasure craft license. This applies to boats with an engine or engines of 10 hp (7.5 KW) horsepower or more, including Personal Watercraft (PWC). A pleasure craft license is a document that provides your boat with a unique license number, which is valid for 10 years. The license paperwork must be kept on board at all times when the boat is being operated.
To obtain a pleasure craft license, you can apply online or by mail. You will need to fill out a form and include proof of ownership and a signed copy of a valid piece of government-issued identification. You will also need to select at least three names for your vessel, of which one will be approved.
As a Canadian pleasure craft operator, you must know the rules and regulations governing Canada’s waterways. You are responsible for equipping yourself with the right equipment and operating your boat safely and courteously.
Alternatively, you can register your boat with Transport Canada, even if it is not used for commercial purposes. This involves a similar process, including providing evidence of ownership and paying a registration fee.
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Pleasure craft license paperwork must be kept on board at all times
If you own a non-commercial boat in Ontario with an engine of 10 hp (7.5 KW) horsepower or more, you will need to obtain a pleasure craft license. This is a document that provides your boat with a unique license number, which is valid for 10 years.
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You can apply for a pleasure craft license by mail or online
If you own a non-commercial boat in Ontario with an engine of 10 hp (7.5 KW) horsepower or more, you will need to obtain a pleasure craft license. This is a set of ID numbers displayed on your boat that can be used by Search and Rescue personnel to identify your vessel.
If you would prefer, you can register your boat with Transport Canada, even if it is not used for commercial purposes. This includes boats such as fishing boats, ferries, and tugboats.
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You will need to select at least three names for your vessel
To register a boat in Ontario, you must select at least three names for your vessel, of which one will be approved. This is because Transport Canada requires a vessel name to be unique. You will also need to pay a registration fee, complete an application for the registry, produce evidence of ownership/title and a statement of qualification for vessel registration, as well as have your vessel measured for tonnage.
If your boat is non-commercial and powered by an engine or engines of 10 hp (7.5 KW) horsepower or more, including Personal Watercraft (PWC), you will need to obtain a pleasure craft license. This is a document that provides your boat with a unique license number, which is valid for 10 years. Alternatively, you can register your boat with Transport Canada even if it is not used for commercial purposes. A pleasure craft license can be obtained by applying online or by mail and the paperwork must be kept on board at all times when the boat is being operated.
If your boat is commercial, you must register it with Transport Canada. This includes boats such as fishing boats, ferries, and tugboats.
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Frequently asked questions
You can register your boat with Transport Canada, either online or by mail.
Yes, if you own a boat in Ontario, you need to register it.
You will need to select at least three names for your vessel, pay a registration fee, complete an application, and provide evidence of ownership.
A pleasure craft license is a document that provides your boat with a unique license number, which is valid for 10 years. You will need one of these if your boat is powered by an engine or engines of 10 hp (7.5 KW) horsepower or more.
A boat license is kept in your wallet, whereas a pleasure craft license is the set of ID numbers displayed on your boat that can be used by Search and Rescue personnel to identify your vessel.











































