F.A.Q.

Are you in the process of selling your vessel and want to know how to transfer boat registration? Does it feel like the vessel transferring process is more challenging than it should be? We felt the same way. Indeed, that’s one of the main reasons that we started the National Vessel Registry Center Corp. in the first place. As vessel owners ourselves, we felt that it was more difficult than it should be to register a vessel, to transfer it, and much more. So, we made a simpler, expedited process for vessel owners from all walks of life. 
How to Transfer Boat Registration 
Before you transfer the registration, specifically the Certificate of Registration, there’s something important you have to be certain about. Should there be a mortgage registered to your vessel, then you must make sure that it’s either transferred or discharged. Otherwise, you can’t transfer the registration. To be clear, this isn’t just for if you’re “transferring” the vessel’s ownership (such as selling it, giving it to someone, etc.) It’s also for if you’re changing the ownership at all (bringing on a new owner, removing one from the ownership group, and so forth). Should that be taken care of, then you can find the form you need at our site. 


How to Transfer Pleasure Craft Licensing 
Are you selling your pleasure craft? If so, you must sign the reverse side of your vessel license (the side that doesn’t have the name/your vessel on it) and then provide it to the purchaser. Then, the purchase (i. E. the person who bought your vessel from you) has 90 days to complete. This works in reverse if you’ve purchased a pleasure craft from someone else. Either way, you can find the “transfer of pleasure craft license” form at our site. 
An Easier Way to Transfer 
We know that, for many, transferring a vessels’ ownership, whether it’s registered for a pleasure craft, is something that folks would just like to get done, to take care of. That’s where we can come in. As we’ve optimized our site for mobile devices, we’ve made it so that you can fill out these forms from practically anywhere and on any device - so long as you’re connected to the internet. So, you can be with the person to who you’ve transferred your vessel and fill out these forms while you’re standing there next to them. 
More Than Just Transferring Documentation 
The above, of course, is how you can fill out this transfer documentation but it’s also how you can fill out all of the other forms at our site as well. Whether you’re looking for more information about a vessel through “historical research,” or want to get a “bareboat charter” going, or anything else that vessel documentation could potentially help with, you can find all of the forms right here at our site. Frequently Asked Questions About How to Transfer a Boat Registration in Ontario, BC, and Other Locations?Does this answer cover every situation related to how to transfer a boat registration in ontario bc and other locations?It covers a common scenario, but exact requirements can still vary by vessel use, ownership history, tonnage, import status, and the record type involved.What should I check before submitting any related forms?Gather the current ownership documents, bill of sale, and vessel identifiers so you can confirm the correct process before you proceed.What should I review next after this FAQ?The linked pages below point you to the most relevant service page, supporting archive, and adjacent topics for the next step.Related Pages and ResourcesRelated PagesOwnership TransferWithout OwnershipChange of Vessel Name and/or Transfer of Port of RegistryMore Internal ResourcesBoat Ownership TransferHow to Transfer A Boat TitleTransfer Boat Ownership

Using your vessel for commercial purposes means that you will have to make sure that the ship works at its best for the safety of the passengers and the crew. You need to know that your vessel is seaworthy, yes, but there are also a few more steps you should take if you plan to have a ship as a part of your business. Whether you are working as a commercial fishing boat, a vessel that transports passengers, or a cargo or shipping vessel, Canadian law asks you to register the ship with the federal government. This article will then explain how to get a commercial boat license in just a few steps.  
Small Vessel Registration or the Canadian Register of Vessels?
If you have a boat in Canada you will need to either get a Pleasure Craft License or have your boat registered. Boats used for commercial purposes, however, don’t have the chance of deciding: they need to be registered. There are two different types of registration that can be obtained: Small Vessel Registration and the Canadian Register of Vessels.

The first one is designed for commercial ships with an engine of 10 HP or more or for commercial river crafts. If your boat is over 15 gross tons, however, you need to go to the Canadian Register of Vessels to get the license. The same applies if your boat carries a marine mortgage. In fact, knowing the different types of commercial boat licenses in advance can help you to fill out the proper application the first time, avoiding you from incurring potential delays.
What Information you Need for your Commercial Boat License
If you are new to the boating industry, it is time for you to learn that the boat registration process can sometimes be a bit cumbersome. If you have experience in the matter, you will know that what we are saying is true. There are some requirements you need to comply with to get the commercial boat license, such as being a Canadian citizen with the corresponding proof of identity, as well as supplying documentation to support your application like a bill of sale or a picture of your vessel.

Once this has been settled, you must fill out the forms and submit everything along with your payment to Transport Canada. Any mistakes can delay your application, so make sure the information you are submitting is correct.


The National Vessel Registry Center can Get the Documentation for You
Luckily for you, it doesn’t have to be this way. The National Vessel Registry Center is a third-party agency that allows you to register your boat faster and more efficiently. Our platform lets you get your commercial boat license, and pretty much any other boat documentation fully online while keeping your information secure on our SSL-encrypted website. Furthermore, having someone overlooking your documentation can prevent you from committing any mistakes. You don’t have to struggle with forms and waiting times when you need registration to get your business started. Come to us and use the best way to register your vessel! Frequently Asked Questions About How to get your Commercial Boat License?Does this answer cover every situation related to how to get your commercial boat license?It covers a common scenario, but exact requirements can still vary by vessel use, ownership history, tonnage, import status, and the record type involved.What should I check before submitting any related forms?Gather the pleasure craft licence number, owner details, and the hull or vessel information so you can confirm the correct process before you proceed.What should I review next after this FAQ?The linked pages below point you to the most relevant service page, supporting archive, and adjacent topics for the next step.Related Pages and ResourcesRelated PagesPleasure CraftBoat License FAQsCanadian Pleasure Craft License FormsMore Internal ResourcesThank You! PCL New/TransferThank YouThank You

Are you thinking about finally purchasing your own boat? Maybe it is time to turn a lifelong dream into reality and get out on the water in a vessel all your own. If you should find yourself in such a fortunate position, it is likely the result of a lot of saving and hard work. If you have managed to locate a boat that suits your needs, and you and the seller have negotiated a fair price, there are some paperwork formalities that will need to be addressed before you take full ownership. Mainly, you will want to transfer the Pleasure Craft License (PCL) promptly and correctly.

Because buying a boat can be a particularly expensive purchase, it makes sense that there is a considerable market for secondhand boats in Canada. For many current and prospective boat owners, great deals can be had on boats that have had previous owners. Assuming the vessel you are making an offer on has been well-maintained and properly taken care of, you may be taking ownership of a boat that is as good as new. Before you take your boat out and fully enjoy its capabilities, however, you will want to have your PCL in a good standing order with Transport Canada.
Does Your Vessel Have or Require a Pleasure Craft License?
Depending on the type of used boat you are in the market for, the vessel you land on may already have a current Pleasure Craft License. In Canada, a PCL is required for any motorized boat that features an engine of 10 or more horsepower (8.5 kW). As you can imagine, this applies to a fair amount of boats on Canadian waters. This requirement also applies to Ski-Doos and other personal watercraft.

Even if a vessel does not require a PCL (for example, a canoe or kayak), the owner can still opt to obtain one. There is a benefit to doing this, as it puts your boat on record with Transport Canada and gives you a registration number, which can be helpful in the event that your vessel is stolen or goes missing.


How to Transfer a Pleasure Craft License Online
To complete your transaction and successfully transfer over a PCL, the current owner will need to sign it over to the buyer. There is a field on the backside of the document that allows for this. This form must then be sent to Transport Canada for processing. As the vessel’s new owner, you will want to make a copy of this document before mailing it in, as this will allow you to enjoy your boat in the interim period (provided you keep this photocopy on board your vessel).

You can also complete this process online by working with a private service such as ours at the National Vessel Registry Center. We offer an easy-to-fill online template to complete a Pleasure Craft License transfer in just a matter of minutes. If you would like to learn more about this or any other services that we provide, please contact us by phone or email today.


Frequently Asked Questions About How to Transfer a Pleasure Craft License?Does this answer cover every situation related to how to transfer a pleasure craft license?It covers a common scenario, but exact requirements can still vary by vessel use, ownership history, tonnage, import status, and the record type involved.What should I check before submitting any related forms?Gather the pleasure craft licence number, owner details, and the hull or vessel information so you can confirm the correct process before you proceed.What should I review next after this FAQ?The linked pages below point you to the most relevant service page, supporting archive, and adjacent topics for the next step.Related Pages and ResourcesRelated PagesPleasure CraftPleasure Craft LicenseCanadian Pleasure Craft License FormsMore Internal ResourcesThank You! PCL New/TransferThank YouThank You

One of the great aspects of boating is that it can be a lifelong hobby. People of all ages can own and operate their own boats, giving them the freedom to take their friends and family out on the water whenever they wish. Of course, as your life’s journey unfolds, you may find that your boating needs evolve and change. Perhaps you need to sell your boat because you are unable to use it as much as you would like. Maybe you have outgrown your current vessel and are looking to make an upgrade. If you are planning to buy or sell your vessel, you will want to have a firm understanding of how to complete a Transport Canada bill of sale.

As a seller, it is your top priority to get a fair price for your boat. With this goal in mind, you will want to thoroughly clean and polish your vessel, giving it maximum visual appeal. You should also make sure that all of your maintenance is in order so you are not selling a lemon. From there, you will want to create a dynamic online or print listing that sells the finer qualities of your boat. Once you have found a buyer and negotiated a price, there will be a bit of paperwork to complete. Namely, you will want to know your way around a bill of sale.
Licensed vs. Registered Vessels: What Is the Difference?
How you decide to move forward with selling your vessel and creating a bill of sale will depend on how it is documented with Transport Canada. Many boaters have what is called a Pleasure Craft License (PCL), which, as its name implies, is for recreational vessels. Any motorized boat with an engine of 10 horsepower or more will require a PCL. To complete a transfer of ownership for such a vessel, you will need to sign over the PCL and create your own bill of sale, which should include some basic information about the buyer and seller and the agreed-upon price.

For registered vessels, the process is slightly more involved. Any boats used for commercial purposes or financed with a marine mortgage will need to enter the Small Vessel Registry. This is also true of boats traveling abroad under the Canadian flag. When you are selling a registered vessel, you will have to complete a formal document with Transport Canada called a “Form 6 - Bill of Sale.”
Completing a Form 6 - Transport Canada Bill of Sale
To complete a Form 6 - Bill of Sale, you will need to have some basic information available. For instance, you will want to include the names of the buyer and seller. You will also need to provide your boat’s port of registry, vessel name, and official number. Once completed, this document should be submitted to Transport Canada as soon as possible for processing.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Complete a Transport Canada Bill of Sale?Does this answer cover every situation related to how to complete a transport canada bill of sale?It covers a common scenario, but exact requirements can still vary by vessel use, ownership history, tonnage, import status, and the record type involved.What should I check before submitting any related forms?Gather proof of sale, buyer and seller details, vessel particulars, and signatures so you can confirm the correct process before you proceed.What should I review next after this FAQ?The linked pages below point you to the most relevant service page, supporting archive, and adjacent topics for the next step.Related Pages and ResourcesRelated PagesBill of SaleBill of Sale Boat FAQsBill of Sale for Boats in CanadaMore Internal ResourcesBoat Bill of SaleForm 6 Bill of SaleTransport Canada Bill of Sale

One of the great things about boating is that it is a lifelong hobby. Individuals of all ages can enjoy a day out on the water, and you and your family can form generational traditions on your vessel. Of course, as your life evolves and changes, so too may your boating needs or goals. Maybe you have found yourself looking to upgrade your vessel. Perhaps you are moving to a new location and need to find a new marina? Or, you could be wondering how to change a boat’s name.

When you first purchased your boat, you probably got acquainted with some basic paperwork. Perhaps you entered your boat into the Small Vessel Registry, or you had to obtain a Pleasure Craft License (PCL). As owning a boat comes with a degree of responsibility, you should be aware that there are continuous paperwork matters you will need to address throughout your time as a boat owner. Fortunately, working with a private service such as ours at the National Vessel Registry Center can help you resolve your documentation matters online.
How to Change a Boat’s Name
It is said that changing the name of a boat is bad luck. If you are not the superstitious kind, however, there is a formal process to complete when changing the name of a registered vessel. You will need to locate what is called a “Form 13 - Application for Change of Name of Vessel and/or Transfer of Port of Registry.” This document is made available by Transport Canada and will ask you for a handful of details about your boat in order to complete this process. 

If you are changing your vessel’s name, you may use the opportunity to have a ceremony–which could also serve to ward off any bad luck. With your friends, family, and plenty of champagne, you can formally christen your vessel’s new moniker and appease Poseidon, the God of the Sea.
Changing Your Boat’s Port of Registry
Has a change of job or other life event prompted you to move? This is a fairly common occurrence, though, for boat owners, it can require some bureaucratic maneuvering. On top of packing up your vessel and hitching it to your truck, you will also need to establish a new port of registry. Fortunately, this can also be done with the aforementioned “Form 13 - Application for Change of Name of Vessel and/or Transfer of Port of Registry.” Simply select a port from the available options, complete the form, and submit it to Transport Canada for processing. 

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Change Boat Name or Port of Registry?Does this answer cover every situation related to how to change boat name or port of registry?It covers a common scenario, but exact requirements can still vary by vessel use, ownership history, tonnage, import status, and the record type involved.What should I check before submitting any related forms?Gather the current vessel details, the preferred vessel name, and the registry information already on file so you can confirm the correct process before you proceed.What should I review next after this FAQ?The linked pages below point you to the most relevant service page, supporting archive, and adjacent topics for the next step.Related Pages and ResourcesRelated PagesPort of RegistryPort of RegistryChange Vessel NameMore Internal ResourcesAll Canada Vessel Registry Forms in One PlacePleasure CraftBoat Registration