Bought a used boat anywhere in Canada? Transport Canada gives you 30 days to transfer the pleasure craft licence and now charges a fee. Documents, steps and common mistakes.
Since December 31, 2025, the buyer must apply to transfer an existing Pleasure Craft Licence into their name within 30 days of the ownership change. Licensing is federal, so the deadline is the same in every province and territory.
The licence number stays with the boat. The seller should not cancel it; the buyer transfers that same number.
Transferring a licence used to be free. Transport Canada now charges a fee for it. The amount is adjusted each April 1, so check the current fee on tc.canada.ca before you apply.
Not sure your bill of sale has everything? See what a boat bill of sale must include.
Record seller and buyer names and signatures, plus the boat's make, model, colour, HIN and licence number.
Buyer ID, proof of ownership (the signed bill of sale) and a photo of the boat.
Submit the transfer within 30 days of the sale and pay the transfer fee.
When the seller is not the person named on the licence (an estate, a spouse, or a boat never transferred after an earlier sale), Transport Canada may ask for more proof of ownership, such as a declaration under oath. Sort this out before money changes hands. More in What if the seller is not the person on the licence?
The free bill of sale captures the proof-of-ownership fields. The full kit adds e-signatures and a transfer checklist with calendar reminders.