Canada - Obtain Pleasure Craft Licence

ProcedureEdit

Apply by regular mail

Download and complete the Application for Pleasure Craft Licence Form. A link is provided under 'Documents to Use' section which you can use to download the form.
Send the completed form along with the other required documents to these address:
Pleasure Craft Licensing Centre
P.O. Box 2006
Fredericton, New Brunswick
E3B 5G4

Apply online

Go to the Pleasure Craft Electronic Licensing System page - LINK.
Simply follow all the instructions on how to complete the online form.
After you have completed the application request online, and uploaded all the required supporting documentation, an acknowledgment number (valid for 90 days from the initial issue date) will be issued and returned to you by e-mail. The acknowledgment number is to be marked on either side of the pleasure craft, allowing the pleasure craft owner to use their craft immediately.

Required DocumentsEdit

completed application form;
a signed photocopy of a valid piece of government-issued identification, for each owner whose name is to appear on the pleasure craft licence; A valid piece of government-issued identification can be:
- a provincial/territorial birth certificate;
- a certificate of Canadian citizenship;
- a Canadian passport; or
- a provincial/territorial driver's licence.
- Note : A provincial health card cannot be used as proof of identification.
- Non-residents may use valid government-issued identification from their own country
a copy of the bill of sale or other proof of ownership. The proof of ownership or bill of sale document should include the following:
- the business name, address and signature of a representative of the company or the full name, address and signature of the previous owner;
- date of sale;
- name, address and signature of the new owner;
- description of the pleasure craft (make, model and other particulars noted on the application);
- Hull Serial Number (HIN) or Compliance Label Number (if available); and
- pleasure craft licence number (if already licensed)
a current full side-view colour photograph of the pleasure craft. The photograph of the boat must meet the following requirements:
- minimum 4" X 6" current full-side view colour photograph of the pleasure craft (photo must be clear);
- good lighting conditions; and
- the boat should not be surrounded by other boats.

For new home built boats, as there is no bill of sale, you must also include a declaration under oath that states who built the boat. You may use the sample declaration or another similar document, as long as it contains all the required information.

Office Locations & ContactsEdit

Office of Boating Safety locations across the country

Pacific Region (British Columbia)
700-800 Burrard Street
Vancouver, BC
V6Z 2J8
Telephone: (604) 666-2681
Email: [email protected]

Prairie and Northern Region (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut)
344 Edmonton Street
P.O. Box 8550
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3C 0P6
Telephone: 1-888-463-0521
Email: [email protected]

Ontario Region (Ontario)
100 Front St, South
Sarnia, Ontario
N7T 2M4
Telephone: 1-800-267-6687
Email: [email protected]

Quebec Region (Quebec)
Transport Canada Centre
1550 Estimauville Avenue, 4th floor
Quebec, Quebec
G1J 0C8
Telephone: (418) 648-5331
Email: [email protected]

Atlantic Region (New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador)
45 Alderney Drive, 11th Floor
P.O. Box 1013
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
B2Y 4K2
Telephone: 1-800-230-3693
Email: [email protected]

Contact Information for Headquarters

Mailing Address:
Transport Canada, Marine Safety
Office of Boating Safety (AMSRO)
Tower C, Place de Ville
330 Sparks Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0N8

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-800-267-6687
TTY/TDD: 1-888-675-6863
Fax: 613-991-4818

EligibilityEdit

A vessel used for pleasure, recreation, or daily living is considered a pleasure craft.

All pleasure craft must have a Pleasure Craft Licence, with the following exceptions:

a pleasure craft using a motor with less than 10 horsepower (7.5 kW)
a pleasure craft that has a vessel registration
a pleasure craft that was purchased less than 90 days previously (this is a grace period, during which the new owner must carry documentation with their name and address and the purchase date)

FeesEdit

No fee is required to get a Pleasure Craft Licence.

ValidityEdit

A Pleasure Craft Licence is valid for 10 years. At the end of that period, you must renew your licence.

Documents to UseEdit

Application for Pleasure Craft Licence

Sample DocumentsEdit

Please attach sample completed documents that would help other people.

Processing TimeEdit

For applications submitted through mail: Allow five (5) business days plus postal delivery time to process your application.

Applications cannot be processed unless you provide complete information and include all required supporting documentation (photocopies of the supporting documentation are preferred and acceptable - no documentation will be retained).

InstructionsEdit

You may apply for a Pleasure Craft Licence by regular mail or online.

Advantage of applying online: You get to obtain an acknowledgment number. This number, when marked on the side of your pleasure craft, allows you to use your pleasure craft for 90 days while you await your Pleasure Craft Licence.

Required InformationEdit

A list which displays the kind of information which is required to complete the procedure.
e.g.
1. Date of Birth.
2. City or County of Birth.

Need for the DocumentEdit

Please provide the need for the procedure. 
e.g. Birth Certificate - why do we need to have a birth certificate?

Information which might helpEdit

After you receive your Pleasure Craft Licence, you must use it as follows:

Carry the Pleasure Craft Licence on board the vessel at all times.
Display the number on both sides of your boat's bow. The number must appear in block characters which are:
- at least 7.5 centimetres (3 inches) high
- in a colour that contrasts with the colour of the bow

You may be asked to pay a fine of $250, if you are found operating a vessel without a licence.

External LinksEdit

Transport Canada

OthersEdit

More information which might help people.