Everything You Need To Know About Canadian Boat Licence Numbers

During our Recreational Vessel Checks (RVCCs) we often get asked about Pleasure Craft Licences. Here are some FAQs and 2026 updates from Transport Canada.

How Do You Get a Pleasure Craft Licence for Your Boat?

First let’s start by defining a Pleasure Craft Licence. All too often the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) is referred to as a boating license. It is not. It is a certificate much like a school diploma. As such, it identifies a level of competency, is good for life and cannot be taken away.

On the other hand, a Pleasure Craft Licence is a paper license similar to your vehicle registration form and it is represented by letters and numbers that should be found on each side of the bow of your boat. A copy of the paper licence must be carried on board your boat at all times.

There are Two Ways to Apply for a Pleasure Craft Licence:

You can apply by regular mail or you can apply online.

To obtain, transfer or change information on a Pleasure Craft Licence go to the Transport Canada web site: www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marine-menu.htm. Search Pleasure Craft Licence and that will take you right to the section you are looking for. All of the information, forms and how to use the mail in or on-line process is there and easy to follow. For French just click Français in the upper right hand corner.

Use the application process and form to:

• Apply for a new licence: as of January 6, 2026, all new, transferred and renewed pleasure craft licenses are valid for 5 years. Licenses that previously didn’t have an expiry date will now have one (see table below).
• Transfer an existing licence: when you buy a used boat, it is your responsibility to transfer the Pleasure Craft Licence.
• Update your licence information: as of January 6, 2026, you must update your license information within 30 days of it changing (e.g., changes to name or phone number). Updating your information is free.
• Obtain a duplicate licence: or
• Cancel a licence: as of January 6, 2026 the criteria for cancelling a license have expanded, a license must be cancelled if the vessel is no longer seaworthy or for other specific reasons outlined by the Minister of Transport.

What is the Cost of a Licence?

As of January 6, 2026 a $24 fee will be applied for new, renewed, transferred, or replaced pleasure craft licenses. You will not be charged to update personal information like your address or phone number or to cancel your license.

You don’t have to pay the $24 fee to licence your boat if you use your pleasure craft to exercise your Indigenous rights as recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, such as hunting, fishing, and trapping. You can make this declaration by using the checkbox on the licence application form.

Do Pleasure Craft Licences Expire?

As of January 6, 2026 all new, transferred and renewed pleasure craft licenses are valid for 5 years. You can check your license expiry date using your pleasure craft license number. For older licenses that didn’t have an expiry date, the following expiry dates will now apply:

How to Update Your Information

What Boats Require a Pleasure Craft Licence?

By law, any pleasure craft, including personal watercraft (jet-ski), that is powered by one or more motors adding up to 10 hp (7.5 kW) or more must have a valid licence.

Starting December 31, 2027, wind-powered pleasure craft over 6 metres long will need a pleasure craft license. This will not apply to human-powered boats like kayaks, canoes, or dragon boats.  

Where Should The Pleasure Craft License Number Be Displayed?

• on both sides of the bow;
• above the waterline;
• as far forward as practical; and
• where it is easy to see.

The characters must be:

• in block letters;
• at least 7.5 cm (3”) high; and
• of a colour that contrasts with the background.

Why Do You Need a Pleasure Craft Licence?

Much like a car or motorcycle licence plate, a valid pleasure craft licence helps law enforcement and search and rescue workers identify pleasure craft in emergency situations.

By: John Gullick, CanBoat / NautiSavoir, Manger of Special Programs
Updated: January 6, 2026.
Photo: NSBC

You can learn more about the 2026 regulations by reading the Regulations Amending the Small Vessel Regulations in the Canada Gazette, Part II.