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Pleasure Craft Licences
Service Canada is the place to go to obtain a Pleasure Craft Licence. More than 327 Service Canada Centres issue Pleasure Craft Licences on behalf of Transport Canada
What is a Pleasure Craft Licence?
A Pleasure Craft Licence is an identification number displayed on a recreational vessel, as required under the Small Vessel Regulations of the Canada Shipping Act, 2001. All recreational vessels powered by an engine of 10 horsepower (7.5 kilowatts) or more must be licensed or registered, regardless of where they operate in Canada. The licence number is used to help law-enforcement and search-and-rescue organizations identify the owner of an individual pleasure craft.
Obtaining your Pleasure Craft Licence
Visit our How-to page to learn how to:
- license a previously unlicensed pleasure craft;
- transfer the licence of a previously licensed pleasure craft to your name;
- obtain a duplicate of your licence; and
- fill out a declaration under oath.
There is no charge for these services.
You can obtain a Pleasure Craft Licence either in person or by mail. For more information about Pleasure Craft Licences, visit any Service Canada Centre or community office. To find the centre or office nearest you, visit our Find a Service Canada Centre Near You page or call 1 800 O-Canada (1 800 622-6232).
For more information
To learn more about pleasure craft licensing or about boating safety:
- read our Pleasure Craft Licence questions and answers;
- visit Transport Canada's Office of Boating Safety Web site, where you will also find general information about boating safety and the Safe Boating Guide; or
- call the Safe Boating line at 1 800 267-6687.
Boat dealers can visit our Dealer's Guide to Pleasure Craft Licensing for best practices, frequently asked questions, and more.
