How to Register a Boat in Ontario
Updated June 2025 Registering a boat in Ontario is more complex than you might think. There are a few different kinds of licensing and registration in Canada, and which one you need to obtain depends on the type of vessel you have.
This article explains the difference between pleasure craft licensing and vessel registration and provides an overview of the procedure to follow for each one.
The difference between pleasure craft licensing and vessel registration
A Pleasure Craft Licence is generally reserved for recreational watercraft. Vessel registration in Canada usually applies to commercial vessels—although it’s worth noting that owners of recreational boats, that aren’t required to be licensed or registered, can still choose to do so if they wish.
Obtaining a Pleasure Craft Licence in Ontario
A Pleasure Craft Licence is a unique identification number that helps law enforcement and search and rescue personnel access important information in the event of an emergency. It must be displayed on both sides of the bow (front) of your vessel, above the waterline, in contrasting block letters at least 7.5 cm (3 inches) high. Any pleasure craft equipped with a motor of 7.5 kW (10 horsepower) or more that is not registered requires a Pleasure Craft Licence.
How to license a boat in Ontario
You can apply for a Pleasure Craft Licence by mail or online through Transport Canada. PCLs are free and valid for 10 years. You’ll need to fill out the appropriate form and include proof of ownership and a signed copy of a valid piece of government-issued ID.
Vessel registration in Ontario
Like a Pleasure Craft Licence, vessel registration provides a boat with a unique identification number. It also functions as a legal title system for boat ownership. Registered vessels are allowed to fly the Canadian flag, reserve a name and can be used as security for a marine mortgage.
All commercial and government-owned vessels equipped with a motor of 7.5 kW (10 horsepower) or more, barges, river crafts and boats that will be travelling outside of Canada need to be registered. Vessels with a gross tonnage of 15 or more will need to be registered in the Canadian Register of Vessels, while those with a gross tonnage of 15 or less can be registered in the Small Vessel Register.
How to register a vessel in Ontario
In order to register a vessel anywhere in Canada, the owner must be qualified—in other words, they must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or corporation. To apply for vessel registration, you’ll need to fill out the appropriate form and include a statement of owner qualification, evidence of ownership and tonnage measurements. There is a $250 fee for registering your vessel that includes reserving your vessel’s name.
Do I need to register my boat in Ontario?
In Ontario, it is not mandatory to register a recreational vessel. Registration with Transport Canada is only required if you plan to operate your boat outside of Canada or if you're using it commercially.
How to register a Sea-Doo in Ontario
In Ontario (and across Canada), the process for registering a recreational vessel and a Sea-Doo (which falls under the category of a Personal Watercraft or PWC) is largely the same, because both are considered "pleasure craft" by Transport Canada.
Learn what you need to go boating in compliance with Ontario law!
Don't confuse your Pleasure Craft Licence or vessel registration with your Pleasure Craft Operator Card. While the first two are for the vessels themselves, the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) is a boating license required for any boater who operates a motorized craft in Canadian waters. Depending on your vessel, you may well need both a Pleasure Craft License and a Pleasure Craft Operator Card in order to boat legally in Ontario.
The National Boating Safety School is an accredited provider of a boating safety course that covers the basic regulations for operating a vessel in Canada. The course also prepares boaters to take the boating exam online to obtain their pleasure craft operator card. Register today to begin your boating adventure!