Orr Insurance and Investment Blog Much like an automobile license plate, pleasure craft operating in Canadian waters with 10 or more horsepower need an identifying number. In Canada, these are called Pleasure Craft Licenses and are they printed onto both sides of the bow. The numbers connect the owner to the vessel, just like on cars.
Historically, once the license was assigned nothing was needed to be done ever again.. At the end of 2025, an expiry date was implemented and all new, renewed, and transferred licenses need to be updated as necessary and renewed again every five years. Fines can be issued if boat owners do not comply.
To be clear, this does not apply to your Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC), only to the license on the vessel itself.
You can process your applications and renewals online through the Transport Canada website or by mail with the assistance of a Service Canada office clerk. Because of ID requirements, dealerships that were handling these sorts of registrations may not be able to do so going forward.
To renew your pleasure craft license: click here.
The five year renewal is $25, it’s much cheaper than the $250 fine for not having a valid license
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