Important changes have been made to the Pleasure Craft Licensing process. A pleasure craft licence is a document with a unique number that is displayed on both sides of the bow of a pleasure craft. 

What are the changes?  

Here are the key updates you should be aware of:  

• Expiry date: All new, transferred and renewed pleasure craft licences are valid for 5 years. Licences that previously didn’t have an expiry date will now have one (see table below).  
• Fee: A $24 fee will apply to new, renewed, transferred or replaced pleasure craft licences. 
• Updating your information: You must now update your licence information within 30 days of it changing (e.g., changes to name or phone number). Updating your information is free. 
• Cancellation of a PCL: The criteria for cancelling a licence have expanded. A licence must be cancelled if the vessel is no longer seaworthy or for other specific reasons outlined by the Minister of Transport. 
• Wind-powered craft: Starting December 31, 2027, wind-powered pleasure craft over 6 metres long will need a pleasure craft licence. This will not apply to human-powered boats like kayaks, canoes, or dragon boats. 

Expiry date 

You can check your licence expiry date using your pleasure craft licence number. For older licences that didn’t have an expiry date, the following expiry dates will now apply:

LICENCE ISSUE DATE December 31, 1974 or earlier  January 1, 1975 to December 31, 1985  January 1, 1986 to December 31, 1995  January 1, 1996 to December 31, 1999  January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2005  January 1, 2006 to April 28, 2010

LICENCE EXPIRY DATE March 31, 2026 December 31, 2026  December 31, 2027  December 31, 2028  December 31, 2029  December 31, 2030

Fee 

A $24 fee will be applied for new, renewed, transferred, or replaced pleasure craft licences. You will not be charged to update personal information like your address or phone number or to cancel your licence.  

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. 

Updating your information 

If your pleasure craft does not have a valid licence (including up to date information) or is not registered, you may be liable to a fine. Having accurate information on file is essential for your safety. It allows search and rescue to find you in case of emergency. As of January 6, 2026, you can update your information online at any time, free of charge at https://www.pcl-pep.snbservices.ca/1001/PubWeb/Default.aspx?lang=en-CA.

Learn more 

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