If you acquire an aircraft that is currently registered in Canada and wish to operate it, you must register the aircraft in your name or an entity’s name.
When there is a transfer of ownership (custody and control), the original certificate of registration is automatically cancelled. The aircraft can’t be flown until the new owner gets a certificate of registration or activates an interim certificate.
The previous owner must notify Transport Canada that they have transferred the aircraft within 7 days.
How to transfer ownership
Previous owner
The previous owner must notify Transport Canada of the transfer within 7 days.
To notify Transport Canada:
- Go to Notification of Transfer of Aircraft Ownership (the previous owner will need to login or create a myTC Account)
- Follow the prompts to complete and submit the notification
The Canadian Beacon Registry must be notified of a sale or acquisition of a 406MHz ELT. This information is crucial for search and rescue purposes. Call the Canadian Beacon Registry at 1-877-406-7671 or email cbr@sarnet.dnd.ca.
The previous owner should provide the new owner with the blank interim certificate of registration that came with their certificate of registration.
New owner
If you acquire an aircraft that has been previously registered in Canada and you want to fly that aircraft, you must apply for a certificate of registration in your name or in the name of an entity.
If you want to fly the aircraft while you’re waiting for your certificate of registration, you can activate an interim certificate of registration.
If you didn’t receive a blank interim certificate from the previous owner, send an email to a Transport Canada Centre to request one with the subject line “need a replacement interim certificate” and include:
- your name
- the name of the previous owner
- the aircraft registration mark
- the manufacturer
- the model, and
- the serial number
Interim certificate of registration
An interim certificate allows you to operate a Canadian-registered aircraft after the ownership has been transferred to you. To activate an interim certificate, follow the instructions on it. The activation date is the signing date on your application to register your aircraft.
Validity period
The interim certificate is valid until:
- 90 calendar days after the activation date (the date of your application for registration), or
- the custody and control of the aircraft is transferred again; or
- you receive the updated certificate of registration
Carry the interim certificate on the aircraft.