Recent changes:
- all new, transferred and renewed Pleasure Craft Licences are valid for 5 years
- licences without an expiry date now have an expiry date
- a $24 fee to apply for a new, renewed, transferred or duplicate Pleasure Craft Licence
- you must update your licence information within 30 days (there is no fee to update)
- starting December 31, 2027, wind-powered pleasure craft over 6 metres long will need a Pleasure Craft Licence
A Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL) is a document with a unique number. It must be displayed on both sides of the bow (front) of a pleasure craft. Like a car’s licence plate, it is used for identification but is not proof of ownership. It helps police and search and rescue find important information during emergencies.
In Canada, if you are using your pleasure craft for recreation, it needs a Pleasure Craft Licence if it meets both of the following criteria:
- has one or more engines totalling at least 10 horsepower (7.5 kW), even temporarily
- is principally operated and maintained in Canadian waters
Your pleasure craft doesn’t need a licence if it is registered in Canada. It needs to be registered if you:
- want a name for your pleasure craft
- need to register a marine mortgage with Transport Canada
If you travel outside of Canada, most countries require your pleasure craft to be registered
You may be fined $250 if your pleasure craft doesn’t have a valid licence.
A Pleasure Craft Licence is different from a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). A Pleasure Craft Operator Card is like a driver’s licence for a car. You need one to operate a power-driven pleasure craft. It educates you on the basic boating safety rules.
Expiry date
A new or transferred Pleasure Craft Licence is valid for 5 years before it needs to be renewed. You can check your licence expiry date using your Pleasure Craft Licence number.
Older licences without an expiry date now have an expiry date as shown in this table.
Expiry dates for licences without an expiry date
| Licence issue date | Licence expiry date |
|---|---|
| December 31, 1974 or earlier | March 31, 2026 |
| January 1, 1975 to December 31, 1985 | December 31, 2026 |
| January 1, 1986 to December 31, 1995 | December 31, 2027 |
| January 1, 1996 to December 31, 1999 | December 31, 2028 |
| January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2005 | December 31, 2029 |
| January 1, 2006 to April 28, 2010 | December 31, 2030 |