Selling Privately
Sell a Boat / Watercraft Privately
Boats under 10hp are not required to be licensed. Vessels 10hp+ must be licensed or registered with Transport Canada. Private sale does not require a provincial registry transfer — it's a federal process.
Federal Jurisdiction
Transport Canada administers vessel licensing and registration. The Bill of Sale is the key document. If registered (not just licensed), the seller must notify Transport Canada of the sale. As of 2026 the Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL) is valid for 5 years (it is no longer a lifetime licence), and a $24 fee applies to issue, renew, transfer, or replace it. Owners must report any change of name or address within 30 days.
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Province-specific bill of sale and transfer checklist — ready to sign.
Identification Number
Hull Identification Number (HIN)
12 characters — stamped on the transom (rear) of the hull, starboard side
Always verify this number matches the registration document before signing a bill of sale.
Transfer steps
- 1
Sign bill of sale
- 2
For licensed vessels: buyer applies for new licence at TC or online
- 3
For registered vessels: notify Transport Canada of ownership change
- 4
Trailer (if included) requires separate provincial registration
Seller disclosures
- •Hull condition and any damage
- •Engine hours and service history
- •Trailer included or not
- •Safety equipment included
- •Outstanding vessel loan
Buyer's checklist
- ✓Verify HIN on transom matches all documents
- ✓For a registered vessel, check for liens via Transport Canada's Vessel Registration Query System or order a Transcript of Registry from the Canadian Register of Vessels
- ✓Check that vessel is properly licensed/registered for horsepower
- ✓Arrange marine insurance before first use
Official sources
Last updated: June 2026
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