Changes to the Pleasure Craft Licensing Process
January 22, 2026
John Gullick, Manager of Special Programs, CanBoat / NautiSavoir
In the past, I have talked about possible changes to the Pleasure Craft Licensing (PCL) process.
The Pleasure Craft License is the license for the vessel itself as usually noted by the series of letters and numbers found on each side of the bow of a powered vessel of 7.5 kw (9.9 hp) or greater. It is not to be confused with the Pleasure Craft Operator Certificate (PCOC) or other forms of operator competency, required by all operators of powered vessels.
What are the changes to the PCL process?
Here are the key updates from Transport Canada you should be aware of:
- Expiry date: All new, transferred and renewed pleasure craft licenses are valid for 5 years. Licenses 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 licenses.
- Updating your information: You must now update your license 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 license have expanded. A license 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 license. This will not apply to human-powered boats like kayaks, canoes, or dragon boats.
Expiry date
You can check your license expiry date using your pleasure craft license number. For older licenses that didn’t have an expiry date, the following expiry dates will now apply:
| 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 |
Fee
A $24 fee will be applied for new, renewed, transferred, or replaced pleasure craft licenses. You will not be charged to update personal information like your address or phone number or to cancel your license.
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 license (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.
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