All About Declarations of Pleasure Craft Ownership
Have you purchased a used pleasure craft but didn’t receive a bill of sale? Or maybe you built your own boat, but now need to get a pleasure craft licence? This blog post explains how you can get a pleasure craft licence even when you don’t have a bill of sale or other proof of ownership.
What is a pleasure craft licence?
A pleasure craft is a vessel used for pleasure, recreation or daily living. This includes motor boats, personal watercraft like Sea-Doos and motorized sailboats.
A pleasure craft licence is a document with a unique licence number for a pleasure craft, such as a boat. Transport Canada issues pleasure craft licences. A pleasure craft licence acts as identification for the pleasure craft and allows search and rescue personnel to access important information in an emergency.
Every pleasure craft needs to have a pleasure craft licence, unless:
the motor is less than 10 hp
it has a vessel registration
it was purchased less than 90 days ago (this is a licensing grace period)
How do I get a pleasure craft licence?
ransport Canada issues pleasure craft licences. You can apply for a pleasure craft licence through the Pleasure Craft Electronic Licensing System (PCELS) or you can fill out a paper Form 84-0172E, Application for Pleasure Craft Licence. You will also need to provide:
proof of ownership of the pleasure craft
a signed photocopy of a government issued ID, and
a current full side-view colour photograph of the pleasure craft
What if I don’t have proof of ownership of my pleasure craft?
If you purchased a used pleasure craft, you might not have received a bill of sale or another document that proves your ownership. Or if you built your own pleasure craft, you obviously wouldn’t have a bill of sale! That’s okay - you can submit a declaration of pleasure craft ownership.
What is a declaration of pleasure craft ownership?
A declaration of pleasure craft ownership is a document that states why you cannot produce a bill of sale or proof of ownership. A pleasure craft ownership declaration must be signed and sworn before a notary public or commissioner for taking oaths.
How do I get a pleasure craft ownership declaration?
We have created a simple and free declaration of pleasure craft ownership template that you can download and edit. Once you’ve customized your declaration, you can book an appointment to have your declaration notarized with one of our notaries.
You can download the template: Declaration of Pleasure Craft Ownership Template
Can Downtown Notary notarize declarations of pleasure craft ownership?
Yes! We can help you complete the document at one of our convenient in-person locations.
We can also complete the document with our online commissioning services. This is how it works:
Create your secure account and book your appointment
Meet with your notary professional by video conference
Electronically sign the custodianship declaration and download the completed document
Done!
Questions?
If you have questions about notary services, we’re here to help. Contact us at info@downtown-notary.ca or call us at 647-799-3531.
Additional information
Transport Canada - About pleasure craft licensing and vessel registration
Transport Canada - Non-pleasure vessel or pleasure craft?
Boatlicence.ca - Boating Frequently Asked Questions
