What Changed in December 2025 & What Boat Owners Need to Know

If you own a boat in Ontario (or anywhere in Canada), your Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL) must now be renewed every 5 years under updated rules from Transport Canada.

Many boaters are unaware of the new renewal timelines and fees that came into effect in December 2025. We have created this simple, step-by-step guide to make the process easy.

If you already know what is required and are only looking for link to apply/renew online, click here.

What Is a Pleasure Craft Licence?

A Pleasure Craft Licence:

• - Displays your boat’s licence number (shown on both sides of the bow)
• - Identifies the vessel owner
• - Must be kept onboard at all times

This is not your Pleasure Craft Operator Card (boating licence). A Pleasure Craft License applies to the boat itself. 

Who Needs a Pleasure Craft Licence?

• - Your boat has 10 horsepower or more
• - It is used for recreational purposes
• - The vessel is not formally registered (registration only needed if the boat is commercial, you want to place a marine mortgage on the vessel or the boat is used internationally)

* Most fishing boats, pontoons, bowriders, and family boats in Muskoka and Ontario use a Pleasure Craft License (PCL), not registration.

New Rules (As of December 2025)

Here are the important updates:

• - A PCL must be renewed every 5 years
• - You can only renew it within 3 months of the expiry date
• - The new expiry date is 5 years from the renewal date
• - There is a $24.41 fee to renew
• - Updates to contact information are free
• - Licence information must be updated within 30 days of changes

Step 1: Check Your Expiry Date

You can check your licence expiry date using your Pleasure Craft Licence number through Transport Canada’s system.

If your licence expires within the next 3 months, you are eligible to renew.

Pro-Tip: Set a reminder in your phone or calendar for when your renewal is due.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Before applying, have the following ready:

For All Owners

• - Copy of valid government-issued photo ID for each owner

If Someone Is Applying on Behalf of the Owner

• - Third-party authorization letter

If the Boat Is Owned by a Business

• - Authorization to submit a Pleasure Craft Licence application for a legal entity

If Updating Your Name

• - Legal name change document

Step 3: Renew Online (Fastest Option)

Transport Canada strongly recommends applying online.

You can access the official application portal here.

Payment for renewal:

• - $24.41
• - Credit card (Visa or Mastercard)

After submitting:

• - You will receive a temporary licence by email
• - The temporary licence is valid for 30 days
• - You can legally operate your boat immediately
• - Your permanent licence will follow

If you cannot apply online, you may apply by mail (processing times are longer).

More information on how to apply by mail can be found here.

Updating Your Licence Information (No Fee)

If any of the following changes, you must update your licence within 30 days:

• - Name
• - Address
• - Phone number
• - Email address
• - Pleasure craft details
• - There is no fee to update information.

Important:
Updating your information does not change your expiry date. You must still renew at the 5-year mark.

Replacing a Lost or Damaged Licence

Your Pleasure Craft Licence document must be kept onboard at all times.

If your licence was:

• - Lost
• - Damaged
• - Deleted from your email

You must apply for a duplicate.

If you received your licence by email, you may simply reprint it.

If not, you must apply for a replacement online.

Fee:

• - $24.41 (credit card required)

After applying:

• - You will receive a temporary licence valid for 30 days
• - Your permanent replacement will follow
• - The expiry date does not change

Do Not Cancel Your Licence If You Sell Your Boat

A Pleasure Craft Licence number stays with the boat for its entire life.

If you sell your boat:

• - Do not cancel the licence
• - The buyer must transfer it into their name within 30 days of purchase.

When Should You Cancel a Licence?

You should cancel your PCL only if:

• - You decide to register the boat instead of licensing it
• - The boat is no longer seaworthy
• - The boat has been destroyed
• - The boat is no longer primarily operated in Canada
• - There is no fee to cancel.

You will need:

• - Government ID for all owners
• - Proof of ownership
• - A photo of the vessel
• - A document stating the reason for cancellation

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there really a renewal fee now?

Yes. As of December 2025, the renewal fee is $24.41.

Can I renew early?

No. You can only renew within 3 months of your expiry date.

What happens if I forget to renew?

Operating a boat without a valid Pleasure Craft Licence can result in fines.

Does updating my address renew my licence?

No. Updates are separate from renewal.

Need Help?

If you purchased your boat from us and need help understanding your Pleasure Craft Licence renewal, call 705-789-3932

We are happy to point you in the right direction.

Alternatively, you can call Transport Canada directly and reach the Boating Safety Infoline at 1-800-267-6687

Transport Canada Contact Page - Link Here

Stay Compliant. Stay on the Water.

Keeping your Pleasure Craft Licence current ensures:

• - You avoid fines
• - You remain compliant with federal regulations
• - You can enjoy your time on the water without interruption

If your renewal window is approaching, take 10 minutes and complete it online. It is fast, straightforward, and now required every five years.