Transport Canada has made some changes for people with recreational boating licences, officially called a Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL).
A pleasure craft licence is similar to a car licence plate and are unique to licence holders who have recreational boats with at least one engine and a total of at least 10 horsepower.
As of Dec. 31, 2025, Transport Canada has made several updates to the PCL.
Now, pleasure craft licences must be renewed every five years – and current lifetime licences will be gradually replaced with PCLs that must be renewed every fire years.
Meanwhile, boaters will have to pay a $24 service fee whenever they apply for – renew – transfer or replace their pleasure craft licence.
The federal government notes that this service fee will increase in price annually based on inflation.
Lastly, under the new rules, licence holders will now have up to 30 days to change their name or address on their PCL if that information requires updating – instead of the previous 90 days.
“These changes will make boating safer, protect the environment, and ensure licence holders share the cost of administering the program fairly,” said Transport Canada in a release Tuesday.
“This will also help the government to tackle wrecked, hazardous, and abandoned vessels by keeping ownership information accurate and up to date.”
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Transport Canada says there’s approximately 12 million recreational boaters across the country.
It adds that being registered with a PCL makes it easier for first responders to identify the owner of a boat in an emergency, or locate them if their vessel is abandoned or unsafe.
“Recreational boating is part of who we are as Canadians, and it’s essential that our safety system keeps pace with the way people use our waterways today,” said Steven MacKinnon Canada’s minister of transport.
“By modernizing the pleasure craft licensing program, we’re strengthening marine safety, improving environmental protection, and ensuring we have accurate information when it matters most.”
Transport Canada adds that in 2028, boaters with a wind-powered pleasure craft over six metres in length will also be required to hold a PCL.
A pleasure craft is defined as a vessel that is used for fun or “daily living,” while a non-pleasure craft is any other type of vessel – such as one that people use for work, one that someone needs to be to board, or one that is providing a service.
More information about how to apply for, or renew, a PCL can be found on the Transport Canada website.