If you own a motorized boat (10+ horsepower), check if your licence now has an expiry date. Be ready to renew every 5 years and expect to pay the $24 fee.
Recent changes to pleasure craft licences (PCLs) across Canada came into effect through Transport Canada regulations on December 31, 2025. These updates are important for boat owners heading into the 2026 season.
Previously, many boat licences were valid for life. That’s no longer the case.
- All new and renewed licences are now valid for 5 years
- Existing lifetime licences are being phased out and given expiry dates
Some older licences (especially pre-1975) are already expiring in 2026, while others will phase out by around 2030.
Starting December 31, 2027, wind-powered pleasure craft over 6 metres long will need a Pleasure Craft Licence
According to Transport Canada, the updates aim to improve boating safety, keep owner information accurate, help address abandoned or unsafe vessels, and support search and rescue efforts.
For more information about the new changes and how to move forward, click HERE.
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Safety ? , the PCL registered gives them address owner, boat type ,model info color ect, ect, such BS, it’s just another Carney cash grab
If you acquired a boat with a 10hp+ motor you should already be aware that it needs to be registered. Insurance is not required by law in Ontario (but can be required for boat financing, marinas, and for the use of some boat launches).
I did not have any problem registering my boat three years ago, and I just checked on the website and it was easy to find out that I need to renew it in 5 years (just google “how do I check to see when my ontario pcl expires?”).
Having to update the information and pay $25 every 5 years does not seem onerous or outrageous to me. I still find it odd that I don’t have to do the same for my car though.
I own a zodiac with a 15hp motor and I wasn’t sure if I would be able to put the numbers on the hull – but sure enough you can purchase custom vinyl numbering that works really well for a decent price.
WIthout hull numbers it is impossible to track down a boat owner – which I have had to do a few times in the past. I have found motorboats floating free in lakes before. I just called the OPP and they took care of it (likely they were able to do it because the boat was reported lost or stolen).
What happens if you get in to a boating accident? Don’t you want a way to identify the other boat in case they take off?
As of 2026, the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC)—the card showing you passed the boating test—does not expire and never needs renewal. However, your
Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL)—the numbers on your boat’s bow—must now be renewed every 5 years for a $24 fee.
.com
BOATERexam.com +3
Key 2026 Changes for Ontario Boaters:
Boating License (PCOC): Remains valid for life.
Boat Licence (PCL/Numbers on Bow): Must be renewed every 5 years, replacing old “lifetime” licences.
Fees: A $24.41 fee now applies to new, renewed, or transferred boat licences.
Address Updates: You must update contact information within 30 days of a change.
Sailboats: Wind-powered vessels over 6m will require a licence starting Dec 31, 2027.
BOATERexam.com
BOATERexam.com +5
You can manage your PCL through the Transport Canada Pleasure Craft Licensing System.
Your operator cards never expire just the number in your boats.
Fat chance in Hell I’m doing that. It wasn’t the deal when I got mine years ago and it’s just another government cash grab anyway.
Here we go again its never ending tax this tax that renew this for more money how much of this money will stay in canada ridiculous
Have you tried to renew? Almost impossible to navigate Gov’t web sights.
Not user friendly at all.
I tried several time and failed…
The fee is for the boat. Not your operators card.
Cash grab… I agree with Ed Pellarin 100%.
Horseshit!!
Nothing but a money grab!!
Cash grab
Transport Canada. How does this fee improve safety? The information on my card is accurate and I’m sure is accurate on ever licensed operators card. Is the ministry saying for several years information is wrong? Operators fill out the application for a license, receive a card with same information on the card. Where are the inaccuracies?Address abandoned vessels? How? Search and rescue? How does Transport Canada contribute this much needed program? Another federal government money grab to funnel money somewhere else.
Interesting. I’ll bet very few people actually have a license on their boat now, and a lot of people don’t have insurance on the boats.