Your Boat Licence Is Expiring
Transport Canada killed lifetime pleasure craft licences. 2.5 million boats must renew on a rolling 5-year schedule — and Wave 1 expires March 31, 2026.
When Does YOUR Licence Expire?
SOR/2010-91 Section 106 established a rolling expiry schedule based on when your PCL was originally issued:
| Licence Issued | Expiry Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Before Dec 31, 1974 | March 31, 2026 | ⚠️ 23 DAYS |
| Jan 1, 1975 – Dec 31, 1985 | December 31, 2026 | 10 months |
| Jan 1, 1986 – Dec 31, 1995 | December 31, 2027 | Sailboat expansion year |
| Jan 1, 1996 – Dec 31, 1999 | December 31, 2028 | — |
| Jan 1, 2000 – Dec 31, 2005 | December 31, 2029 | — |
| Jan 1, 2006 – Apr 28, 2010 | December 31, 2030 | — |
Licences issued after April 28, 2010 already follow the 5-year cycle and expire on the date printed on your licence.
Source: Small Vessel Regulations (SOR/2010-91) on Justice Laws
What Transport Canada Says
SOR/2010-91 amended by SOR/2025-272: 5-year renewal cycle
s.105
$24 renewal fee (CPI-adjusted annually on April 1)
s.107
30-day address update window when you move
s.108
$250 fine for operating with invalid/expired licence
s.401
Hull markings must be updated if licence number changes
s.112
PCL numbers must be minimum 75mm (3 inches) height, block characters, contrasting colour, both sides of bow
s.112(1)
What the Government Site Doesn't Tell You
Transport Canada explains the law. We explain what to actually DO.
Do I need new numbers on my hull?
If your PCL number changes on renewal — yes, you need new hull markings immediately. Even if your number stays the same, check the condition of your existing markings. Numbers applied 20-50 years ago are likely faded, peeling, or undersized by current standards. Faded markings that can't be read from 100 metres are non-compliant regardless of the number being correct.
What size do my numbers need to be?
Minimum 75mm (3 inches) in block characters. This is larger than most people think — about the height of a credit card. Many older boats have painted numbers that are too small. Measure yours. If they're under 3 inches, they're not compliant even if the number is correct.
My numbers are painted on — can I put vinyl over them?
Yes. Clean the hull surface thoroughly, remove any loose paint, and apply vinyl decals directly over the old numbers. Vinyl actually looks cleaner and lasts longer than paint. Our marine-grade vinyl is rated for 5+ years of saltwater, UV, and weather exposure — far outlasting paint.
I have a Sea-Doo — is it different?
Same rules apply to all motorized pleasure craft over 10 HP (7.5 kW). Sea-Doos, Jet Skis, and WaveRunners all need PCL numbers. The challenge is the curved hull surface — we pre-cut registration numbers into sections for easier application on PWC hulls.
Can I keep my old numbers if the licence number doesn't change?
Technically yes — if the number is identical AND the markings are still clearly legible, properly sized (75mm+), and in a contrasting colour. But if your numbers were applied before 1975, they've had 50+ years of UV, water, and weather exposure. Be honest about their condition. A Coast Guard officer will be.
What happens if my licence expires and I keep boating?
Fine of up to $250 per offence under the Small Vessel Regulations. Coast Guard and RCMP Marine Unit conduct random compliance checks on popular waterways, especially on long weekends and during boating season. An expired licence is the easiest thing for them to spot.
How to Apply Your New PCL Numbers
Measure your bow
Measure the space available on both sides of your bow, above the waterline. Note the curvature — flat surfaces are easiest, curved surfaces need pre-cut sections.
Clean the surface
Wash with soap and water, then wipe with isopropyl alcohol. Remove any wax, oil, or marine growth. The surface must be completely dry.
Position with masking tape
Use masking tape to mark a level line at the desired height. Our decals come pre-spaced and pre-masked — just align the bottom edge with your tape line.
Wet application method
Spray a light mist of water with a drop of dish soap on the hull surface. This lets you slide the decal into perfect position before squeegeeing out the water.
Squeegee from centre out
Use the included squeegee to push water and air bubbles from the centre outward. Work slowly. Let dry for 24 hours before launching.
Verify from 30 metres
Stand 30 metres (100 feet) from your boat. Can you clearly read the number? That's what a Coast Guard officer will check.
Order Your PCL Numbers — Ships in 1-2 Days
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Boat Licence Renewal — What Every Canadian Boat Owner Needs to Know
Boat licence renewal is now mandatory for all Canadian pleasure craft owners. Prior to 2025, Pleasure Craft Licences (PCLs) were issued for life — you licensed your boat once and never had to think about it again. SOR/2025-272 changed everything: Transport Canada now requires all 2.5 million licensed pleasure craft in Canada to renew their PCL every 5 years, with the first wave of renewals already underway.
Boat Licence Renewal Wave Schedule
Transport Canada is processing boat licence renewals in waves based on the last digit of your PCL number. Wave 1 (PCL numbers ending in 0-2) expires March 31, 2026 — that deadline is imminent. Wave 2 (numbers ending in 3-5) expires September 30, 2026. Wave 3 (numbers ending in 6-9) expires March 31, 2027. If you miss your renewal window, your PCL becomes invalid and you cannot legally operate your vessel until you renew.
How Boat Licence Renewal Affects Your Hull Markings
When you complete your boat licence renewal, one of two things happens to your hull markings: (1) Your PCL number stays the same — in which case you need to inspect your existing markings for compliance. Numbers applied decades ago are likely faded, peeling, or undersized. (2) Your PCL number changes — in which case you must apply new hull markings immediately before operating the vessel. In both cases, your markings must meet the current standard: minimum 75mm (3-inch) height, block characters, contrasting colour, both sides of the bow.
Boat Licence Renewal Process — Step by Step
- Visit the Transport Canada vessel licensing portal
- Log in with your MyServiceCanada account (or create one)
- Enter your current PCL number and hull identification number (HIN)
- Verify your ownership information and vessel details
- Submit the renewal — there is no fee for PCL renewal
- Receive your new PCL document with your number (same or updated)
- Order new hull markings if your number changed or existing ones are faded
- Apply markings to both sides of the bow before your next outing
Penalties for Expired Boat Licences
Operating with an expired boat licence carries fines of $250 to $5,000 under the Canada Shipping Act. During a Transport Canada or RCMP marine patrol boarding, officers verify your PCL status electronically — they can see instantly if your licence has expired. Beyond fines, an expired licence means you are not covered by your marine insurance in many policies. Check your policy wording — most require a valid PCL as a condition of coverage.
Related Guides
Boat Registration Marking Rules
Complete guide to PCL number size, placement, and colour requirements
Sailboat Licensing 2027
What sailboat owners need to know about the 2027 expansion
Marine & Boating
All Transport Canada compliance products for boats and watercraft
PCL Number Size Requirements
Detailed breakdown of the 75mm minimum height requirement