🚤 How to Transfer Boat Ownership in Ontario (2025 Complete Guide)
Transferring Boat Ownership Ontario: Are you selling, gifting, or buying a boat in Ontario? Whether it’s a fishing boat, Seadoo, or pleasure craft, transferring ownership isn’t just a formality—it’s a legal requirement.
This complete guide will walk you through how to transfer boat ownership in Ontario, even if you’ve lost the ownership papers, and how to register a boat that has no current documents.
📑 What is a Boat Ownership Transfer in Ontario?
In Ontario, boat ownership refers to the legal documentation that proves who owns a vessel. Just like a car, transferring ownership is mandatory when:
-
You sell a boat.
-
You gift a boat to a family member.
-
You inherit or donate a watercraft.
-
You purchase a used boat without papers.
There are two types of identification for boats:
-
Pleasure Craft License (PCL) – for boats under 15 gross tons.
-
Vessel Registration – often used for commercial or larger vessels.
⚠️ A Pleasure Craft License is not proof of ownership. You need a Bill of Sale or proof of purchase.
✅ How to Transfer Boat Ownership in Ontario: Step-by-Step
1. Prepare Your Documents
-
Original Bill of Sale (include names, HIN/VIN, date, signatures).
-
Government-issued ID.
-
Existing Pleasure Craft License or Vessel Registry papers.
If you’re gifting the boat, you still need documentation and may require a gift affidavit.
2. Visit the Transport Canada Portal or Mail Forms
For boats with a Pleasure Craft License, use:
For registered vessels:
-
📨 Mail in a Form 6 – Bill of Sale
-
Include Form 3A for Transfer of Ownership
3. Submit and Wait for Confirmation
Processing times vary:
-
Online transfer: ~5–10 business days.
-
Mail-in: 2–4 weeks.
After approval, you’ll receive updated ownership and license documents.
🔄 Lost Boat Ownership in Ontario?
If your boat has no ownership papers, you can still register it legally.
Steps include:
-
Affidavit stating how you acquired the boat.
-
Proof of search for prior ownership (VIN/HIN trace, ads).
-
Submitting to Transport Canada for review.
You’ll also need to apply for a new Pleasure Craft License or vessel registration.
💸 Selling or Gifting a Boat in Ontario? What You Need to Know
Selling:
-
Use a Bill of Sale – you can download a free template below.
-
Include the boat’s details, sale price, date, and signatures.
-
Provide your buyer with any original documents.
Gifting:
-
Prepare a gift letter or affidavit.
-
Still submit a Bill of Sale with value marked as $0.
-
Ensure family member completes transfer steps.
💡 Tip: Even if gifting, the boat must still be registered under the new owner’s name.
🧾 Free Bill of Sale Template for Ontario Boats
Download a free, legally compliant boat bill of sale (Ontario-specific): ➡️ Download Bill of Sale PDF
This document works for:
-
Boats with motors or trailers
-
Seadoos and PWCs
-
Gifting or selling to family members
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
🔹 How much does it cost to transfer boat ownership in Ontario?
For most Pleasure Craft Licenses, there’s no cost. However, registered vessels may require a fee. Check the Transport Canada website for current fees.
🔹 Can I transfer boat ownership online in Ontario?
Yes. Use Transport Canada’s online system to submit a transfer application for most recreational vessels.
🔹 What if my boat doesn’t have a title or registration?
You’ll need to submit an affidavit and apply for registration or licensing. This applies when the boat was purchased privately or inherited without documents.
🔹 How do I transfer ownership of a Seadoo or Jet Ski in Ontario?
The process is the same as for boats. Provide a Bill of Sale and register or update the PCL.
🔹 Do I need to visit Service Ontario?
No. Boat transfers go through Transport Canada, not Service Ontario.
📋 Summary: Transfer Boat Ownership in Ontario Made Simple
| Scenario | Required Documents | Transfer Method |
|---|---|---|
| Selling a boat | Bill of Sale, ID, PCL | Online via Transport Canada |
| Gifting to family | Gift affidavit, Bill of Sale | Mail or online |
| Lost ownership papers | Affidavit, proof of ownership | Manual review by Transport Canada |
| Seadoo/PWC transfer | Same as boat | Online or by mail |
| No documents | Affidavit, proof of search | Case-by-case |
📍 Service Areas
We help boaters across: Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, Mississauga, Thunder Bay, Barrie, and throughout Ontario.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or financing a boat, our guides help you stay compliant, legal, and stress-free.
📣 Need Boat Financing in Ontario?
If you’re buying or upgrading, we’ve got your back.
✅ Low-rate loans
✅ Fast pre-approval
✅ All credit types welcome
