The Council of BC Yacht Clubs (CBCYC) [1] has advised its members that Transport Canada has issued revisions to the Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL) regulations, effective as of December 31, 2025. CBCYC has shared the following information.
What are the changes?
Here are the key updates you should be aware of:
- Expiry date: All new, transferred, and renewed pleasure craft licences are valid for 5 years. Licences that previously didn’t have an expiry date will now have one [Ed. note: some now expire as soon as March 31, 2026].
- Fee: A $24 fee will apply to new, renewed, transferred, or replaced pleasure craft licences.
- Updating your information: You must now update your licence information within 30 days of it changing (e.g., changes to name or phone number). Updating your information is free.
- Cancellation of a PCL: The criteria for cancelling a licence have expanded. A licence must be cancelled if the vessel is no longer seaworthy or for other specific reasons outlined by the Minister of Transport.
- Wind-powered craft: Starting December 31, 2027, wind-powered pleasure craft over 6 metres long will need a pleasure craft licence. This will not apply to human-powered boats like kayaks, canoes, or dragon boats
Expiry date
You can check your licence expiry date using your pleasure craft licence number here [2].
Fee
A $24 fee will be applied for new, renewed, transferred, or replaced pleasure craft licences. You will not be charged to update personal information like your address or phone number, or to cancel your licence.
You don’t have to pay the $24 fee to licence your boat if you use your pleasure craft to exercise your Indigenous rights as recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, such as hunting, fishing, and trapping. You can make this declaration by using the checkbox on the licence application form.
Updating your information
If your pleasure craft does not have a valid licence (including up to date information) or is not registered, you may be liable to a fine. Having accurate information on file is essential for your safety. It allows search and rescue to find you in case of emergency. As of January 6, 2026, you can update your information online at any time, free of charge, here [3].
Learn more
You can learn more about the new regulations by reading the Regulations Amending the Small Vessel Regulations [4] in the Canada Gazette, Part II.
To apply for or manage your PCL see here [5].