Question 1

Is this the official Transport Canada form?

Accepted Answer

No. BoatHandoff is independent and not affiliated with Transport Canada. Our bill of sale is built to include the details Transport Canada lists as proof of ownership. You still apply for the licence transfer yourself on canada.ca.

Question 2

How long does the buyer have to transfer the licence?

Accepted Answer

Transport Canada says you must transfer an existing Pleasure Craft Licence into your name within 30 days of the ownership change. The seller shouldn't cancel it, because the licence number stays with the boat for life.

Question 3

What if the seller isn't the person on the licence?

Accepted Answer

Transport Canada may need more proof, such as a declaration under oath. We flag this during setup. BoatHandoff does not prepare that declaration.

Question 4

Does the buyer need a boating licence too?

Accepted Answer

The operator card (PCOC) is separate from the boat's licence. It's obtained through an accredited course provider, and it belongs to the person driving.

Question 5

What does the free bill of sale include?

Accepted Answer

The free download is a branded bill of sale with the boat, the price, the seller's name and address, and the buyer's name, plus signature lines to print and sign by hand. E-signatures, the inspection report and the licence-transfer checklist are in the paid kit.

Question 6

Can each person sign on their own phone?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in the full kit. You get a private link for the seller and a private link for the buyer. Each one opens the as-is disclosure and a signature box. Both people get the same PDF.

Question 7

Is the inspection a marine survey?

Accepted Answer

No. It is a buyer and seller walk-through of hull, engine, systems, canvas, trailer, safety gear and the HIN. It does not certify seaworthiness, value or condition. Hire a surveyor for a financed, insured or high-value boat.

Question 8

Are payments turned on?

Accepted Answer

Not until a Stripe test secret and webhook secret are set. Then the Buy button starts a test checkout. Live keys are refused. The receipt still shows HST # 80698 3383 RT0001 and the tax for the buyer's province.

Questions