🍁 Ontario guide · updated 2026

How to sell a boat privately in Ontario

A plain-English checklist for Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace sellers.

1. Gather the paperwork

You'll need the Pleasure Craft Licence (the number on the bow), your ID and any service records. If the boat has a trailer, bring its ownership papers too. Trailers are handled provincially and are separate from the boat licence.

2. Write a complete bill of sale

Transport Canada's proof of ownership needs the seller's name, address and signature, the buyer's name and signature, the make, model and colour, the HIN if available, and the licence number.

3. Don't cancel the licence

The licence number stays with the boat. The buyer transfers it into their name within 30 days.

4. Walk the boat together

Use an inspection checklist and record an as-is disclosure that you both sign.

Do it all in 15 minutes

Create a free Ontario bill of sale now. The full kit with e-signatures is coming soon.


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Source: Transport Canada, tc.canada.ca. This is not legal advice. Confirm trailer and tax rules with ServiceOntario.

Other provinces and territories

Not legal advice. Not a marine survey. BoatHandoff provides document templates and checklists for information only. It is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. The inspection checklist is a buyer and seller walk-through, not a marine survey, and it does not certify seaworthiness, value or condition. For financed, insured or high-value boats, use a qualified marine surveyor and a lawyer. BoatHandoff is not affiliated with Transport Canada.