Apply For Form 84 – Fill Out and Use This PDF

Apply For Form 84 PDF Details

Form 84-0172E is issued by Transport Canada. Under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, any pleasure craft equipped with a motor or combination of motors totalling 10 hp (7.5 kW) or more must hold a valid licence before operating on Canadian waters. Licencing is free and licences are valid for 10 years from the issue date.

When do you need to use Form 84?

You must complete Apply For Form 84 in any of the following situations:

• New licence application: First-time licencing of a newly purchased or newly built pleasure craft with a motor of 10 hp or more.
• Ownership transfer: When a licenced pleasure craft is sold or gifted, both the seller and buyer must complete the transfer section so the new owner holds a valid licence in their name.
• Personal information update: Changes to your name, address, or contact details must be reported to Transport Canada using this form.
• Vessel information update: Modifications to hull colour, hull type, make, model, or motor size require an updated licence.
• Duplicate licence request: If your existing pleasure craft licence is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond readability.
• Licence cancellation: If the craft is decommissioned, destroyed, or permanently removed from Canadian waters.

What information do you need to complete Form 84?

Gather the following before you begin filling out the Apply For 84 form:

• Full legal name and current mailing address of each owner
• Hull details: material, type, primary colour, secondary colour
• Pleasure craft make, model, and year of manufacture
• Motor size(s) in horsepower (hp) or kilowatts (kW)
• Proof of ownership: purchase receipt, builder certificate, or transfer documentation
• Previous owner(s) name and address (for ownership transfers)
• Existing licence number (for updates, duplicates, or cancellations)

How long is a pleasure craft licence valid?

Pleasure craft licences are valid for 10 years from the date of issue. There is no renewal fee. You must reapply using a new Form 84 after 10 years. You are also legally required to update your licence whenever personal information or vessel particulars change, even within the 10-year period. Updating is free of charge.

If you are documenting a vessel ownership change, a boat bill of sale can help you record the transaction details alongside the licence transfer. For US-based watercraft documentation, the Illinois Watercraft Registration form covers similar registration and titling requirements for craft on US waters.