Boat Registration Numbers Canada

What Is a Compliance Label Number on a Boat?

If you have received a yellow or orange Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL) from Transport Canada, the number on that licence is your vessel’s compliance label number — the identifier you display on your hull. This is the number required by SOR/2010-91, s.4 (Small Vessel Regulations) for vessels that must be licenced under Transport Canada’s Pleasure Craft Licensing program.

Important: The compliance label number (PCL number) is not the same as a registered vessel number. Vessel registration (SOR/2007-126) is a separate program that applies to commercial vessels and Canadian-flagged vessels operating internationally. Most recreational boats operating on Canadian waters use the lighter Pleasure Craft Licensing program — not full vessel registration. Confirm which program applies to your vessel at tc.canada.ca.

These are custom-cut vessel registration and PCL identification numbers produced at 75 mm character height on marine-grade cast vinyl, made in Canada — sized for clear, legible on-water identification. Cut to your exact number, pre-spaced on transfer tape, and ready to apply.

Know your marking obligations before ordering. Transport Canada vessel registration and Pleasure Craft Licensing are separate programs with different marking obligations. The current size, placement, format, and contrast requirements are published at tc.canada.ca — confirm what applies to your vessel before ordering.

What You Get

Each set is made in Canada, custom-cut to your exact number and hull colour. No measuring, no cutting.

• Characters precision-cut to 75 mm height on marine-grade cast vinyl
• Available in standard white, black, and custom colours — choose what contrasts your hull
• Application transfer tape included; no separate purchase required
• Curved-hull installation guide included with every order
• Made in Canada on marine-grade cast vinyl, rated for UV exposure, saltwater immersion, and freeze-thaw cycling

How It Works

Enter your registration or PCL number at checkout and choose a colour that contrasts your hull. Your decals ship pre-cut and pre-spaced on transfer tape. Clean the bow surface, peel, position, and press. The included curved-hull guide walks you through applying on a rounded surface without bubbles or misalignment. Most boaters complete the installation in under 15 minutes.

• Submit your number at checkout — cut exactly as issued, no transposition risk
• Select your colour for clear contrast against the hull surface
• Follow the step-by-step curved-hull guide included in the package
• No heat gun, professional tools, or prior experience required

Typical Placement

Most licenced or registered vessels display numbers on both port and starboard sides of the forward hull section, above the waterline, in a horizontal orientation, exactly as issued. Confirm the placement requirements for your vessel type at tc.canada.ca.

Regulation reference: SOR/2010-91, s.6 (Small Vessel Regulations) — Pleasure Craft Licencing marking display requirements. Source: laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/SOR-2010-91. Confirm current requirements with Transport Canada before ordering.

Related Marine Products

• PWC Registration Numbers — Sea-Doo, Jet Ski, WaveRunner decals
• Marine Registration Complete Kit — hull numbers + vessel name + port of registry
• Vessel Name & Port of Registry Lettering — for registered commercial vessels
• BS5609 Marine Synthetic Labels — chemical drum / hazardous cargo labels for marine transport
• Full Marine Boating Compliance Catalogue — all Transport Canada marking products