Online Licensing

The Department’s licensing services are now provided online through the National Online Licensing System.

The system is designed to allow you to perform your licensing transactions online:

• On your own behalf
• As a representative of a DFO client
• On behalf of an Organization

The system applies to holders of fishing licences managed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, including:

• holders of commercial licences
• holders of commercial-communal licences
• holders of recreational fishing licences in Eastern Canada (Atlantic Canada and Quebec)
• International fishers and registered fish harvesters (including crew members)

First Time Users

The first step for a new user of any kind is to register on the system.

Some helpful tools to help you register:

• Before you register checklist
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Getting your GCKey step-by-step guide
• Self-registration – Registering a DFO Online Profile Step-by-Step Guide

Using the System – Helpful Tools

Once you are registered on the system, you can perform all of your licensing transactions online. This includes:

• Paying the fees associated with your fishing licence(s), vessel(s), or fisher registration card(s)
• Submitting licensing requests such as vessel transfers, etc.
• Printing your licensing documentation
• Appointing a representative to do business for you
• Appointing an individual to do business on behalf of your Organization

Below you will find a number of tools that will help you navigate the system and perform the licensing transactions that you require.

Eight detailed Step-by-Step Guides:

1. Getting your GCKey
2. Appointing a Representative (PDF, 292 KB)
3. Renewing your Licence and Paying Your Fees (PDF, 310 KB)
4. Printing Licence-related Documents (PDF, 69.5 KB)
5. Getting a Delegation Code or a Public Identifier (PDF, 168 KB)
6. Self-registration – Registering a DFO Online Profile
7. Submitting a Request and Checking the Request Status (PDF, 417 KB)
8. Organization Management (PDF, 358 KB)

Frequently Asked Questions

User Training Manual:

The User Training Manual provides detailed information about all features of the system.

Fisheries-related organizations may also want to use the following materials to help their members register and use the national online licensing system:

Poster:

National Online Licensing System! (document) (PDF, 705 KB)
Use this poster to remind your clients that licensing transactions must be done online using the system.

Web graphic:

National Online Licensing System!

Still need help?

Client Support