Driving license in Costa Rica

Hi Armand,

If you already have a driving license in your country, it is good for 90 days here. If you leave after 90 days and come back, the clock is set to zero again.

If you stay more than 90 days then you are supposed to get a CR license. The initial license has to be obtained in the COSEVI office in La Uruca (NW of downtown San José). You have to ask where the correct door is as it would be impossible to describe. There will probably be a very long line there, but go to the head of the line and tell the guard what you want to do and he will get you seated inside (the long line is Ticos doing other business).

Before you go to COSEVI, however, you need to get a "medico dictamen", which is a medical exam. It takes about 30 minutes or less and costs about 25 dollars. There are offices of doctors who give such exams near the COSEVI office and in many other cities.

You'll also need your passport, your current driver's license and copies of these.

The process will take you about 2 hours. The first license, good for 2 years, costs about 10 dollars. After the first two years you can renew it at any COSEVI office in the country for 10 years.

If you don't have a license from your country or yours is expired then you will have to take the driver's test. Can't help you there as I've never taken that test.

Good luck!

Casey  -  A Dull Roar - Moving to, Retiring in, and Living with Costa Rica