Obtaining a driver’s license as a resident in Costa Rica

If you plan to stay in Costa Rica for an extended period or are a permanent resident, you’ll need to apply for a local driver’s license. Tourists and legal residents can both apply, but if your foreign license is expired, you’ll need to take a road test. The process involves visiting Costa Rica’s Council for Road Safety (Cosevi), and the costs vary – the initial license is 4,000 CRC ($8), renewals are 10,000 CRC ($20), and replacements are 5,000 CRC ($10). You’ll need a medical exam, your current passport, residency cedula, or temporary residence permit, and a copy of your foreign driver’s license.

Homologating a foreign driver’s license

Homologation is the easiest way to obtain your Costa Rica driver’s license. It refers to validating your foreign license within the Costa Rican legal framework. This allows you to obtain a Costa Rican driver’s license without taking another driving test. The homologation process takes place at COSEVI offices and requires several documents, including your unexpired foreign driver’s license, cedula or residency card, passport with at least three months and one day in Costa Rica, medical exam results, and a translation of the license if it’s not in Spanish. The cost for this service is 5,000 CRC ($10).

Renewing a Costa Rican driver’s license

Renewing a Costa Rican driver’s license is a more straightforward process. You can do this at a COSEVI office or select Banco de Costa Rica locations, but foreign residents should use COSEVI. The renewal fee is based on your driving record, with discounts for fewer points and no infractions. The standard cost is 10,000 CRC (about $17), and you’ll need proof of payment, medical exam results, and an unexpired cedula or residency card. Special conditions apply to foreign residents.

First-time driver’s license and renewal

Obtaining your first-time driver’s license in Costa Rica involves multiple steps and is available to both tourists and legal residents. You’ll need specific documents, including your passport, residency cedula, or temporary residence permit, as well as your foreign driver’s license. A medical exam is required for both first-time licenses and renewals, and the fees are 4,000 CRC ($8) for first-time licenses and 10,000 CRC ($20) for renewals.

Replacement of lost or stolen driver’s license

If your driver’s license gets lost or stolen, you must follow a specific process. Provide a police report, residency cedula, or another form of identification that displays your photo and driver’s license number. The cost for replacement is 5,000 CRC ($10).