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Published Tuesday, March 9, 2021
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff
Between September 2020 and February 2021, the Driver Accreditation System statistics records show that 48,154 driver's licenses have expired.
The majority of drivers with their licenses expired own cars, small trucks and motorcyclists.
All extensions expired. There is no valid additional allotted time for renewals.
However, those whose license will expire in March or April or June. They will be allowed to do the renewal process as early as this month, since the Traffic Law allows to renew the license 3 months before its expiration.
Authorities call on drivers to renew their licenses to avoid getting a $40 fine.
Driver's licenses renewals should be requested on Thursdays, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Cosevi website.
In case the website is saturated, the renewal can also be requested by calling 9000-626356 during the same time on Thursday.
Another option is requesting the renewal at any branch of the Banco de Costa Rica by calling 800-227-2482.
The requisites to renew the driver's license are:
• Pay ¢10,000 colones, about $16.
• No unpaid fine.
• Have less than 5 penalty points on the driving record.
• Have the code of the medical test which confirms good health to drive.
• Have a legal ID.
• Wear a facemask to enter the Council facilities.
In the case of international tourist driving permits, they are allowed to use their country driver’s license until the first week of September 2021.
The grace period for the use of international driver's licenses was extended according to the Ministry of Transport. All foreign tourist drivers whose country driver licenses expired after March 2020, can drive using their country's license until the first week of September 2021.
Drivers must always carry their country driver's license and passport to avoid fines.
For international tourists with a driver’s license expired before March 2020 and are in the country under the status of refugees, permanent residents, temporary residents, should validate their foreign license (so-called homologation process) by requesting an appointment on the Council website.
In case the website is saturated, the appointment can also be requested by calling 9000-626356 on Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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What have you heard of expats facing problems renewing their driving licenses? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com
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