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Published Wednesday, October 14, 2020
Extensions for driver's
license renewals
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff
Expired driver's licenses may be renewed without haste, due to an extended grace period established by the Road Safety Council, known as Cosevi. This additional time is due to the reduction of personnel at the headquarters and branches as a measure to prevent covid -19 infections.
According to the Cosevi, the expired driver licenses extended periods are as follows:
• Licenses expired between June 1 to July 31, are valid until October 31.
• Licenses expired from Aug. 1 to Sept. 30, are valid until Nov. 30.
• Licenses expired from Oct. 1 to Nov. 30, are valid until Dec. 31.
• Licenses expired beginning Dec. 1 to January 31, 2021, are valid until January 31, 2021.
Renewal requests of drivers licenses expired before June 1, 2020, must be requested on Thursdays, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Council website.
In case the website is saturated, the renewal can also be requested by calling 9000-626356, also on Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The renewal can also be requested at any branch of the Banco de Costa Rica, by appointment which must be requested by calling 800-227-2482.
Recently, the Ministry of Transport reported 3,000 appointments available every week for procedures regarding the issuance of new licenses and renewal of licenses.
In the case of approval of driver's licenses for foreigners, it is important to clarify that in the case of approving foreign-born people’s licenses, the grace period for renewal of expired licenses is Nov. 18.
The ministry only enables 350 appointment spaces per week for foreign-born people who must certify their driver’s license.
Thus, the grace period for drivers who, from December 17, 2019, are in the country as tourists, can drive using the license of their country until November 18, 2020. Drivers must have a valid passport and valid home country driver license.
Also, an extension to the previous date was granted for drivers who are in the country on refugee status, permanent residents, temporary residents, with a work permit or Costa Rican and who could not approve their foreign license after March 20.
The approval service must be carried out only in the agencies of the Directorate of Road Education. Appointments are obtained on the website Servicios Educacion Vial, or by calling 9000-626-356.
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