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I still don’t have a cedula number, can I get a local (Costa Rican) driver’s license? If yes, what are the requirements (such as passport, US driver’s license, etc??)
Thanks.
You might want to see ‘Costa Rica Driving License – What do Expect?’ at
I don’t think much has changed since this was written …
Scott Oliver – Founder
WeLoveCostaRica.comInitial driver’s licenses are issued only at the main office someplace in San Jose.
Costa Rica will issue driver’s licenses to those who are here on a tourist visa even if you’re here just a few days. You do not have to be a citizen or a legal resident.
What’s more, if you are here for more than ninety days (perhaps while your residency application is pending) you are *required* to get a Costa Rican license. If a Transito cop stops you at a roadside checkpoint and sees from your passport that you’ve been here more than ninety days there’s a substantial penalty if you do not have a Costa Rican license. And then the driver’s license office will give you a bad time, too.
To get a license, you must first have what will be the most cursory physical exam of your life. If the doctor can detect respiration or any other sign of life, you’ll pass. There are doctor’s offices that do these “physicals” within a few doors of the driver’s license office. They have the forms. And it costs about c5,000. Then, you go through the bureaucracy in the driver’s license office, pay your fee, and walk out with a license with your picture on it.
You do not have to surrender your U.S. or other license when Costa Rica issues you one.
You have to go to the driver’s facility in San Jose. Photo copy your driver’s license, also all pages of your passport. Like David said, stop by and get your physical exam for 5,000 colones by any # of so called medical offices all around the facility. You don’t have to look for one , they will find you before you even park. Go inside , first line is to register your name , etc. , next line is to pay fee, think it’s $10-$20 most. Next line is to get interview by director, basically the ok ( buena vista ) . Next line is to get photographed, then sit and wait for your license. Took me several hours to get done and if you haven’t finished by lunch, add a couple more hours. Good for 2 years.
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