Properties in Costa Rica Blog

Bringing a car into Costa Rica is a big move! Once your vehicle has cleared customs and the import taxes are paid, you still have a few laps to go before you can hit the road legally.

Here is the step-by-step process for registering your vehicle and getting those license plates.

Step 1: Obtain Your Temporary Title (DUA)
Once customs is cleared, the Customs Department issues the DUA (Documento Único Administrativo). This is essentially your vehicle’s temporary title for the first 24 to 48 hours. It allows you to legally transport the car from the customs warehouse to its technical inspection.
Pro Tip: Do not leave the warehouse until you double-check that every detail on the DUA matches your vehicle exactly. Even a small typo can take months to correct later!

Step 2: Pass the Technical Inspection (DEKRA)
Every vehicle in Costa Rica must pass a safety and emissions inspection (formerly known as RITEVE, now managed by DEKRA). Since the car isn’t registered yet, you must tow or haul it to the inspection station. Once it passes, you’ll receive a temporary inspection certificate needed for the next steps.

Step 3: Hire a Notary to Register with the National Registry
Now it’s time for the legal work. You will need to hire a Notary Public to draft a legal deed (escritura). You’ll need to appear in person or provide a Power of Attorney. The notary then files this deed with the National Registry (Registro Nacional) to officially title the car in your name.

Fees: Expect to pay roughly 4.5% of the vehicle’s value in registration costs and legal fees.

Timeline: This usually takes between 5 to 30 days. Once accepted, your car is officially in the system and assigned its permanent license plate number.

Step 4: Pay the Marchamo (Annual Circulation Tax)
The Marchamo is the mandatory annual road tax and liability insurance. This is handled by the National Insurance Institute (INS). You’ll need to take your temporary inspection certificate to an INS office or authorized bank to pay this fee and get your paperwork started.

Step 5: Obtain Your License Plates
Once the National Registry confirms the registration, you can request your physical license tags. Most people have their Notary handle this part, as they can act as your agent to pick up the metal plates and the registration stickers for you.

Step 6: Get Your Final Inspection Stickers
You’re almost there! Once you have your title, your paid Marchamo, and your license plates, you must return to the DEKRA station. They will review your final documents and swap your temporary certificate for the final window sticker (the one that proves your car is 100% legal to drive).

Note: You may need to wait 24-48 hours after registration for the systems to sync before you can get your final Marchamo sticker from the INS office.