QCOSTARICA — It’s been frustrating for many foreigners obtaining their residency and having to wait to receive their DIMEX (residency card) in order to homologate their driver’s license.
The typical wait has been three months.
However, changes in the validation of criteria by the Consejo de Seguridad Vial (COSEVI) – Road Safety Council, and in conjunction with Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME) – Costa Rica’s immigration service, set a precedent that will benefit both tourists and foreigners who have a valid DIMEX, who wish to drive in compliance with the regulations in the country.
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In the case of tourists who enter for business reasons and who have a valid driver’s license issued in their countries of origin, they can now use their foreign license during the entire authorized period of stay, granted upon legal entry into the country. Previously, visitors could only use their driver’s license for a period of up to three months.
For foreigners who have a valid and current DIMEX (temporary, permanent, stay, digital nomad residents), they will be able to carry out the process for homologation of a valid driver’s license issued in their country of origin as soon as they have said document.
Before the change in regulations, foreigners had to remain for at least 91 consecutive days (three months and one day since the last entry to Costa Rica) in the country after receiving their DIMEX to be eligible for the license homologation process.
It is important to note that, in the case of license authentication, authorities may reserve the right to request foreigners (both visitors and foreigners with DIMEX) to present evidence that their license is in good legal status by authenticating it through an apostille. However, this is not usually required if a valid and well-preserved foreign driver’s license is provided.
Also important to note, when carrying out the process of homologation of a driving license, foreigners are under the same regulations as Costa Ricans, which is why when receiving their license they do so under the figure of a novice driver, that is, their license has an initial validity of 3 years and will be granted under the same type of license that they held in their country of origin.
To request an appointment for homologation procedures (Solicitar cita para trámite de homologación) click here.
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Foreigners without a valid foreign driver’s license
Foreigners residing in Costa Rica who do not have a valid driver’s license from their country of origin can apply for a new license.
Obtaining a license for the first time is done through the Dirección General de Educación Vial de Costa Rica (DGEV).
To apply for a driver’s license for the first time the person must be of legal age, and must reside legally in the country and present a valid identity document, ie DIMEX.
There are two exams, the theoretical and practical exams. The cost of each exam is ¢5,000 colones and can be paid online or at branches of the Banco de Costa Rica (BCR), Banco Nacional (BN), and BAC Credomatic.
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