Q COSTARICA — Have you had your vehicle impounded or license plates seized? Getting them back doesn’t have to be “un calvario” (hassle). With the right info and a bit of patience, you can navigate the process smoothly and get back on the road faster than you might expect.
The first step in the smooth recovery of either the vehicle or the plates starts with scheduling an appointment at www.csv.go.cr, an essential requirement to complete the process and avoid setbacks at the Consejo de Seguridad Vial (COSEVI) – Road Safety Council offices.
The next step to complete the process, all outstanding fines and amounts must be paid before showing up for the scheduled appointment.
Starting in November 2024, license plates can also be requested online, provided the user is registered in the system or has a digital signature. Once the requirements have been met and the corresponding payment(s) made, COVESI will send them to the owner’s registered address by way of the Correos de Costa Rica (Post Office).
For vehicles, naturally, the mail option is not available, and in addition to paying all outstanding fines, this can include traffic tickets and administrative charges, the owner must also pay for towing and storage fees.
The tow truck fee is ¢7,622.19 for the first 6 km and ¢1,270.37 for each additional kilometer; While storage costs are ¢4,185.04 per day. These fees are not for profit, but cover operating expenses for transportation and care.
Sometimes, depending on the reason for impoundment, additional paperwork or compliance with legal requirements may be necessary.
Payments can be made online through the COSEVI portal, via SINPE transfers, or in person at the Banco de Costa Rica (BCR), Banco BAC, or ASECONSEVI (Tucán Point).
Payment arrangements or installment payments are not permitted.
Once the owner has all their information up to date, they must appear at the corresponding Appeals Unit with a scheduled appointment to obtain the return order. Only the registered owner or a person with notarized authorization can complete this procedure.
An important part of the process is identifying where the car or plates have been taken, usually to a designated impound lot or COSEVI office closest to where the seizure of the vehicle or plates occurred.
Receiving a foreign vehicle and plates
Requirements for recovering a foreign vehicle or license plates of a foreign vehicle:
- Temporary import certification with Customs Authority stamps or verification from TICA (National Institute of Statistics and Census).
- Current proof of insurance payment from an authorized insurance company (provisional vehicle registration)
- Original and copy of the vehicle’s title.
- Original of the current license of the authorized driver or declarant.
- Valid passport in good condition.
- Original of the Citation notice used to remove the license plates or vehicle; fines paid
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