This is the obligatory liability insurance carried on all vehicles in Costa Rica.

It must be renewed annually between November 1 and December 31.  A car without an insurance decal on the windshield is illegal after the 1st of January.  When the marchamo is paid, it is necessary to pay any parking or traffic tickets that were issued against the car during the year and to prove that the vehicle inspection sticker is current. 

It can be done at the MOPT offices, or at a number of private locations including some private banks.  The cost of the marchamo depends on the year, make and model of the car.  If you wait till the last minute, you’ll need to deal with huge line ups.. so plan ahead!

The marchamo you must pay is available on-line at: 
portal.ins-cr.com/csoa/