While driving in Costa Rica as a tourist, you can use your current driver’s license for up to 90 days. If you plan to stay longer, or plan to be a permanent resident, you must get a Costa Rican driver’s license.
Licenses are issued in about an hour in the central office in San Jose’, located one block west of Plaza Víquez on the southwest corner (Ave. 18 and Calle 5). Tel. 227-2188. You can also go to several regional offices located in San Carlos, San Ramón, Liberia, Limón and Perez Zeldón.
Several business named Examen Médico or Dictamen are located on the same street. For a $10 fee, you will need to do an eye exam and fill out a form with your medical history. You will be handed a medical certificate. Return to the original office, where the clerk will request your passport and payment of $15. Another clerk will take you photo, and return your ID. After a short wait you receive your Costa Rican DL, valid for 3 year.
If your DL is not current or expired, you need to take a test and written exam. You will need to be familiar with the road signs, and traffic laws. For a small fee, the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation offers several courses and is well worth it. Tel. 226-4201.
As you travel in Costa Rica, always have the proper auto documents with you. The police do occasional road checks. Always be polite and you won't have any problems. If you have committed a traffic violation, do not pay the police on the spot. This is illegal and if asked, should be reported with the Judicial Police or the Legal Department of Transit Police. Tel. 227-2188.
If you are involved in a traffic accident contact the traffic police Tel. 222-7150. It is necessary not to move your car till they've filed a report.
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