Relocating to Costa Rica with the intention of staying long term requires more than relaxing under palm trees or trekking cloud forests. It is also imperative that you make sure your attention to legal matters are up to date.
If you have plans to stay and get your residency, you’ve probably asked the question, “What about my driving privileges?”
A lot of changes occurred in the past year when it comes to residency and driving privileges, such as the extension of the full visa and foreign driver’s license laws. And as always, Blue Zone Legal wants to make sure your questions are answered.
This guide outlines the steps for converting your foreign driver’s license to a Costa Rican one, ensuring compliance with local laws and avoiding unnecessary complications.
Why do you need to homologate your license?
If you plan to reside in Costa Rica or are in the process of obtaining residency, your foreign driver’s license becomes invalid once your visa expires (typically between 90-180 days). Homologation is required to legally continue driving. Failure to homologate means you will have to leave the country every time your visa expires (aka: border runs) to reset the validity of your foreign license, no matter your status. Homologation eliminates this inconvenience, allowing you to stay within Costa Rica and focus on your residency or residency process without interruption.
The Homologation Process
The process involves two essential appointments with COSEVI (Costa Rican road safety authority) and Banco de Costa Rica (BCR). Both steps are mandatory for converting your foreign driver’s license into a Costa Rican one.
Step 1: COSEVI Appointment
At the COSEVI appointment, you will submit required documents, including:
- A valid passport
- Certified translation of your passport and foreign driver’s license
- Migration movement record (proof of legal stay)
- Medical report from an approved doctor
You will also undergo a brief interview to confirm your information. If everything is in order, COSEVI will approve your application, moving you forward in the process.
Step 2: BCR Appointment
Once authorized by COSEVI, the final step takes place at BCR where you will:
- provide identification
- have your photo taken
- confirm your information during a short interview.
Upon completing this step, they will issue your Costa Rican driver’s, making you legally eligible to drive in the country.
Costa Rican Driver’s License Homologation Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for homologating your driver’s license in Costa Rica, you must:
- Hold valid residency (DIMEX) or provide proof of an open case with Immigration Authorities (Plantilla)
- Possess a valid foreign driver’s license
Take note: Motorcycle licenses must be requested at your BCR appointment. Costa Rica issues separate licenses for cars and motorcycles.
How Blue Zone Legal Can Assist
Our Driver’s License Homologation service is available in San José, Liberia, and Nicoya, covering all key areas where expatriates frequently settle. Blue Zone Legal provides full support throughout the homologation process, ensuring compliance with Costa Rican regulations.
We handle:
- document preparation
- certified translations
- medical reports
- appointment scheduling
Our team will also accompany you to both COSEVI and BCR appointments, ensuring that everything proceeds smoothly and without delay.
When you choose to rely on Blue Zone Legal, you avoid common mistakes, save time, and make the process as straightforward and efficient as possible.
Contact Blue Zone Legal Today
For more information on how Blue Zone Legal can assist you with the driver’s license homologation process (or any other Real Estate, Corporate or Immigration needs), please contact us today at info@bluezonelegal.com today. Avoid unnecessary border runs and let us help you maintain your driving privileges throughout your residency process.
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