www.CostaRicaTicas.com

What are the requirements to obtain a Costa Rican Driver's License?
Do you need to be a resident, or have residency status, or own a home in CR?
Is there any advantages to having a CR Drivers License, while in CR or the U.S.?
Is it even possible for a U.S. Citizen to obtain a CR Driver's License?

I know that you do not need one while driving in CR, as they honor your U.S. Driver's license. Hell, I've already gotten 2 tickets from the CR Policia on my U.S. License. But what about the other way around?

I'm just spit-balling here, but if someone has their CR driver's license, and gets pulled over in the U.S., what would happen? Would the officer write you a ticket using your CR license ? If so, there is no reciprocity between the DMV in the U.S. and in Costa Rica. I would think this would be an advantage to having a CR driver's license in the U.S. Am I an idiot for thinking like this ? Wait a minute....don't answer that last one.

Aww, ph*ck it. I'm just babbling. Too much time on my hands today. If anyone has any constructive input on this, feel free.
Thanks,
Mikey-B

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You ALWAYS have an option ....... "NEXT" !!!

Micky-B

This info may be dated,Ive had my CR drivers license for 18 years. Unless the rules have changed, tourists could obtain a CR drivers license. All that is required is a bullsh*t eye exam that is nothing but a 5000 colone rip. And a copy of your current US license.

There is an advantage of having a CR license in the US. I have been pulled over a number of times in the US and was only issued a ticket once. I think they knew damn well I was never going to show up in traffic court. Take this info with a grain of salt as it may be dated

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not as good as I once was, but as good once as I ever was

Thanks Tuanis. But are you a CR resident or a US citizen? And how long does it take to get a CR license? Is it a simple process, or is it like everything else, with numerous visits, show up at 7 different locations, 3 boxes of paperwork, wait in 4 different lines, give up your 1st born, etc, etc, etc....
Of course I'm exaggerating, but I'm curious about the whole process.
Mikey-B

_________________
You ALWAYS have an option ....... "NEXT" !!!

The main requirement is that you have to be a reckless driver and must be able to disobey all traffic signs and lights.

The requirements to obtain a CR drivers license are relatively easy provided you do it in a timely manner.

You go to the MOPT building (Avenida 20 Calle 11). You will need to have your valid US license, your passport (not a photo copy) with an entry stamp not more than 90 days old, a medical /eye exam certificate.

You get the medical/eye certificate at any of a dozen clinics in that area for a charge of 4000/5000 colones.

You then take all of that and some copies of your passport (how many copies not sure so say 6 or so to be safe) into the MOPT building. You first have to go into an office on the right back side and have a lady (not a very pleasant women) verify your passport and state license. You then get on another line and a clerk enters all your info in to the computer. You then take the paper he gives you to the Banco de Costa Rica (in the same building) pay your fee (about 4000 colones) and then proceed to the picture taking area. They will take your picture and in a couple of minutes the machine will spit out your 2 year license.

The reason I said if you get it in a timely manner it is easy is because if you have been in the country more than 90 days you must take the written (in Spanish) test to get a license. You DO NOT have to be a resident.


HINT: All around the MOPT building you will find guys offering to walk you through the process for a fee. It is up to you but unless your Spanish skills are good I think they are worth the small fee.

As for using your CR license in the states I have heard it go both ways. Some cops will figure it is not worth the hassle and just let you go others will run your birth date and SS number to see if you have a valid states license. When it comes back you have a current valid US license they get a little annoyed and write you using your state license number.

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Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

Ding Dong,
Thank you for that info. It was exactly what I was looking for.
BTW, can all this be done in one day ?
Thanks again.
Mikey-B

_________________
You ALWAYS have an option ....... "NEXT" !!!

Depending on the amount of people applying that particular day the whole process should be 2 to 4 hours. Having a hustler help you out will most likely shave a little time off since he knows where to go in each step of the process.

_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

I have had my CR license for several years and I am not a resident. I went with a taxi driver who knew the best times to go and he walked me through all of the steps. It will take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours depending upon the length of the lines.

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NON ILLEGITIMI CARBORUNDUM

DG

Don't you have to have a valid address in CR before they will issue a license?

Lionking

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"You can only keep a secret between two people if the other one is dead." Ben Franklin

I do not remember when I got my original license if I had to provide them with a CR address. If I did they accepted the hotel as the address. They know you are a tourist as you must show your passport with a current 90 day tourist vise.

When I renewed my license, after the initial 2 years, I had my residency and they did request my address. I did not need to have a current valid entry date in my passport of course.

_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

the hotel address is sufficient.

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NON ILLEGITIMI CARBORUNDUM

DG

Guys,
This is all great information. Thanks a million. I owe ya'all a drink or two !!!
Mikey-B

_________________
You ALWAYS have an option ....... "NEXT" !!!

of course, if you want you taxi license the process is more difficult, since you must prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that you've forgotten where everything is.

Got my CR/DL back in July . It is as you have been told. Your DL number will be your US Passport number. They will license you for whatever you have in the US. Passenger Vehicle/ Motorcycle etc. I went on a holiday and the lines were horendous. It took about 5 hours. I had my wallet stolen the night before my October CR trip and thus, I wanted a duplicate. For a duplicate, the fee was cheaper and I was out of there in 20 minutes. One advantage to having it, is that it does not specify whether or not you are a CR resident. I carry it and a copy of my passport when out and about town. I was stopped in November for being in the downtown area with license plates that were not allowed on that day. They seemed impressed that I had a CR DL and when I explained that I was driving a rental car, they politely sent me on my way. ( Now, is it too late to get in on the free drink? )

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My life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming...." MAN....WHAT A RIDE!!!!"