Marchamo 2025 and Dekra: ☎️ A guide for car owners in Costa Rica.
At CPG Legal, one of our primary missions is to ensure that the expat community in Costa Rica stays informed about their legal obligations, especially when managing their assets. For vehicle owners, two essential responsibilities must be handled each year: paying the Marchamo at INS, and completing a technical vehicle inspection with DEKRA Costa Rica. These obligations are something to keep in mind, before you buy a car in Costa Rica. The marchamo 2025 will be due, and it´s important for expats living in Costa Rica, to know what all of this is about. Below, we break down these two key processes to keep your vehicle legally on the road.
Marchamo: What is it and why is it important?
What does the Ins Marchamo 2025 cover?
The Marchamo is managed by the Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS), the National Insurance Institute. It acts as the government’s agent for collecting this annual duty. The amount to be paid varies depending on the vehicle. This used to surprise owners because the calculation formula led to higher amounts year after year, even for depreciating vehicles. This is a thing of the past. The libertarian party of Costa Rica, promoted a law, passed in Congress, that changed how the Marchamo was calculated.
The detailed breakdown of taxes and contributions included in the Marchamo is not often a point of focus. However, one crucial element is the Seguro Obligatorio Automotor (SOA). This mandatory insurance policy covers injuries and disabilities caused by vehicle accidents. It has a coverage limit of up to 6 million colones. This insurance covers medical treatment and hospitalization for accident victims. It also compensates when necessary for severe injuries, medical devices, prosthetics, and funeral costs.
When and how to pay the Ins Marchamo 2025:
The yearly marchamo is usually announced in November, giving car owners until the end of December to pay. You can easily check the amount owed and pay through the INS marchamo website, or by using their dedicated helpline. Paying on time is important, as late payments come with interest penalties.
The easiest way to pay the Marchamo is to head to any bank in Costa Rica. Choose between BAC San José, BCR, Promerica, or Banco Nacional. All you have to do is know the plate number, walk into the bank, and tell the teller you wish to pay the marchamo. They will take care of the rest. Once you pay, you will receive a sticker that must be pasted on the windshield. This sticker is the Marchamo. Keep in mind that you will also receive the yearly circulation permit (tarjeta de circulación), which you should store in your vehicle´s glove compartment.
Police officers can confiscate vehicle registration plates if driving without a valid marchamo. This leads to traffic tickets, fines, and additional bureaucratic hurdles to recoup the plates. It´s a good idea to avoid this by paying in time.
Marchamo 2025: Non-payment consequences:
Driving without a valid Marchamo is not just a minor oversight. It can result in the confiscation of your license plates, fines, and the inconvenience of retrieving your vehicle from government impound lots. Avoiding these consequences is as simple as ensuring your Marchamo payment is completed by the end of the year.
Another inconvenience is that the Public Registry will reject public scriptures regarding the vehicle if the Marchamo is not paid. This means you won´t be able to buy a car in Costa Rica, if the vehicle´s marchamo is not paid. The same applies if you wish to sell it. As notary publics in Costa Rica, we can check if the vehicle is up to date with the marchamo payments. The public registry will simply reject the notarized paperwork if it isn´t, and the transfer won´t go through.
Technical vehicle inspection (DEKRA Costa Rica):
In addition to paying the INS Marchamo, vehicle owners in Costa Rica must also ensure their vehicles pass a technical inspection, as required by the country’s transit laws. This inspection is essential to guarantee that vehicles on the road meet both safety and environmental standards.
What is Dekra?
DEKRA Costa Rica is the company currently responsible for conducting vehicle inspections in Costa Rica. This international organization specializes in vehicle testing and certification and took over the inspection service after the previous provider’s concession ended. DEKRA’s role is to ensure that all vehicles on the road comply with the country’s technical and safety regulations.
How the vehicle inspection works:
Booking an inspection with DEKRA Costa Rica is straightforward, and the process is designed to be quick and efficient. Appointments can be scheduled through DEKRA’s website with inspection centers nationwide. The inspections typically take about 15 minutes to complete, and you’ll need to pay attention to the instructions given during the process—especially if you’re not fluent in Spanish.
Dekra inspection fees:
Final thoughts: Staying on top of your legal responsibilities:
For expats and residents alike, owning a vehicle in Costa Rica has specific legal responsibilities. At CPG LEGAL, we understand that navigating these obligations can sometimes be confusing or overwhelming, especially for those new to the country. However, by staying informed and proactive, you can ensure that your vehicle remains legally roadworthy. Whether it’s paying the Marchamo on time or ensuring that your vehicle passes its DEKRA inspection, taking these steps will keep you free from fines and unnecessary stress.
If you ever have any doubts or need assistance with managing your vehicle-related obligations, don’t hesitate to contact us at CPG LEGAL. We’re here to help you navigate Costa Rica’s legal landscape smoothly. Contact us to help you buy or sell a car in Costa Rica in any province: San José, Heredia, Cartago, Alajuela, Limón, Puntarenas and Guanacaste.
Dr. Christopher Pirie Gil.
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