Getting a Costa Rican Drivers License

The Costa Rican Government entity which is in charge of Drivers License is the Ministry of Public Transportation (M.O.P.T) who in turn delegates the operational part to the Road Safety Council (Consejo de Seguridad Vial).

The most common license type is the CLASS B license which is divided into the following subclasses:

Tipo B1 Light Vehicles from ¼ ton to 1 ½ ton.

Tipo B2 All light vehicles up to 5 tons.

Tipo B3 All light vehicles exceeding 5 tons except heavy towing vehicles

Tipo B4 All light vehciles of any weight including towing.

For first time drivers they must apply for the B1 Drivers License and provide the following supporting documentation:

     Identification Card

    Proof of passing the Basic Driving Course

    Pass the Driving Test

    Medical Certificate

If you have a valid (not expired) foreign drivers license you may apply for a Costa Rican Drivers License if you provide the following documentation:

     Have a valid Passport with an entry visa stamp of no more then 3 months old. If you are a resident you may present your Costa Rican residency card.

    Show your original valid  foreign Drivers License along with a photocopy of the License. 

      Note:  Before the Drivers License Departments lets you stand in line to get your Drivers License you need to take your foreign Drivers License to the Department Chief of the Licensing Division so that they can approve your foreign drivers license for recognition.

     Medical Certificate for Driving.  These are issued by private Doctors that have offices in the vecinity of the Drivers License Station.