Before finalizing the purchase of a vehicle in Costa Rica, it is highly recommended to carry out two crucial checks to ensure a safe and transparent transaction.

First, a comprehensive mechanical inspection should be conducted to verify that the car is in proper working condition and free from hidden issues that could result in costly repairs.

Next, a vehicle registry check should be performed through the National Registry to ensure the vehicle is free of legal issues, encumbrances, fines, or ownership disputes.

The vehicle must also be fully up-to-date with all legal and technical obligations before completing a purchase. This includes:

Payment of the annual circulation tax (known as Marchamo)

Passing the mandatory technical inspection (Revisión Técnica Vehicular, RTV)

Being completely free of encumbrances, legal annotations, reported accidents (crashes), and outstanding traffic tickets

These checks are essential to ensure the vehicle has a clean legal history and can be transferred without issues.

After completing the legal and registry review process, the next step is to create and sign the official transfer deed (bill of sale). This document legally finalizes the change of ownership.

You can visit our offices to sign the deed, or one of our licensed notaries can visit you at your location to complete the process at your convenience.

We offer flexible and secure notarial services to ensure your vehicle purchase is legally formalized without complications.

The registration stamps and transfer tax amount to approximately 3.5% of the declared tax value of the vehicle.

Additionally, notary fees typically represent around 2% of the same declared value.

Understanding these costs upfront helps ensure a smooth and transparent vehicle transfer process.

If you want to bring your car or import a vehicle to Costa Rica, you must pay the import duties and complete the registration process.

 

Our notaries will guide you through the registration process.

General requirements:

The vehicle’s owner must sign the registration deed. If you are purchasing a vehicle from another person, the transfer of ownership can be included in the same registration document.

Electronic submission of the Unique Customs Declaration (DUA) is required for all imported vehicles

All vehicles entering Costa Rica must pay the annual circulation tax for the current year. Our notaries can advise and provide a quote for all applicable taxes and fees.

• Contribution of a vehicle as stock capital
• Changing owner details
• Modifying vehicle characteristics
• Vehicle pledge (collateral)
• Cancellation of total or partial pledge
• Vehicle registration
• Engine number change
• Special power of attorney to sell a vehicle