Getting a Costa Rica Drivers License - "Do Not Smile"
I promise to go into the how-to's for obtaining a drivers license in Costa Rica, but first I must detail part of the experience so those that follow in my footsteps can see some light at the end of the tunnel while sitting through the process.
Disclaimer: In my many visits and dealings with Costa Rica government offices such as the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (Immigration), the Ministra de Relaciones Exteriores de Costa Rica (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chicago Consulate, Chicago Consul General), Registro Civil (Civil Registry) within the Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones, etc., etc. - I have always found Costa Rica government employees to be courteous and helpful. Maybe this is why I was lulled into a false sense of thinking all Costa Rica government offices where so nice to deal with. So, for the record: I feel that the Costa Rica Road Security Council or Consejo de Seguridad Vial (COSEVI) and other employees on the COSEVI campus are the exception and not the rule for government workers with attitudes.
Without question, I had been looking forward to getting my first form of official Costa Rica identification as it would make me feel more a part of my new home. However, interacting with the Costa Rica drivers license issuing Consejo de Seguridad Vial or COSEVI employees made it somewhat difficult to maintain my enthusiasm. As a former U.S. state and county government employee I should have recognized the situation from a distance, but I will admit I was a little slow on seeing what was going on around me as I tried to navigate my way toward a successful driver's license. What I'm talking about is the fact that the Costa Rica COSEVI government employees are just not happy people ... and you better be careful, because I think it's contagious! Even the on-site Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) teller seemed to have swallowed a s#*t sandwich for lunch as he stared at me because I made the really stupid mistake of thinking I could pay my drivers license fees with my bank debit card at of all places; A BANK (just like I have done numerous times at the BCR branch at Immigration).
I was sent upstairs to the "Jefe" or 'boss' twice, to the bank twice, to the processing clerk three times and finally to the license issuing clerk. I was told to sit down three different times by three different COSEVI employees when I tried to stand between seat-shifts in their game of musical chairs they insist you play. Finally my worst fears where confirmed - when I had completed all that was asked of me and I was finally sitting down in front of the camera, mere seconds away from getting my gringo face on a Costa Rica drivers license ... I was literally reprimanded for 'smiling'.
Yes you read that right, the COSEVI camera operator actually stopped the process of taking my picture and instructed me in clear English: "do not smile". Just in case I misunderstood, I repeated back his own words in the form of a question: "Do not smile?!" The COSEVI employee confirmed; "We do not smile in my country". I asked why not and he replied, "We are not happy in Costa Rica". You just can't make this stuff up and I met another American today at the Immigration office that had the exact same experience - we think it was the same COSEVI employee that obviously means it when he says '[he] is not happy'!
Being told I could not smile for a picture only made me smile, because this guy was the poster child for why I got out of government employment years ago ... and apparently it's a universally miserable fricking situation mostly due to the fact that everybody from the administration on down loath the bureaucracy that is so much a part of their own self worth. So I told the clerk, "I am happy to be in Costa Rica" and he mumbled something about "Americanos" to another native Costa Rican that was behind me in line. But I refused to be brought down and even joked my way into getting a smile from the clerk before leaving. Hopefully, I too am contagious.
How to get a Drivers License in Costa Rica.
If you have a current/valid drivers license issued from any U.S. state or many other countries and have not exceeded your 90 day tourist stay ... you can get a Costa Rica drivers license. If you are already a resident of Costa Rica, you don't need to worry about any time limits because you are no longer a tourist.
It's pretty much that simple for qualifying. Now all you have to do is go get the drivers license.
Where to go:
In order to get your first Costa Rica drivers license you must go to the main Consejo de Seguridad Vial or COSEVI office campus in La Uruca (506-2257-7200, www.csv.go.cr):
Directions: La Uruca is Northwest of downtown San Jose towards the Juan Santamaria International Airport and Southeast of the Immigration offices. The COSEVI office campus is just West of the Mercedes-Benz dealership and the Banco Nacional branch - several kilometers East of Burger King and the Mazda/Kia dealership. The reddish colored COSEVI office can be seen from the road, but if you are driving and need to park, turn down the first street to the West of building. It's a south only turn at a large Bridgestone/Mobile service station, across the street from a Yamaha dealership. Go down the hill until you see the guard shack and entrance on the left or the East side of the road. If you still need a medical exam, before entering the COSEVI campus park your car past the entrance and obtain your medical exam at the open air doctor's post for ¢10.000,00 colónes ($20.00).
What to bring:
- Passport (original for review)
- Passport copies
- Copy of main passport page with picture and vitals.
- Copy of passport page showing last date of entry stamp (if not a resident, cannot exceed 90 days)
- Current Drivers License (original from issuing U.S. state or other country)
- Drivers License copy
- Medical Exam (original document specifically completed for obtaining a Costa Rica drivers license)
- Easily obtain the medical exam just south of the COSEVI complex entrance for ¢10.000 colónes.
- My exam consisted of a passport review, a couple questions and a blood pressure reading - nothing more.
- Cash (if you try to use a bank debit card at the COSEVI bank 'branch', the BCR teller with the attitude just stares at you because you're obviously really stupid)
- ¢10.000,00 colónes for doctor's medical exam.
- ¢ 4.000,00 colónes for each class of license (ie: ¢8.000,00 for both an automobile and motorcycle license)
When to go:
Avoiding long lines is the key to true sanity when faced with the passive-aggressive environment that is the COSEVI offices.
As with many other basic Costa Rica how-to issues, I consulted with Roy Nicholas (www.CostaRicaProblemSolvers.com, 506-8381-1816, HolisticCR@yahoo.com) prior to setting out on my driver's license adventure. Nick suggested we go on a Wednesday shortly after noon ... after any morning rush while allowing enough time prior to closing. Without being able to compare this with other days and times, I can tell you that there were no lines to speak of anywhere during the process. The doctor attended to me without any wait, I was able to walk right up to the COSEVI campus Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) teller window on two different occasions and the wait to see a COSEVI clerk and get my actual drivers license was less than ten minutes each time I was directed back around. So I'm going to suggest the midweek shortly after-noon time slot for anybody that reads this blog seeking real-time direction.
What you get:
You will get one or more of these, depending on how many different types of motorized wheels you want to drive in Costa Rica.
Non-smiling Costa Rica Drivers License for an automobile (Tipo: B1)
Non-smiling Costa Rica Drivers License for a motorcycle (Tipo: A4)
Now that I'm licensed, I will see you on the number one competitive driving course in Central America ... aka: the Avenidas and Calles of Costa Rica ;o)
( ¡Pura Vida! )
o
o
o @..@
(----)
( )--( )
o0..0o
*** I just realized, even my Costa Rica signature frog isn't smiling - I'll have to work on that!***
For information on related subjects, be sure to visit: Driving in Costa Rica, Buying or Importing a Car in Costa Rica, Costa Rica Car Security, and How to Navigate Costa Rica and Costa Rica Gas Prices
Categories: Travel in Costa Rica,Services costs in Costa Rica,Politics in Costa Rica,Residency in Costa Rica,Cost of Living in Costa Rica,Drivers License in Costa Rica,Motorcycles in Costa Rica,Medical Services and Procedures in Costa Rica,Legal Matters in Costa Rica,Life in Costa Rica,Government of Costa Rica,Banking in Costa Rica,Living in Costa Rica,Immigration in Costa Rica,Business in Costa Rica,Moving To Costa Rica,Non-Residency Issues in Costa Rica,Transportation in Costa Rica,Doctors in Costa Rica,Retiring in Costa Rica,Retire in Costa Rica,Automobiles in Costa Rica,Costa Rica Consulate,Driving in Costa Rica,Laws in Costa Rica,Health Care in Costa Rica
Trackbacks
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5/5/2008 3:31 PM
Costa Rica Blogger wrote:
Many argue there is no need to have a car in Costa Rica.
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5/5/2008 3:41 PM
Costa Rica Blogger wrote:
Many argue there is no need to have a car in Costa Rica.- 5/6/2008 4:00 PM Costa Rica Blogger wrote:
Many argue there is no need to have a car in Costa Rica.- 5/7/2008 1:41 PM Costa Rica Blogger wrote:
Many argue there is no need to have a car in Costa Rica.- 6/6/2008 11:53 AM Costa Rica Blogger wrote:
Many argue there is no need to have a car in Costa Rica.- 6/11/2008 5:51 PM Costa Rica Blogger wrote:
Many argue there is no need to have a car in Costa Rica.- 10/3/2008 8:46 PM Costa Rica Blogger wrote:
Many argue there is no need to have a car in Costa Rica.- 10/13/2008 3:02 PM Costa Rica Blogger wrote:
I was driving home last night when I noticed cars clustered around the gas station nearest my home (cars don't line-up in Costa Rica ... they cluster and wedge). Mentally checking the day and date I couldn't figure out why so many drivers were waiting for gas at the same time - after all, it wasn't a traditional Costa Rica pay day.
This morning I read in the newspaper that gas prices had been raised in Costa Rica overnight. This move in gas prices must have been planned for so many people to be aware of...
- 11/11/2008 9:04 PM Gary Said... wrote:
So went to get my driver's license today. What a bureaucracy! The only plus was that it wasn't very busy. I knew this was going to be a hassle so I hired someone to take me there and work me through the process, it was $35 well spent. I would... - 5/6/2008 4:00 PM Costa Rica Blogger wrote:
Bill
Thanks for sharing!!!
One question, as I am about to get my license ... isn't their an office in Liberia I can go to???
Gracias,
Sarah
Reply to this
Hi Sarah,
There is a COSEVI office in Liberia, but I am not familiar with what services are offered at the individual offices.
According to the COSEVI web site the Liberia office phone number is 2666-2095. I would have someone call that speaks fluent Tico to get a good answer to your question.
Please let me know how your experience compares and if you find any relevant information I should add to my post for the benefit of others.
-Bill
Reply to this
Bill,
Great info, thanks
Have started my due diligents for a move to CR (perm, I hope) from North Carolina.
How is the Internet in CR? And, what about cell phones?
Again, most enjoy your stuff...and writing style!
Reply to this
Hi Cliff!
Thanks for the kind words regarding CostaRicaBlogger.com ... it's always good to hear my adventures are benefiting others!
I do have a blog posted regarding your question on Costa Rica cell phones. To view, goto: http://costaricablogger.com/2008/04/07/getting-a-cell-phone-in-costa-rica.aspx
The Internet in Costa Rica is adequate in most areas with coverage and speeds expanding steadily.
If high-speed Internet is a "must have" for your relocation - research its availability in the areas you are looking to move.
Let me know if you have further questions or topics you would like covered in future Costa Rica blogs.
-Bill
www.BienvenidosCostaRica.com
Reply to this
This cartoon made me think of your story.
http://www.geekculture.com/joyoftech/joyarchives/1205.html
Reply to this
Gary,
That is too funny and a perfect fit for my COSEVI experience!
I have added the cartoon to the story for brevity.
Good Call and Thanks for sharing!!!
-Bill
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Guess Costa Rica was ahead of it's time !!
Four states adopt 'no-smiles' policy for driver's licenses
Stopping driver's license fraud is no laughing matter: Four states are ordering people to wipe the grins off their faces in their license photos.
"Neutral facial expressions" are required at departments of motor vehicles (DMVs) in Arkansas, Indiana, Nevada and Virginia. That means you can't smile, or smile very much. Other states may follow.
The serious poses are urged by DMVs that have installed high-tech software that compares a new license photo with others that have already been shot. When a new photo seems to match an existing one, the software sends alarms that someone may be trying to assume another driver's identity.
But there's a wrinkle in the technology: a person's grin. Face-recognition software can fail to match two photos of the same person if facial expressions differ in each photo, saysCarnegie Mellon University robotics professor Takeo Kanade .
Dull expressions "make the comparison process more accurate," says Karen Chappell, deputy commissioner of the Virginia DMV, whose no-smile policy took effect in March.
Elaine Mullen of Great Falls, Va., bristled at the policy while renewing her license until she heard the reasoning. "It's probably safer from a national-security point of view," she says.
Arkansas, Indiana and Nevada allow slight smiles. "You just can't grin really large," Arkansas driver services chief Tonie Shields says.
A total of 31 states do computerized matching of driver's license photos and three others are considering it, says the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators. Most say their software matches faces regardless of expressions. "People can smile here in Pennsylvania," state Transportation Department spokesman Craig Yetter says.
In Illinois, photo matching has stopped 6,000 people from getting fraudulent licenses since the technology was launched in 1999, says Beth Langen, the state head of Drivers Services.
Contributing: Drew FitzGerald, Marisol Bello
Reply to this
How old do you have to be to drive in Costa Rica?
?? im just wondering like, if u were to live there
I am not going to Costa Rica, much less driving there. My friend and i have a bet and i just want the TRUE answer, how old do you have to be to drive?
Thank you for your advice though, it will help someone else who views this page im sure.
Reply to this
Delila,
You must be 18 years old to obtain a Costa Rica drivers license ... however, maturing past 18 is not required being as adolescent driving is the norm in Costa Rica ;o)
As for renting a car in Costa Rica, you must be 25 years old - an important fact for many vacationing here.
Additionally, U.S. visitors can drive non-rented vehicles on a temporary basis with their valid U.S. licenses provided they are 18 years of age without obtaining any Costa Rica documentation.
For a full list of Costa Rica legal ages, visit: http://tinyurl.com/CostaRicaLegalAges
Reply to this
Thatnks! you told me just what i was looking for!
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I went in on 5-18-09 to renew my CR License. There was only about 5 minute wait once I entered in with Blood Typing in hand and having paid all the fees prior over at Uruca and then trouble started. I went up to a counter being manned by a tico with glasses and I made the mistake of moving the chair in front of his desk to sit down and he yelled at me.
Then came several insults...Take off your sunglasses, remove your ipod.."what nationality are you?" he then asked. I replied "I am a tico and a american" and then boy did he blow his top. "Sir, you are not a tico. I am a tico. You are a gringo! look at my skin - mine is brown - yours is white - YOU ARE NOT A TICO - YOU ARE GRINGO SIR!" Rudest guy I have met in my time here in costa rica. First time I have ever felt racial discrimination.
I suppose he was having a bad day OR maybe worse he is angry at the fact that foreginers like me have chosen costa rica to settle in - All I can say is what a shocking experience it was
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IF YOU GO TO SAN JOSE FOR A DRIVERS LICENSE THE HOURS FOR FORIEGNERS IS FROM 8AM TO 11AM MONDAY THRU FRIDAY. 2 COPIES OF YOUR PASSPORT FRONT PAGE AND TWO COPIES OF YOUR RECENT ENTRY INTO COSTA RICA AND TWO COPIES OF YOUR VALID FORIEGN DRIVERS LICENCE.
Reply to this
TO MY LAST COMMENT I FORGOT TO INCLUDE THAT ALONG WITH ALL THOSE COPIES YOU MUST ALSO PRESENT YOUR ORIGINAL PASSPORT AND DRIVERS LICENCE. YOU WILL WAIT ON LINE OUTSIDE FOR A SHORT WHILE. ONCE INSIDE AND PRESENT YOUR DOCUMENTS THEY WILL SEND YOU TO BANCO NACIONAL TO PAY 4000 COLONIES. YOU WILL GET A RECEIPT AND GO BACK AND WAIT ON LINE OUTSIDE AGAIN. THEY WILL NOT LET YOU BACK IN WITHOUT WAITING ON LINE AGAIN.
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