If you’re planning to drive in Costa Rica, whether as a short-term visitor with a rental car or as an expat settling in with your own vehicle, the Marchamo comes up fast. This annual fee keeps vehicles legal on the roads and ties directly into insurance and safety rules.
It applies to everyone behind the wheel—tourists, locals, and long-term residents alike. Missing it leads to real headaches like fines or even having your car taken off the road. In this post, I’ll break down what the Marchamo means, how it works, and why it matters, especially for expats building a life here.
What Is the Marchamo?
The Marchamo is Costa Rica’s yearly vehicle circulation permit. Think of it as a bundled payment that lets you drive legally anywhere in the country. Paid once a year, it covers a mix of taxes, insurance, and fees that support public services. Without a valid Marchamo, shown by a sticker on your windshield, police can stop you and issue tickets right away.
This system has been around for years, and while exact amounts shift with government updates, the basics stay the same. Payments usually open in early November and close by December 31 for the next year. For example, the 2026 Marchamo opened on November 3, 2025, with a hard cutoff at the end of that month. After that, late fees kick in.
Why the Marchamo Matters for Road Safety and Compliance
The Marchamo isn’t just a tax—it’s tied to keeping roads safer for everyone. Part of the payment funds the Road Safety Council, which handles programs to cut down on accidents. It also includes mandatory liability insurance that covers damages if you’re in a crash.
Compliance means your vehicle meets basic standards. Before renewing the Marchamo, most vehicles need a passing score from the annual technical inspection, called the Revisión Técnica Vehicular or RTV. This check looks at brakes, lights, emissions, and other parts to make sure the car isn’t a hazard. Dekra runs these inspections at stations across the country, and it takes about 15 minutes if everything’s in order.
Failing to comply puts you at risk. Police check for the Marchamo sticker during routine stops or at checkpoints. No sticker means trouble, and it signals broader issues like skipped inspections that could lead to unsafe driving conditions.
Components of the Marchamo: What’s Included?
The Marchamo packs several payments into one bill. Here’s a breakdown of the main parts, based on how it’s structured:
| Component | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory Automobile Insurance (SOA) | Mandatory third-party liability coverage, up to ₡6 million for injuries, medical bills, disabilities, prosthetics, and funeral costs from accidents. | Protects victims in crashes and meets legal insurance needs. |
| Vehicle Property Tax | A tax based on the vehicle’s assessed value, set by the Ministry of Finance. | Contributes to national and municipal budgets. |
| Road Safety Council Contribution (COSEVI) | A fee that supports traffic education and safety initiatives. | Funds programs to reduce road accidents. |
| SOA Sales Tax | A 13% tax on the insurance portion. | Standard value-added tax applied to the SOA. |
| Fire Department Tax | A small charge for vehicle-related services from firefighters. | Supports emergency response teams. |
| National Council for People with Disabilities Contribution | A fee aiding accessibility and support programs. | Helps with services for disabled individuals. |
| Red Cross Contribution | Funds for emergency medical services. | Bolsters first-aid and rescue operations. |
| Other Minor Fees | Includes items like parking meter taxes, traffic violation funds, environmental stamps, and professional college stamps. | Covers various public services and administrative costs. |
These add up differently for each vehicle, but the insurance and property tax make up the bulk.
Who Needs to Pay the Marchamo?
Every registered vehicle in Costa Rica requires a Marchamo, no exceptions. That means if the car is in the national registry, someone has to pay—even if it’s sitting unused in a garage. The owner handles it, but anyone with the license plate number can make the payment.
This rule hits all drivers:
- Locals with daily commutes.
- Tourists renting cars for a week or two.
- Expats who buy or import vehicles.
If you’re driving, the vehicle better have a current Marchamo, or you’re breaking the law.
Marchamo for Rental Cars: What Drivers Should Know
Renting a car in Costa Rica? The rental company takes care of the Marchamo payment as part of their operations. It’s built into your rental rate, so you don’t pay it separately. When you pick up the keys, check for the sticker on the windshield—it shows the year and proves it’s valid.
Why check? If the company slips up and the Marchamo expires, police might ticket you during your trip. In that case, it’s the rental firm’s fault, and they should cover any fines. Reputable companies like those partnered with major brands keep things current, but always glance at the sticker for peace of mind.
The Marchamo’s mandatory insurance is the bare minimum liability coverage. Rentals often push extra policies for collision or theft, which aren’t required by law but can save you money if something goes wrong. Stick to the basics if your credit card covers rentals, but read the fine print.
Marchamo for Expats: Why It Matters When Living in Costa Rica
As an expat, owning a car makes getting around easier, especially outside big cities like San José. But with that comes the Marchamo, a key part of vehicle ownership here. If you buy a used car or import one, you’ll pay this fee every year to stay legal.
It matters because skipping it blocks you from driving, selling the car, or even transferring ownership. Expats often face higher costs if they own newer or imported models, since the property tax scales with value. Plan for it in your budget—it’s due at year-end, right when holiday expenses pile up.
Good news: You can handle it from anywhere. Online payments accept international credit cards, and you don’t need to be in the country. Just use the plate number on the official site. If you’re new to Costa Rica, factor this in when calculating car costs—along with fuel, maintenance, and inspections.
For long-term residents, the Marchamo reinforces road rules that keep everyone safe. It ensures your car has insurance and passes safety checks, which is smart in a country with varied road conditions like potholes and mountain passes.
How to Check and Pay Your Marchamo
Checking what you owe is simple. Head to the Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS) website, enter your license plate, and see the total. No account needed for the lookup.
Payment options include:
- Online through the INS portal with a credit or debit card.
- In person at banks like Banco Nacional, BCR, BAC San José, or Promerica.
- At select supermarkets or authorized collection points.
Once paid, you get a digital receipt, and the sticker arrives by mail or pickup. Keep the circulation card in your glove box—police might ask for it.
If you’re late, interest adds up daily, and fines start January 1. Better to pay early and avoid the rush.
How Marchamo Costs Are Calculated
Costs vary widely, from ₡50,000 for an old motorcycle to over ₡500,000 for a luxury SUV. The Ministry of Finance sets the vehicle’s fiscal value based on make, model, year, and condition. Newer or higher-value cars pay more in property tax.
For 2026, averages ran $100 to $1,000, but check your specific amount online. Electric vehicles sometimes get discounts to promote green driving, so if you own one, look for rebates.
The Link to Vehicle Inspections
The Marchamo and RTV inspection go hand in hand. You can’t renew the Marchamo without a valid inspection certificate. Book your RTV at a Dekra station—costs depend on vehicle type, but it’s affordable.
The inspection covers:
- Brakes and suspension.
- Lights and signals.
- Tires and exhaust.
- Emissions for pollution control.
Pass it, and you’re set for the Marchamo. Fail, and fix the issues before retesting. This step keeps substandard vehicles off the roads, tying back to overall safety.
Penalties for Not Paying or Complying
Ignore the Marchamo, and penalties hit hard. Starting January 1, unpaid vehicles face:
- A ₡51,000 fine (about $100) per stop.
- Confiscation of license plates.
- Vehicle impound until you pay up, plus towing fees.
Over 250,000 drivers faced this in early 2026 after missing the deadline. Late payments also add daily interest, making it more expensive the longer you wait.
For inspections, driving without a valid RTV brings similar fines and risks. Police enforce both strictly, especially on highways.
Tips for Handling the Marchamo Smoothly
Set a calendar reminder for early November to check your amount. If you’re an expat, use online banking to pay without travel hassles.
Budget ahead—add 10-20% to last year’s cost for inflation. If buying a car, ask about the current Marchamo status to avoid surprises.
For rentals, pick companies with good reviews on maintenance. And always carry your driver’s license, passport, and rental papers.
Staying on top of the Marchamo keeps your drives stress-free in Costa Rica’s varied terrain, from beaches to volcanoes.
In short, the Marchamo keeps vehicles legal and supports safe roads for all. Whether you’re renting for a vacation or owning as an expat, treat it as a non-negotiable part of driving here. Handle it right, and you’ll focus on the trip ahead.
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Learn about the Costa Rica Marchamo, the annual vehicle fee that includes insurance and taxes. Find out how it affects rental drivers, expats, and road safety—plus payment tips to avoid fines. (148 characters)