As of January 2017 you no longer have to go all the way to San Jose to obtain a driver’s license! You can get a driver’s license right in Perez Zeledon (PZ) but you do however, have to be prepared.

Beginning in January, a license exchange program has put into place and can be accomplished from 8:00 am until noon on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the CoseVI (part of the Public Works and Transportation Ministry or MOPT) in San Isidro. If you are unsure of the location, check out the map on Facebook after searching “CoseVI San Isidro”.

First, you will have to go to the “dictamen medico” (basically the doctor) who can be found right by the CoseVI office. You will be given a brief physical for a minimal fee along with a paper to provide to the staff at the CoseVI.

Next, make sure that you have the following documents with you before you go to the CoseVI. You will need:
•Your license from the U.S. – the actual license plus 2 copies front and back
•Your cedula (proof of residency/identification card if you have it) from TSE (Immigration otherwise also known as The Supreme Court of Elections)
•Your passport plus 2 copies of the front page of your passport
•2 copies of your last border crossing (In other words proof that you haven’t out-stayed the 90 day Visa requirement.)

Typically the man at the front gate of the CoseVI has good English and can direct you inside. From there you go to the person at the front desk to provide your paperwork. That person will direct you to another for more paperwork and a photo. You will then be directed to the original person in the office and asked to pay 5 mil (likely paid at a desk next door).

As with most DMVs in the U.S. timing depends on volume and circumstance. If there is a line, you will wait; if there are problems with the computer that day, you will wait; you might just get a good day and have the whole process take very little time. Your new driver’s license will be good for 3 years.

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