Q COSTARICA — Unlike other countries, in Costa Rica, there is no legally mandated age limit for ceasing to drive, so the decision rests with the driver and their family.
It is important to emphasize that seniors or their family members who notice any signs that indicate it’s time to consider stopping driving can request a medical evaluation. Some of the signs include:
- Confusion while driving
- Vehicle damage
- Passenger discomfort
- Decreased motor skills
- Loss of vision or hearing
Other factors to consider is their physical and mental health, as diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other chronic conditions can significantly affect the ability to drive. Also to be considered are energy levels, as fatigue can increase the risk of accidents.
Since there is no age limit, you can renew your driver’s license at any age. However, a medical examination is required to certify that you are fit to drive. This examination is a must for all renewals and is not dependent on the driver’s age.
Whether you get to keep driving comes down to the mandatory medical exam for all renewals, according to the Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes (MOPT) —Ministry of Public Works and Transportation.
To renew a driver’s license, there are a few key requirements:
- Identity document: Physical ID, valid and in good condition, like your cédula if you’re a Costa Rican, a Dimex (resident) card or SR (Residency/Services Application) number in process with immigration if you are a foreigner, or a diplomatic ID.
- Digital medical certificate (dictamen médico): Must be valid (6 months from issue date).
- No outstanding fines: You must have paid any previous traffic violations. You can check your violations on the COSEVI Online Services portal.
- Renewal fee: The standard cost is ¢10,000 payable at the Banco de Costa Rica (BCR). However, if you have 4 or fewer points accumulated, you only need to pay 50% (¢5,000), and your license will be valid for up to 6 years. The bank fee is ¢2,000.
- Driver’s licenses can be renewed up to three months before expiration.
Notes on renewing your license
The process begins with an appointment (cita previa) for free on the BCR website, calling 800-BCRCITA (800-227-2482), or via the BCR Mobile App.
Before arriving at the scheduled appointment at the chosen BCR location, it is important to have completed the digital medical exam registered in the SEDIMEC system. Physical certificates are no longer issued. Certificates issued by the CCSS (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social) are not accepted.
If you need to obtain more than one type of license: A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, B3, B4 (motorcycles, light vehicles, and heavy vehicles), you must make an appointment for each procedure.
The license is issued on the same day as the appointment.
If you have undergone a naturalization process or a change in your identification, first go to the nearest regional Educación Vial (Road Safety Education) office to update your driver’s record, otherwise your procedure may not be carried out.
Being on time for your appointment is important. In fact, the BCR asks you to be 10 minutes early. If you arrive late, you will have to reschedule.
All in all, it’s no longer a complicated deal as long as you come prepared, meaning you’ve taken care of any fines, your medical exam is up to date, and you’ve paid the renewal and bank fees. Just don’t wait until the last minute.