Buying a Used Car in Costa Rica: Expat Guide

Buying a used car in Costa Rica as a foreigner does not require residency, but you do need valid ID (passport or DIMEX), you must complete the traspaso at the Registro Nacional, and you should confirm the vehicle has a current RITEVE inspection. The process is straightforward if you buy from a trustworthy seller or dealer and check the paperwork before signing.

What you need before signing

The seller should hand over the original tarjeta de circulacion, proof that the marchamo is paid up to date, and a valid RITEVE certificate. Before buying, get the license plate number and check with the Registro Nacional that there are no liens, embargoes, or unpaid fines against the vehicle. This can be done online or with help from a local lawyer.

The traspaso: the most important legal step

The traspaso is the process that transfers legal ownership into your name at the Registro Nacional, and it is required for the sale to be valid. It is normally handled by a lawyer or notary, who drafts the transfer deed, calculates the applicable tax (generally a percentage of the vehicle's fiscal value), and files it. Expect the registration to take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks depending on backlog.

RITEVE and marchamo

RITEVE is the mandatory technical inspection that confirms the car meets safety and emissions standards. If the certificate is expired you cannot legally drive the car until it is renewed, so confirm the expiration date before buying. The marchamo is the annual payment that covers road tax and mandatory insurance; if it is overdue, the seller should either pay it or discount that cost from the price.

Financing for foreigners

Traditional bank financing for non residents is limited in Costa Rica. Many banks require legal residency, a local credit history, or a Costa Rican co-signer. Because of this, most expats either pay cash or negotiate direct financing through the dealership. If you plan to stay long term, it is worth checking with a local bank before setting your budget.

Importing versus buying locally

Importing your own car means paying high import duties, which can exceed the vehicle's value depending on its age and engine size, plus the paperwork to legally nationalize it. For most expats, buying a used car that is already nationalized in Costa Rica ends up simpler and cheaper than importing one from the US or elsewhere.

You can browse listings from sellers and dealerships across the market at latiautos.com to get a general sense of what is available before visiting in person.

Final recommendations

Before closing the deal, take the car to a trusted independent mechanic for an inspection, regardless of what the RITEVE certificate says. Negotiate the price based on the car's real condition, mileage, and whether the marchamo and RITEVE are current. Never hand over money until the traspaso is formally underway with a notary.