RITEVE no longer runs Costa Rica's mandatory vehicle inspection. Since 2021, DEKRA holds the contract, so if you are asking where to get the technical inspection done today, the short answer is at a DEKRA center, even though many people still call it "RITEVE" out of habit. It is the same required inspection, just under a different operator.
This confusion makes sense. RITEVE ran Costa Rica's technical vehicle inspection (Revisión Técnica Vehicular, or RTV) for more than two decades, and the name stuck in everyday speech the way a brand name sometimes becomes shorthand for an entire service. So when someone says "I took the car to RITEVE," they are actually talking about a DEKRA facility.
Why this matters when buying a used car
A current RTV certificate is one of the key documents you should ask for before closing on any used car purchase in Costa Rica. A vehicle without an up to date inspection may have undiagnosed mechanical issues, or may simply be circulating irregularly, which becomes your problem once you own it.
Before buying, always check:
- That the inspection sticker or certificate is current and matches the vehicle's plate.
- That the car was not rejected on its last inspection without the issues being fixed.
- That the mileage recorded during the inspection matches what the odometer shows.
- That the seller can show you the inspection history if the car has several years on the road.
What the inspection actually covers
Costa Rica's RTV evaluates safety and functional items such as brakes, lights, suspension, emissions, tires, seatbelts and general body condition, among other points. If a vehicle fails, there is normally a window to fix the issue and return for a re-inspection.
For buyers shopping through a marketplace like LatiAutos, a valid, current RTV certificate is a quick practical signal that the vehicle has been maintained and is circulating legally. It does not replace an independent mechanical inspection, but it is a solid first filter.
If you have questions about the paperwork status of a specific vehicle you found in a listing, the best move is to ask the seller directly for the current RTV certificate before scheduling a test drive or signing anything.
Bottom line
RITEVE and DEKRA refer, in practice, to the same mandatory vehicle inspection process in Costa Rica, DEKRA is simply the current operator. Whether you are buying or selling a used car, confirm the inspection is current before anything else.
Frequently asked questions
Are RITEVE and DEKRA the same thing?
They refer to the same mandatory vehicle inspection process in Costa Rica. RITEVE was the previous operator and DEKRA is the company that runs the service now.
Where do I get the technical vehicle inspection done in Costa Rica today?
The inspection is currently done at DEKRA operated centers. Many people still say RITEVE out of habit, but that name refers to the previous operator.
What happens if the car I want to buy does not have a current inspection?
It means the vehicle may not be circulating legally or could have unresolved issues. Always ask for the current inspection certificate before buying a used car.
Do I need a current inspection to sell my used car?
Having a current inspection makes the sale easier because it builds buyer trust and avoids delays during the title transfer process. It is not a legal requirement to list the car, but buyers commonly ask for it.
What does the technical inspection in Costa Rica check?
It evaluates brakes, lights, suspension, emissions, tires, seatbelts and general body condition, among other safety and functional points.