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Process for obtaining a CR driver's license

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RogerKB
  8/16/2019 13:05 EST

I have been told conflicting information about obtaining my CR driver's license for the first time. I have all the paperwork except for the dictamen medico. I live near Dominical, which is somewhat near San Isidro/Perez Zeledon de General. I have been told I can get the first time license only in San Jose but doing it in San Isidro/Perez Zeledon would be much easier, of course. Does anyone know if the PSan Isidro/Perez Zeledon office can do the first time driver's license? Thanks!

lindyluvsCR
  8/16/2019 16:21 EST

I don't know about your area, but when I got mine they had the so called medical person there for exam. Came out in her jeans and sat down at desk. Asked if I wore glasses, I said No - contacts, Asked if I took meds. I said No. That was it. Paid some colones and went to next line across the street. Just the usual musical chair routine like at bank but without the music.

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Lisapuravida
  8/17/2019 08:34 EST

You can get CR drivers license in Perez on Tuesday and Wednesday only from 7 am - 11 am. No appointment necessary. A few years ago they allowed some satellite offices to do this to alleviate crowds in Uruca.

lindyluvsCR
  8/17/2019 09:59 EST

Make sure they are open the day and what times you want to go. We went for the :exam: and then they told us the office not open that day for the license so had to go back another day and spend for taxi 2X.

PEBBS
  8/18/2019 21:43 EST

Hi Lyndy its Pebbs ..III' M BAAAACKKKK haha to see what you are up to ..LOL we are so much alike in minds..JUST Friday at the bank I was moaning about the FOUR people playing Musical chairs and HAD to open my big mouth im Spanish and say/"All we need is the music we four are too stupid to know when it is outr turn..they have even put NUMBERS on the vback of the chairs ..We are just like little kids HAHA at least I got a few laughs..in the not even busy bank...As usual you make me smile qith the same mindset and bok me cack 30 years when I had my drivers liscnce test with my ex husband..we almost wet oursleveslaughing,,He asked us BOTH to stand next to each other while we read out very large letters.. we then realized he was in a urry so was testing us BOTH together.....Little did he know that my ex had noo sight in one eye..and I had forgotten my glasses and so when letters got smaller in English (of course he did not understand nor care Igguess as I whispered ..Is that an A or an e,,etcetera...we both passed together with flying colors..Is it anny wonder Ticos have the WORST drivers of any of the several countries in which I have lived hahaha Those days maybe over ,,but I doubt it.. Good to"See" you here are you still in Grecia???
hugs Pebbs/Deb "the typo queen of the Internet" great editor though cos I see them immediately as my posts fly off into cyberspace.. no time to edit ..or tired of it ,,

lindyluvsCR
  8/19/2019 10:20 EST

ola Pebbs - I am not makin typos. My computer is not printin certain letters. Need to et fixed, but want to keep for 2 days so keep puttin off. So...like playin Weel of Fortune! Fill in te missin letters!! LOL

Yes te exam was a oot!!! I couldnt elp ettin tickled.

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acastillo
  9/4/2019 15:34 EST

I have tried 4 times now to get my dl at cosevi. I'm not seeing what others are describing here. They won't even let me in the door.

I showed up at the alajuela office at 7am just as they opened. The security guard told me they wouldn't see me today because they only see 10 people a day and there were already 15 people in line. A guy told me you have to show up at 2 or 3 in the morning to get inside.

I went to the cosevi in la uruca next. It was the exact same situation. I was in line for an hour and a half and it didn't move once. A guy also waiting told me he had been there since 4:30 and he was still waiting at 10 when I gave up and there were half a dozen in front of him.

The whole time I see people going in for renewals or first time tests with no problem. Only the homologacion line doesn't move. What is going on? Did all of you show up at 2am to get in line???

Kohl
  9/4/2019 18:30 EST

Do you now have your cedula in your possession? Has the time on your passport stamp now passed, i.e, 'out of date?' If you have time 'remaining' on your passport, you will not be given a CR license until after the time has 'expired.'
It doesn't sound like this is your problem, but out of your control.

acastillo
  9/4/2019 19:49 EST

Kohl, this is not a matter of not meeting requirements. I can't even get in the building to talk to someone.

Kohl
  9/5/2019 15:46 EST

Maybe you should consider a facility further out. Or use one of the companies that assist new residents in 'getting things done.'

Drneuro100
  9/5/2019 16:11 EST

Sadly because this type of red tape (and not speaking any Spanish) we use an attorney (Outlier Legal) for everything. They schedule everything , providing transport and a Spanish speaking assistant to go with us. We will be opening our first CR bank account next week and they will arrange and accompany us.

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acastillo
  9/5/2019 16:52 EST

Not sure if anyone here is interested in this or not, seems like you all already have licenses, but I talked to some lawyers about this.

This is not just a short term problem related to the protests like I thought. This is a well known ongoing issue for years. One of the lawyers even told me she has someone she can pay to stand in line for me starting from midnight to when the office opens at 7.

How is it this has not been mentioned in all the how tos on getting a drivers license like the comments above or this chirpy little piece from the star?
https://news.co.cr/how-foreigners-can-get-their-costa-rican-drivers-license-and-rtv-in-costa-rica/78802/

Forcing people to wait outside a closed office building on the street in the middle of the night with nowhere to sit, no bathrooms, no food, no security, exposed to the cold, the wind, the rain, and the criminal elements is wrong.

I'm starting to side with the so called negative nabobs. Costa rica is not the sunny paradise it pretends to be. No one should have to expose themselves to this kind of discomfort and danger to get basic state services like drivers licenses.

Lisapuravida
  9/5/2019 17:27 EST

Myself for a renewal and several friends for first time application had no problem with the facility in Puntarenas. As per the article, there are specific hours/days. As suggested, if you can try another facility, hopefully you will not have the problems associated with Uruca and Alajuela. It was a problem for years until they opened up additional offices to complete this requirement. I've been to Uruca and it was a nightmare until the Puntarenas option was offered.

Beaver2015
  9/5/2019 17:41 EST

acastillo,

If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck and quacks like a duck, it is probably a duck, LOL.

This country is backward on every imaginable level.

It has great resources that are being destroyed by the locals; chemicals, garbage is being dumped into rivers etc.

I got some good service from private car rental companies, but all the government run offices and businesses (banks) run in Soviet style mode. Corruption, lineups everywhere.

And some a-holes here come out and preach "Pura Vida" marketing slogans, aka 'Costarican' world view.

Whatever man; used car salesmen.

Don't buy anything tangible in Costa Rica.

Don't deal with the CR government.

Take trips to the border every 90 days if you want to stay longer.

Other than that, visit, take whatever you want, use Costa Rica like a $5 whore that it is.

Whatever you do don't invest any money in this third world country.

Kohl
  9/5/2019 21:24 EST

Well, it has been mentioned many times on many different forums, including this one, so this isn't news to those who have lived here for a while. It is common practice, especially when doing business with immigration, where a 'runner' is sent to keep a spot 'open' for a client. This is what I meant by 'assisting new residents on getting things done'

acastillo
  9/5/2019 22:01 EST

A runner? This is the first I've heard of it and I've been here for years and never needed anything like that before now. The longest I ever had to wait in line at immigration was 4 hours. Where does one get a "runner"?

princzz
  9/5/2019 22:05 EST

That makes no sense! Then go to COSEVI in La Uruca.

princzz
  9/5/2019 22:07 EST

You must have a CR cedula to get a driver's license. You must also present your Foreign Driver's licence within 6 months left.

princzz
  9/5/2019 22:08 EST

Makes no sense...go to La Uruca.

princzz
  9/5/2019 22:16 EST

Border runs every 90 days is BS! AND, IF you have so many complaints why come OR do border runs? Most people that do border runs can't qualify for an ID *Cedula ' for legal reasons. Getting an ID legal, whether you want to live in CR is way cheaper and less hassle than border runs every 4 months, and you are NOT "guaranteed " to be let back in to care for your house, pets, vehicles, and property. Half of all US citizens live in Costa Rica undocumented or illegal.

princzz
  9/5/2019 22:18 EST

Yeah...doesn't make sense to me either. Got initial license in 2 hours. Renewed license in record time of 40 minutes!!! La Uruca.

PombinhaCoco7
  9/6/2019 17:02 EST

My husband went to La Uruca 2 years ago to apply for his Driver's License.
He got there at 7 AM and he had 30 people ahead of him.
Then they called the seniors to the front and he was able to get through.
I got my Costa Rica Driver's License in Liberia few months ago. It was so easy!
There is a lady who works with Corsevi and who translates the drivers licenses.
If someone in Guanacaste needs her email, here it is:

[email protected]

PombinhaCoco7
  9/6/2019 19:41 EST

Pebbs and lindyLuvsCR
Last night I laughed so hard because
of you.
We all know how lindyLuvsCR hates
when we make spelling errors.
I also understand that you Linda were having problems with your keyboard.
However after Pebbs mentioned that you both have the same mind and reading your reply to her it sounded like if you both were from another planet.
I want to thank you for giving me a reason to laugh. I needed that!

lindyluvsCR
  9/8/2019 18:06 EST

Pombinha - No more crazy typing, using Lewie's computer. Had to come to Coco Beach to take care of him temporarily while waiting on bed in Liberia and results of tests.

Pombinha - don't know where my note to you went - but would like to know what complex you lived in before. We are in Las Palmas / Las Torres.

Would love to meet you while here. I can now bit by bit really give my pros and cons. And am experiencing both first hand.

PEBBS
  9/13/2019 01:15 EST

sounds like all you need is acheap newkeyboard...omg you are in coco still ? i have serius tests on 23rd bwwn in and oyt of hopital for weeks emmergencies we WILL SURVIVE..CALL ME love deb

PEBBS
  9/13/2019 01:36 EST

OH NOOOO I have lived here over 30 years and could tell may horror stories from my guets who use those So called "Comapnies VULTURES for NEWCOMERS we say..Take a deep beath and ALWAYS ne sweet no matter th e frustration..maybe you have a TICA NICE peerson can help you out Where do you live ? I am in Heredia

PLEASE NOTE I RARELY get time to be in this site so do not bother messaging me EMAIL or call
[email protected]
Or phone 6030 9702
people are STILL messaging me here sespite my telling them tis and wonder WHY there is no anser,,,EMAIL OR CALL
Cheers
Debbbie

princzz
  9/13/2019 07:28 EST

...I agree....with pebbs.

Too many expats come here, can't speak Spanish, don't know the system, buildings, processes or locations and sign up for ridiculous memberships (ARCR which charges for information you can get on the internet, or refers you to Americans in CR that rio you off even more), or fake help agents or agencies. So calm down. think and don't try to be in a hurry and research the internet. The best way to do things here and survive is to make friends with Ticos NOT Americans. Ticos know their country and will give you the best information, not the bragging false. Information of expats. I can help you if you want to send a private message...for free!!! I'm here.

ppbritton
  9/13/2019 12:27 EST

don't be taken in by the Ticos - the only thing they are interested in is your money - also, they are the best liars in the world - remember, I have 15 years of experience in costa rica!!!!

Kohl
  9/13/2019 14:45 EST

You can't paint all 'Ticos' with the same brush. Most are truthful and helpful without expecting ANYTHING in return.

guestuser
  9/13/2019 14:55 EST

Well in my life experience you attract into your world the people who are most like you???

guestuser
  9/13/2019 15:52 EST

$5 whore huh?? Funny my great family here is one of my biggest life blessings.
Just get the hell out and stay away there are enough miserable places in the world where you will fit right in.

lindyluvsCR
  9/14/2019 08:40 EST

I agree Princzz. The Ticos are the BEST. The best of friends and support in times of sickness etc. I know because I am experiencing it. And do NOT do for $.

jim42
  9/14/2019 09:51 EST

1 question and 31 responses over a drivers license...….lol

LivingLifeInCostaRica
  9/18/2019 15:39 EST

"Most people that do border runs can't qualify for an ID *Cedula ' for legal reasons"
That's BS Princzz - I know MANY people that have been doing the Visa Run Dance for ages & most I know (myself included) do NOT QUALIFY for residency!!

Even now that I'm getting Social Security, I don't make enough TO get residency in CR ($1,000/month [I've been out of the corporative world for ages but luckily made enough while in it to live quite ok in CR & Nicaragua [I spend lots of time in San Juan del Sur - Nica now in part because I'm getting lots of medical tests done & it's WAYYYYYYYYYYY CHEAPER in Nica than CR as is everything else [in February I was paying $1/POUND for yellowfin tuna though now I think it's around $2/pound & the beachfront hostel I stay at with a room facing the bay - with shared kitchen & including breakfast is just $6/night!!!]. & private rooms are just $15/2 with breakfast).

& most of the people I know that don't have residency are NOT taking from the people of CR via using their healthcare system (I'm blown away when people say they're paying for it - yea - how much - $40-$75/month?? & one takes how much FROM it & makes appointments for Ticos take even longer).

I don't own a car (I chose to live in areas with good Uber/easy walk or buses or taxis - plus no way I'd own a car in CR with how BAD MANY drivers are here [& I'm NOT talking just Tica drivers. It sure seems like LOTS of bad drivers from other countries move/visit here also) so I'm not trashing the roads or harming the environment.

I surely have not done any harm to the land & potentially affecting the area with additional water use etc. - by tearing into the land to build me a home.

"Getting an ID legal, whether you want to live in CR is way cheaper and less hassle than border runs every 4 months"
HAHAHAHA - are you some troll or something as it's every 90 day/3 MONTHS - not 4!!!

"and you are NOT "guaranteed " to be let back in to care for your house, pets, vehicles, and property"
I can tell you from 14 years of experience of doing them, having had a blog that at one point was getting over 37,000 views a month so hearing from LOTS of people & having talked DIRECTLY to many immigration officers AT the border, trust me - MOST of the people not getting 90 day stamps - there's OFTEN MORE to their stories - #1 being at some point they went over their 90 days!!!! Or were just arrogant @$$*&%#'s the the officer.

"Half of all US citizens live in Costa Rica undocumented or illegal. "
WHERE did you get that #???

My life is SOOO MUCH CALMER•more PEACEFUL now that I've gone from a total Southern California Material Girl (with 74 pair of shoes) to a Minimalist!! I don't have to deal with the b.s. that often happens here!!

& I LOVE getting to EXPLORE different areas & meet new & exciting people so I don't see the Visa Runs as a hassle!!!

AND NOW that you MUST pay monthly into the CAJA (medical system - something I haven't had any need for the past 20+ years)
- added to the price of getting residency (in total with EVERYTHING Apostilles, shipping, purchasing legal documents, transportation to/from everything, let alone paying someone to do it & all the legal fees
- oh - & if you have a car - you STILL MUST do the crossing the border dance every 90 days so your former driver license is still valid in CR since you can't get a CR one UNTIL you have your Cedula in hand
- AND the $300 "If they need to kick you out airline ticket fee" FEW remember to claim or give up because it's too much of a hassle when you give up your residency & this is JUST for the first 3 years
So unless you're going over the border & staying in expensive hotels or flying elsewhere - how can you say the Visa Run Dance (which if you just do the up & back - the crossing [exluding transportation] is $9 for exiting CR, $13 to Enter Nica, $3 to Exit Nica, $15 to Enter CR [with buying a TicaBus ticket sold at the kiosk at the border] = $40 total [x 4 times a year for 3 years = $480 total] is more expensive?? I'm not the smartest apple that's fallen BUT - Lets say a person pays $80/month for their CAJA x 12 months x 3 years = $2,880. I've had MANY people tell me in TOTAL with ALL needed for their residency it was at LEAST $3,000 & that' just for the first 3 years - so lets say $6,000. Hmmmm.

guestuser
  9/18/2019 15:59 EST

Best to ignore the princess---if we ignore him maybe he will go away?

princzz
  9/18/2019 16:11 EST

LivnglifeinCR, you are an idiot and are beneath me! You dont know what the hell you are talking about. and you don't live here you British dog! Why don't you shut the hell up or I can help you inbred! If you live here I will come to where your dumb, rambling ass is and left you feel the truth. What you need to do is STOP giving people bad information. Check OIJ, the US embassy CR, and Direccion de Migration you retard. They have monthly statistics. And there you go like a lot if imbeciles..."I have a lot of friends BS...." to justify your stupidity. Get your head out of your ass, get out of your dreamworld and understand what is fact. Fact...it is cheaper to pay an attorney for residency "one time " $1800, than $300 border runs every three months for life. Fact....you are "NOT " guaranteed reentry into Costa Rica, it is NOT a right. $300 is just one person. Take your dumb ass back to school and learn something as you don't live here!! Speak to a Costa Rican immigration
attorney, not your dumb friends. Read this article if you can...spermburper.http://www.therealcostarica.com/residency_costa_rica/costa_rica_residency.html#targetText=Investor%20status%20is%20granted%20to,permanent%20residency%20after%20three%20years.

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