🚗 Marchamo in Costa Rica: when, how and where to pay
The marchamo (annual circulation permit) is collected at year-end. Here's what it includes, the dates and how to pay it.
When is it paid?
- Collection
- From November 1 to December 31 every year.
- Deadline
- December 31. From January 1 you need the new marchamo to drive.
- No surcharge
- There's no early-payment discount, but you avoid lines and last-minute issues.
What does the marchamo include?
- Vehicle Property Tax
- The main tax. It depends on your car's fiscal value per the Treasury (that's why each vehicle pays a different amount).
- Mandatory Auto Insurance (SOA)
- Charged by the INS. Covers injury and death of people in traffic accidents.
- Stamps
- Red Cross, national parks, wildlife, IFAM, Road Safety Council, among others.
- Pending fines
- Any unpaid tickets or violations are added to the marchamo.
How much does it cost?
The amount varies with your vehicle's fiscal value, so there is no single price. To see your car's exact amount, check with your plate number on the INS portal.
Check my marchamo (INS)How and where to pay it?
- Online (INS)
- On the INS portal with your plate number, by card. It's the fastest.
- Online banking and apps
- Almost every bank in the country lets you pay the marchamo from its app or website.
- Banks, kiosks and supermarkets
- You can also pay in person at banks and authorized points with your plate.
What if I don't pay it?
Driving without an up-to-date marchamo is a violation: you can be fined and have your plate or vehicle held. The amount also keeps accumulating for the next period. Pay it before December 31.
We are not an official entity. Verify amounts and dates with the INS and the Treasury.