As the new year begins here in Costa Rica, traffic authorities report that over 256,700 vehicles across the country lack the 2026 Marchamo sticker, leaving their owners at risk of hefty fines and other penalties. The Marchamo, Costa Rica’s annual vehicle circulation right, must be paid by December 31 each year to allow legal driving on public roads. With the deadline now passed, those still unpaid face immediate consequences if stopped by police.
The Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS), which handles Marchamo collections, confirmed that payments for 2026 opened on November 1, 2025, and closed without extension on the last day of the year. Despite reminders from officials, a significant number of motorists delayed or skipped the payment. By the end of December, more than 467,000 vehicles remained unpaid, though some cleared their dues in the final hours. As of January 1, the figure dropped to 256,700, but that still represents a notable portion of the nation’s roughly 2 million registered vehicles.
Drivers caught without a valid Marchamo sticker now risk a fine of ₡60,831.62, equivalent to about $125. In addition, transit officers can remove license plates on the spot, forcing owners to pay the outstanding amount plus towing and storage fees to retrieve their vehicles. “This isn’t just a paperwork issue,” said a transit police spokesperson in a recent statement. “Driving without the Marchamo means no mandatory insurance coverage, which puts everyone on the road at greater risk during accidents.”
The Marchamo payment includes several components: property tax based on the vehicle’s value, mandatory auto insurance from the INS, council fees, and contributions to road maintenance and environmental funds. For 2026, the average cost rose by about 10% compared to the previous year, driven by adjustments in insurance premiums and property valuations. Low-value older cars might pay as little as ₡100,000, while newer or luxury models could exceed ₡500,000. Electric vehicles receive partial exemptions, but errors in the system have led some owners to appeal for corrections.
This situation puts a spotlight with ongoing challenges in vehicle compliance. Many drivers cite financial strain as a reason for delay, especially amid the rising cost of living. Others forget or overlook the deadline, assuming they can pay later without issue. However, since January 1, late payments are incurring daily interest with charges of around 1.5% per month, plus administrative fees. Owners can still settle online through the INS website or at authorized banks, but they must display the sticker promptly to avoid sanctions.
For expats living in Costa Rica, the Marchamo holds particular importance. Many foreigners relocate here for the tropical climate and relaxed lifestyle, often bringing or buying vehicles to explore the country. Yet, failing to pay can disrupt daily life. Expats who own cars registered in their name must treat the Marchamo like any local obligation—it’s tied to the vehicle, not the nationality of the owner. If unpaid, they could face the same fines and plate removal, complicating commutes, errands, or travel plans.
The rule extends beyond personal vehicles. Anyone driving in Costa Rica, including those in rental cars, must ensure the Marchamo is current. Rental companies typically handle payments, but visitors should verify the sticker on the windshield before hitting the road. An invalid Marchamo could lead to denied rentals or roadside stops, turning a vacation into a hassle. Moreover, road safety compliance ties directly to this system.
The mandatory insurance component covers medical expenses and damages in crashes, protecting drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike. Without it, accidents can result in personal liability and legal troubles, especially for non-residents navigating unfamiliar laws.
Transit authorities plan increased checkpoints in the coming weeks to enforce compliance. In areas like San José and popular tourist places such as Guanacaste and the Central Valley, patrols will focus on vehicles missing the distinctive 2026 sticker. Last year, similar efforts led to thousands of citations in the first quarter alone.
To pay a delinquent Marchamo, owners need only the license plate number—no appointment required. The process takes minutes online, and stickers can be printed or picked up at INS offices. For those with errors on their bill, such as incorrect exemptions for electric or hybrid cars, appeals are available through the INS portal
