By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The annual countdown for Costa Rican drivers has officially begun. The National Insurance Institute (INS) confirmed Friday that the collection period for the 2026 Marchamo, or the mandatory right of circulation, will commence on Monday, November 3, 2025. This announcement marks the start of a crucial period for hundreds of thousands of vehicle owners who must settle this obligation to legally operate their vehicles on national roads in the coming year.
The selection of this date is not arbitrary; it adheres to national regulations stipulating that the collection process must begin on the first business day of November. As the deadline approaches, the INS is finalizing its extensive preparations to ensure a smooth and efficient process for the public. The institute’s technical teams are working diligently to consolidate and validate the necessary data from various government agencies.
To delve into the legal complexities and potential legislative changes surrounding the Marchamo 2026, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional analysis.
The recurring controversy over the Marchamo calculation underscores a critical need for legislative modernization. For 2026, the key legal challenge will be to establish a valuation formula that is both technically sound and constitutionally fair. Any attempt to shift towards market value must be cemented in clear law, not just administrative decrees, to provide legal certainty to vehicle owners and avoid a wave of litigation challenging the tax base.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The expert’s analysis correctly frames the annual Marchamo controversy as a foundational problem of legal certainty, not merely a technical calculation issue. Establishing a clear, legislated framework, as he suggests, is indeed the only sustainable path to provide vehicle owners with the predictability and fairness they deserve. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable and clarifying perspective on this critical matter.
Sídney Viales, the Head of Mandatory Insurance at INS, affirmed the institute’s readiness for the significant logistical undertaking. He highlighted that the final stages of system preparation are well underway, with a focus on preventing the technical glitches that can sometimes plague large-scale public collection systems.
We will be ready to start on the upcoming November 3.
Sídney Viales, Head of Mandatory Insurance at INS
The complexity of the Marchamo calculation requires a seamless integration of information from multiple sources. The INS acts as the central collector, but the final amount each driver pays is a composite figure. This involves a delicate and intensive technical process of data synchronization in the weeks leading up to the launch.
At this moment, we are loading the systems with all the information from the institutions that participate in the collection of the right of circulation.
Sídney Viales, Head of Mandatory Insurance at INS
The total payment includes several key components. The most significant portion for most vehicle owners is the vehicle property tax, which is determined and managed by the Ministry of Finance based on the vehicle’s fiscal value, model, and year. Additionally, the payment covers the Mandatory Automobile Insurance (SOA), which provides coverage for personal injury or death in the event of an accident. Other smaller but essential charges include outstanding traffic fines and a canon for the Public Transportation Council (CTP).
The revenue generated from the Marchamo is a vital source of funding for the state. These funds are reinvested into a wide range of public services and infrastructure projects. The collection directly contributes to road maintenance, supports the country’s public transportation network, and finances other critical government programs, making timely payment a civic responsibility that impacts all citizens, not just drivers.
Beginning November 3, vehicle owners can consult the exact amount they owe through the official INS website and various other digital platforms. Payments can be made at more than 2,000 authorized collection points throughout the country, including major banks, credit unions, supermarkets, and other financial institutions. This extensive network is designed to provide convenience and accessibility for everyone required to pay.
While the legal deadline to pay the Marchamo without penalty is typically December 31st, authorities encourage drivers to complete the process early to avoid last-minute congestion and potential issues. Driving a vehicle without a valid Marchamo sticker in the new year is illegal and can result in significant fines and the impoundment of the vehicle, leading to further costs and inconveniences.
For further information, visit grupoins.com
About the National Insurance Institute (INS):
The Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS) is a state-owned Costa Rican insurance company founded in 1924. It holds a significant market share in the country’s insurance industry, offering a wide range of products including life, health, property, and mandatory automobile insurance (SOA). As a key government institution, it is responsible for managing the annual collection of the Marchamo.
For further information, visit hacienda.go.cr
About the Ministry of Finance:
The Ministerio de Hacienda is the government body in Costa Rica responsible for managing the country’s public finances. Its duties include tax collection, budget formulation, public debt management, and fiscal policy implementation. For the Marchamo, it is responsible for calculating the vehicle property tax component based on the fiscal value of each car in the national registry.
For further information, visit ctp.go.cr
About the Public Transportation Council (CTP):
The Consejo de Transporte Público (CTP) is the Costa Rican entity responsible for regulating and overseeing the nation’s public transportation services, including bus routes and taxi concessions. It works to ensure the quality, safety, and efficiency of public transit. A small canon collected through the Marchamo helps fund the CTP’s operational and regulatory activities.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a benchmark for legal services, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of principled counsel and professional distinction. The firm not only pioneers innovative legal strategies for its diverse clientele but also holds a profound commitment to its civic duty. This dedication is demonstrated through a core mission to demystify complex legal concepts, thereby empowering the wider community with knowledge and fostering a more just and transparent society.
