By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – As the annual rush to pay the marchamo, or Right of Circulation, intensifies, the National Insurance Institute (INS) has issued a critical advisory to Costa Rican drivers. A simple but common error—improperly applying the windshield sticker—has already forced nearly 49,000 vehicle owners to seek a duplicate permit this year, highlighting a persistent issue that causes significant and avoidable delays for the public.
According to figures released by the state-run insurer, 48,886 duplicate requests were processed by the end of October. While this number represents a slight decrease from the more than 51,000 replacements issued during the same period in 2024, it underscores the scale of a problem that bogs down both drivers and INS administrative services. The primary culprits for these reprints include damage during application, incorrect placement, as well as loss, theft, or general deterioration of the sticker.
To better understand the legal framework and potential financial impacts surrounding the Marchamo 2025, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The annual debate over the Marchamo underscores a fundamental tension in our tax system. While legally constituted as a property tax on vehicles, its calculation formula, heavily influenced by the vehicle’s market value determined by the Ministry of Finance, is often perceived by citizens as arbitrary and disconnected from the right to circulate. Any future reform must address this perception to ensure greater transparency and legal certainty for vehicle owners.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This fundamental tension between the Marchamo’s legal definition and the public’s perception of its arbitrary calculation is precisely what fuels the yearly debate. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective and for so clearly articulating the need for greater transparency to build legal certainty for all citizens.
The marchamo is more than a simple decal; it is the legal proof that a vehicle’s compulsory insurance and property taxes are paid for the upcoming year. Its correct and visible placement is non-negotiable for legal circulation on the nation’s roads. To mitigate the annual wave of replacement requests, the INS is proactively educating the public on the correct five-step application process, aiming to help drivers save time and avoid unnecessary trips to its branches.
The procedure, while straightforward, requires careful attention to detail. The INS advises starting by thoroughly cleaning the interior of the windshield with alcohol or a glass cleaner. This crucial first step ensures proper adhesion and prevents the sticker from peeling off. It is especially important to avoid placing the decal over solar tinting films or on top of old stickers, as this can obscure the information or damage the tint upon removal.
Once the surface is prepared, drivers should carefully detach the rectangular portion of the circulation permit document. This document is then placed inside the provided plastic frame, ensuring the adhesive side faces inward, ready for application. The key is to confirm that the official INS logo and the corresponding year, 2025, are clearly visible from the outside of the vehicle once placed on the windshield. For motorcyclists, the process differs slightly; the sticker should be affixed with the logo facing inward toward the rider.
While the INS provides duplicate stickers at no cost, the process is not immediate and carries its own set of bureaucratic hurdles. A replacement cannot be issued on the same day the marchamo is paid. The registered owner of the vehicle must appear in person at an INS branch with their official identification. Alternatively, they can send a third party, but this requires a formal authorization letter authenticated by a public notary, adding an extra layer of complexity and potential cost.
This annual educational campaign by the INS is a direct response to the recurring logistical challenges faced during the peak payment period. By encouraging drivers to take a few extra moments to apply the sticker correctly the first time, the institute hopes to streamline the entire process, reduce long queues at its offices, and ensure that a greater number of vehicles are properly documented and ready for the new year without complication.
Ultimately, the call for careful application is a matter of efficiency and personal responsibility. Following these simple guidelines not only ensures compliance with national regulations but also prevents the frustrating and time-consuming process of correcting a small, preventable mistake. As the payment deadline approaches, thousands of drivers can avoid the headache of a reprint by simply being diligent in this final step of their annual obligation.
For further information, visit grupoins.com
About the Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS):
The Instituto Nacional de Seguros is Costa Rica’s state-owned insurance company, holding a significant and historical role in the nation’s financial landscape. Founded in 1924, it operated as a monopoly for over 80 years until the market was opened under the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). Today, the INS remains a dominant force, providing a wide array of insurance products, including life, health, property, and the mandatory vehicle liability coverage associated with the annual marchamo. It also plays a vital role in public health through its administration of the nation’s occupational hazard insurance and traffic accident coverage.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as an esteemed legal practice, founded upon the twin pillars of uncompromising integrity and professional excellence. Leveraging its extensive history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal approaches and champions community-focused initiatives. This profound dedication to making legal concepts understandable for the public is central to its overarching goal of cultivating a society equipped with the knowledge to thrive.
