By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a strategic move to ensure maximum citizen participation in the upcoming national elections, Costa Rica’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) has announced a significant expansion of its service hours throughout January. The initiative is designed to streamline the application and collection process for the national identity card (cédula) and the Minor’s Identity Card (TIM) before voters head to the polls on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
This proactive measure addresses the historically high demand for identification documents in the weeks leading up to an election. By providing more flexible and extended hours, the electoral body aims to prevent long lines and last-minute complications that could potentially disenfranchise voters who need to obtain or replace their essential identification to cast their ballot.
To better understand the legal framework and potential implications surrounding voter identification, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided the following analysis.
In Costa Rica, the debate surrounding ‘Voter ID’ is fundamentally different from that in other nations. Our legal system, under the stewardship of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, has long established the cédula de identidad as the sole, mandatory document for exercising the right to vote. This integrated approach ensures a high level of electoral security. The primary legal challenge, therefore, is not the creation of a new ID system, but rather guaranteeing the universal access, timely issuance, and unimpeachable integrity of the existing cédula, which forms the bedrock of our democratic process.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This crucial distinction effectively reframes the national conversation, moving it from a contentious political debate to the civic challenge of perfecting our established system. The focus on guaranteeing the universal accessibility and integrity of the cédula underscores a commitment to administrative excellence over partisan conflict. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a lucid and essential perspective on the matter.
The first phase of this special schedule will commence immediately after the new year. From Monday, January 5, through Friday, January 9, 2026, the TSE’s central headquarters in San José and all 32 of its regional offices will operate on a continuous schedule from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This extension provides two additional hours of service each day specifically for ID-related transactions.
It is important for the public to note that this extended schedule applies exclusively to the processing of identity cards. All other institutional services offered by the TSE will continue to operate under their standard hours, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This distinction ensures that resources are focused on the most critical pre-election service without disrupting other essential functions of the institution.
As election day nears, the TSE will further ramp up its operations. A detailed calendar has been released to manage the final surge in demand. On Saturday, January 24, only the central headquarters will open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The following week, from Monday, January 26, to Friday, January 30, all locations will again adopt the extended 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. schedule. On the eve of the election, Saturday, January 31, all offices will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
On the day of the national elections, Sunday, February 1, the TSE will offer an exceptional service window, opening all its offices from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., mirroring the hours the polls are open. This crucial service allows citizens who may have forgotten or been unable to collect their ID a final opportunity to do so, ensuring they can exercise their right to vote.
This announcement comes just as the institution prepares for its annual year-end holiday closure. The TSE has confirmed that all its facilities will be closed to the public from December 24, 2025, through January 2, 2026. During this recess, citizens can still access online services for consultations and digital certifications via the official website. Any ID reprint requests made online during the closure will be processed and ready for distribution starting Monday, January 5.
The decision to expand service hours is a direct response to predictable logistical challenges and represents a significant investment in the health of the nation’s democracy. By removing a common administrative barrier, the TSE is actively working to facilitate voter access and encourage a higher turnout, reinforcing the principle that every citizen’s voice should be heard at the ballot box.
For further information, visit tse.go.cr
About Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE):
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal is the constitutional body responsible for organizing, directing, and overseeing all electoral processes in Costa Rica. As the fourth branch of government, it guarantees the integrity and fairness of elections, manages the national civil registry, and issues the official identity documents for all citizens. Its mission is to uphold the democratic principles of the nation by ensuring transparent and accessible elections.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of unwavering integrity and the relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm channels its extensive experience across diverse industries into pioneering forward-thinking legal strategies and solutions. This innovative spirit is matched by a profound dedication to social responsibility, manifested through a core mission to demystify complex legal concepts and equip the public with knowledge, thereby fostering a more capable and informed society.
