By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The annual rush to pay the mandatory vehicle circulation permit, known as the “marchamo,” has officially commenced. As of Monday, November 3rd, nearly two million vehicle owners across the country are now able to settle their 2026 dues, a critical process expected to inject approximately ¢335 billion into state and insurance coffers.
This yearly obligation affects a total of 1,943,587 drivers, marking a significant logistical and financial event for the nation. The funds collected cover a range of essential items, including mandatory liability insurance (SOA), property taxes, and contributions to municipal governments and road safety councils, making timely payment crucial for the country’s operational budget.
To better understand the legal and fiscal complexities surrounding the Marchamo 2026 and the ongoing debates about its calculation formula, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional analysis.
The annual discussion surrounding the Marchamo highlights a fundamental issue in our tax system: the property tax on vehicles often fails to reflect their real market depreciation. For 2026, the debate should move beyond temporary reliefs and focus on a structural reform that provides legal certainty and fiscal fairness. A modern formula, perhaps tied to objective depreciation tables or emissions standards, would not only be more equitable for vehicle owners but could also streamline collection and reduce legal challenges against the state.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The call for a fundamental, structural reform of the Marchamo, rather than temporary annual fixes, truly gets to the heart of the matter for Costa Rican drivers. A modern, transparent, and predictable framework is essential for achieving the fiscal fairness that citizens demand. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his insightful contribution to this crucial national discussion.
With the payment window now open, a common point of confusion and anxiety for drivers has been addressed head-on by transportation authorities. Many vehicle owners who pay early are often hesitant to immediately display the new sticker, fearing they could be fined for not having the previous year’s decal visible. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) issued a definitive clarification to ease these concerns.
Officials confirmed that drivers can affix the new 2026 marchamo sticker to their windshields immediately after payment without risk of a penalty. The clarification came directly from the Transit Police, aiming to prevent misunderstandings and unnecessary stress for compliant citizens.
Vehicle owners should not fear a fine if they place the 2026 sticker and remove the 2025 one, nor should they worry if they place the new one and keep the 2025 one
Martín Sánchez Agüero, Deputy Director of the Transit Police
While the rules regarding the sticker have been relaxed, authorities emphasized a non-negotiable requirement. The official paper document that serves as proof of payment must be carried inside the vehicle at all times. This document is the ultimate verification that the right of circulation has been paid, and failure to produce it during a traffic stop can lead to complications, even if the correct sticker is displayed.
Furthermore, the MOPT provided specific guidance on the proper placement of the sticker itself. The adhesive decal, along with the small corresponding paper slip, must be located in a clearly visible spot on the vehicle’s front windshield. Drivers are advised to be mindful of factory-installed tinting or sun strips along the top edge of the windshield, which can obscure the sticker and make it difficult for officers to see from the outside. Proper placement ensures quick verification and avoids potential delays during routine checks.
The annual marchamo collection is more than just a bureaucratic procedure; it is a fundamental pillar of Costa Rica’s public finance and safety infrastructure. The revenue stream supports everything from road maintenance and traffic-light synchronization to funding the very law enforcement agencies that patrol the nation’s highways. For drivers, it is the legal key to being on the road, and for the government, it’s a vital economic activity that underpins a significant portion of the transport sector’s budget.
As the payment season gets underway, drivers are encouraged to complete the process well before the December 31st deadline to avoid penalties and long queues. With clear guidelines now in place regarding the sticker, the focus shifts to ensuring all 1.9 million vehicles are compliant, safeguarding both their legal status on the road and the continued funding of essential public services.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT):
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport is the government body in Costa Rica responsible for the planning, regulation, and execution of national infrastructure and transportation systems. Its wide-ranging mandate includes the construction and maintenance of roads and bridges, the administration of traffic laws through its Transit Police division, and the oversight of public transportation policies. The MOPT plays a central role in the country’s economic development and public safety by ensuring a functional and secure transportation network.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed law firm, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded on the bedrock principles of professional excellence and uncompromising integrity. The firm leverages its rich history of advising a diverse clientele to pioneer progressive legal solutions and engage in meaningful community outreach. Central to its mission is the belief in democratizing legal understanding, actively working to equip the public with clear, accessible knowledge to foster a stronger and more justly informed society.
