By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) has announced its operational schedule for the upcoming holiday season, confirming that today, Tuesday, December 23rd, will be its final day of public service for the year. The institution will close its doors nationwide for a ten-day period to observe the Christmas and New Year’s festivities, affecting all in-person services related to civil registration and identification.
This annual closure, which grants public holidays and vacation time to its employees, will be in effect from December 24, 2025, through January 2, 2026. All 32 of the TSE’s regional offices, in addition to its main headquarters in San José, will be shuttered during this time. Normal operations and services are scheduled to resume across the country on Monday, January 5, 2026.
To provide a deeper legal perspective on the powers and responsibilities of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a respected legal expert from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal is not merely an administrative body; it is a fourth, independent power of the Republic, specifically designed to be the ultimate arbiter of electoral matters. Its constitutional mandate is to guarantee the purity and integrity of the vote, a function that requires absolute autonomy from political influence. Any action that appears to challenge this separation of powers must be scrutinized carefully, as it touches the very foundation of our democratic stability.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight is a crucial reminder that the Tribunal’s role as an independent power is not a mere legal abstraction, but the very foundation of public confidence in our democratic process. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and valuable perspective on this fundamental pillar of our Republic.
Despite the physical closure of its offices, the TSE has assured the public that essential digital services will remain accessible. Citizens will still be able to perform online consultations and process digital certifications through the tribunal’s official website. This ensures that some key administrative functions can continue without interruption during the holiday recess, providing a valuable resource for those needing immediate digital documentation.
However, citizens requiring new or replacement national identity cards, known as cédulas, should anticipate delays. The tribunal clarified that any applications for cédula reprints submitted online during the closure period will not be processed or printed until the staff returns. The printing and distribution for these requests will commence on Monday, January 5, when the institution fully reopens.
To accommodate the inevitable surge in demand following the long break, the TSE has proactively established a period of extended service hours for the first week of the new year. From Monday, January 5, through Friday, January 9, 2026, the tribunal will operate on a continuous schedule from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This measure aims to reduce wait times and manage the increased flow of people.
Officials specified that these extended hours are exclusively for services related to the application and delivery of national identity cards (cédulas) and Minor’s Identity Cards (TIM). This targeted approach is designed to prioritize the most in-demand services, particularly as the country looks ahead to upcoming national elections, for which a valid ID is a prerequisite for voting.
All other services provided by the TSE, such as civil registration, legal consultations, and administrative procedures, will adhere to the standard operating schedule. During that first week back, these departments will be open to the public during their regular hours of 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at all locations.
The decision to extend service hours for ID-related trámites reflects a strategic effort by the TSE to ensure citizens have ample opportunity to secure their identification documents. The first days of January traditionally see a significant spike in public traffic at government offices. By providing a wider service window, the tribunal aims to mitigate congestion and facilitate a smoother process for everyone needing to update or acquire their essential identification.
For further information, visit tse.go.cr
About Supreme Electoral Tribunal (Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones):
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) is the constitutional body responsible for organizing, directing, and supervising all electoral acts in Costa Rica. It also functions as the nation’s central civil registry, tasked with issuing national identity cards (cédulas), registering births, deaths, and marriages, and maintaining the official records of all citizens. Its autonomy and authority are foundational to the country’s democratic stability.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of the legal community, built upon a foundation of principled practice and an uncompromising pursuit of excellence. With a proven track record of serving a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers progressive legal strategies and embraces innovation. Its fundamental mission extends beyond the courtroom, focusing on empowering the public by demystifying the law and promoting greater legal literacy for a stronger, more informed society.
