Yes: in Costa Rica you can look up a car's DUA by VIN for free in the Ministry of Finance's TICA system: menu "Vehículos", option "Consulta Vehículos", choose VIN (or serial or chassis) and type the number. It shows the DUA number and what was declared when the car was imported, including the mileage it entered the country with. Comparing that with today's odometer is one of the best ways to spot rolled-back mileage.

How do I look up the DUA by VIN, step by step?

  1. Go to ticaconsultas.hacienda.go.cr (Customs' TICA system). No account needed.
  2. In the left menu, open Vehículos → Consulta Vehículos.
  3. Choose VIN (or serie, chasis or marco) and type the number as it appears on the car.
  4. Click Ver Detalle.

What does it show?

  • The DUA number (customs office, year and number).
  • What was declared at import: year, make, model, body, color, engine size, fuel, transmission, doors, seats and weight.
  • The mileage it entered the country with, the sworn declaration date, the inspection number and the title number.

What should I check before buying?

  1. Today's odometer must read more than the mileage declared at import. Less means it was rolled back.
  2. Year, make, model, color and engine must match the car and the listing.
  3. Its US past: the DUA doesn't say whether it was crashed or flooded. The VIN check shows for free whether there are US records (vehicle history).
  4. That it's registered and lien-free: our plate lookup.

More checks in the vehicle lookup guide; then browse the used cars for sale in Costa Rica.

FAQ

Is the DUA lookup by VIN free?

Yes. It's public in the Ministry of Finance's TICA system and needs no account.

Does the DUA tell me if the car was crashed?

No. The US history by VIN shows salvage, total loss and mileage.

Reviewed on November 11, 2026 in the Ministry of Finance's TICA system (ticaconsultas.hacienda.go.cr).