Costa Rica's marchamo is paid once a year: collection opens in early November and the deadline is midnight on December 31, with no fines or interest until then. The amount depends on each vehicle: check it with the plate on the INS site (marchamo.grupoins.com), in the INS Móvil app or at 800-MARCHAMO. You need an up-to-date technical inspection to pay, and cars with a windshield carry a digital tag instead of the sticker.
When is the marchamo due?
Every year the INS opens collection in early November and the deadline is midnight on December 31. From January 1, driving without it paid exposes you to traffic fines, plate removal and surcharges on every part of the bill. The INS announces the exact opening date each year.
How do I check how much I owe?
- Go to marchamo.grupoins.com (also reachable from grupoins.com).
- Choose the vehicle type (private, light cargo, motorcycle…).
- Type the plate without dashes or spaces.
You can also check it in the INS Móvil app, at 800-MARCHAMO (800-6272-4266), at 2243-9999 or on WhatsApp at 2587-6100, option 4.
What makes up the amount?
- Vehicle property tax: around 60%, based on the car's fiscal value, which is updated every year.
- Compulsory auto insurance (SOA): around a quarter. Its rate is set every year, so the total changes even for the same car.
- Cosevi: about 6%. Stamps, VAT and other items: about 5%. The rest, 2–3%, covers public transport, parking meters, Aresep and fines.
Only the plate lookup gives your car's exact amount. Our transfer cost calculator also shows the fiscal value.
Do I have to pay the "Más protección" insurance?
No, it's voluntary. Make sure it isn't selected before you pay. If you paid it by mistake, see how to get it refunded.
What do I need to pay?
- The owner's ID, residency card or passport, and the plate number.
- A passed, current technical inspection. See DEKRA inspection costs and booking.
- A correct email address: the receipt is no longer printed, it arrives by email.
Where do I pay?
On the INS site, in public and private banks' online banking, and in person at INS offices, banks and authorized shops. Many banks offer prizes or installments for paying with them.
What is the digital marchamo tag?
Vehicles with a windshield (cars, buses, trucks) carry a chip tag stuck inside the windshield that lasts up to 10 years, instead of a yearly sticker. It has no GPS and is charged separately from the compulsory insurance. Motorcycles keep the traditional marchamo for now.
Buying or selling a used car?
Before buying one of the used cars for sale in Costa Rica, ask to see this year's marchamo paid or take its amount off the price: an unpaid marchamo blocks the transfer.
FAQ
Until when can I pay without a surcharge?
Until midnight on December 31 each year.
Can I pay without the technical inspection?
No. It has to be passed and current.
Do motorcycles get the digital tag?
Not yet; they keep the traditional marchamo.
Reviewed on November 10, 2026 with INS information and reports from El Financiero, El Observador and La Teja. Confirm the amount and channels on the INS site before paying.