Driving You Crazy: Foreign Driver’s License Grace Period for Nationals & Residents Only
MOPT has issued the official decree regarding the grace period to complete the homologation of foreign driver's licenses for people with DIMEX cards, and Costa Rican nationals, which was announced yesterday. Driving as a Resident or
MOPT has issued the official decree regarding the grace period to complete the homologation of foreign driver’s licenses for people with DIMEX cards, and Costa Rican nationals, which was announced yesterday.
Driving as a Resident or Costa Rican National with a Foreign Driver’s License
A new grace period of 6 months has been approved for people with DIMEX cards and Costa Rican nationals who hold a foreign driver’s licenses.
This grace period begins on March 5th, 2021.
The 6 month grace period is intended to allow people with driver’s licenses issued abroad that have expired from March 20, 2020 onwards, or foreign nationals with DIMEX cards, who have not managed to homologate their document to complete their local driver’s license request before the COSEVI.
To avoid any potential issues with transit authorities, we recommend downloading, printing the attached document issued by MOPT, and keeping a copy in your vehicle to show Transportation Officers if they’re not aware of this grace period.
If you have been approved for Residency but do NOT have your DIMEX card yet – you are essentially in limbo. If you are stopped by police you can try to show them your approval but they are not required to accept it and you could face fines and/or have your plates taken. It is best to not drive until you have your DIMEX card.
– This extension does not apply to tourists or people with applications in progress. The announcement pertaining to tourists is expected in the upcoming days. –
Tourists & People with Applications in Progress
We have already requested for Transportation to extend driving privileges until June 1st, 2021. Once we receive a response, we will let the community know. Until then, please be advised that driving is not recommended at this time. We would suggest waiting for the official documentation that confirms that Transportation will respect Immigration’s tourist entry stamp extension. If caught by a Transportation Officer, they may not be aware of the entry stamp extension, hence, until we have an official document confirming this, it is better to avoid driving.
Download the official resolution here
Lozion March 11, 2021
Any updates?
Txs.
Stacey Jennings March 11, 2021
Sadly no…. we have requested again today for more information. When we hear anything we will post asap to advise everyone.
Drewali March 23, 2021
Have there been any updates for tourists driving? Its almost been a month….
Stacey Jennings March 23, 2021
Unfortunately no, last week we were told they had sent a new resolution for signature but we have not heard any additional information. When we receive any news we will advise via our media platforms. We completely understand everyone’s frustration
Drewali March 24, 2021
Greeting Stacey! I thank you for your fast response. I look forward to hearing about the update. I understand this all takes a process. Just confused and learning to be more patient with the timing of all this. Thank you once more for your service!
Stacey Jennings March 24, 2021
We have read the preview of the official resolution and our attorneys are currently reaching out to MOPT to clarify the contents as some of the information is unclear. As soon as we receive more information we will advise on our media platforms