Costa Rica introduces digital Marchamo vehicle registration system

The Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS) has launched the 2027 digital Marchamo, a modernized vehicle circulation tax system in Costa Rica. Under the new process, drivers will receive their circulation documents via email or through mobile digital wallets.

While the tax must still be paid annually, the new electronic sticker incorporates RFID technology and is designed to last up to 10 years. This eliminates the need for an annual sticker replacement for most vehicles, including cars, trucks, and buses. However, motorcycles are excluded from this initial rollout and will continue to use traditional stickers while the technology is tested.

To prevent fraud, the new sticker is designed to self-destruct if an attempt is made to remove it from the windshield. The INS clarified that the sticker does not contain GPS and cannot track a vehicle's location, addressing privacy concerns.

Traffic police have noted that motorists can apply the new 2027 sticker as soon as it is received, even before January 1, 2027, without risk of fines. Additionally, physical paper documents will no longer be required for inspections, as authorities will verify registration status digitally using license plate numbers.