As a part of Costa Rica’s efforts to become de-carbonized by 2050, the government institutions are required to reduce their emissions and also consumption of natural resources.
The National Registry is no exception, and in 2020 they stopped issuing paper titles for new and used cars coming into Costa Rica, and also for transfer of property titles to new owners. Read on to see how you can verify the title and also how you might get a property title or alternative documentation for a particular purpose.
Now the registry returns the contract to the lawyer with stamps and also a bar code that confirms the registration of the property title. The lawyer will save it in his archives and no property title is issued.
But what if you want to check that everything is in order yourself? Look below to see the tutorial for creating an account in the National Registry, and also the steps you have to follow to see the official information on the vehicle.
Alternatives to the Title
The National Registry has offices all over the country, once the vehicle is registered in your name, you can go to any of them with your identification and get a duplicate title. Click here, National Registry Offices, to see a list.
Also, the National Registry has an agreement with many enterprises and institutions to provide digital certifications. The most numerous around the country are the Post Offices, Municipal Governments, BCR (Banco de Costa Rica), Mutual Banks (Alajuela, MUCAP) and private banks (Scotiabank, Promerica, Davivienda, LAFISE, Cathay).
You can go to any of these offices and get digital certifications. For vehicles, you can get the “Certificación Literal de Bienes Muebles”, which is equally valid for any purpose as the property title.
How to Get a Copy Online of the Vehicle Registration Information
Visit the National Registry Site:
https://www.rnpdigital.com/shopping/login.jspx
Click on the graphic:
REGISTRASE POR PRIMERA VEZ
Fill in the form (first name, last name, second last name, 8 digit CR phone, email, repeat email, password, repeat password)
You will get an email to verify that your email is valid, click on the link to confirm.
Go back to the first page and enter your email and password in the box to the left, click on the button “Ingresar”
Click on the menu to the left “Consultas Gratuitas”
Look for the second section “Bienes Muebles”
Click on the text “Consulta de Vehículo”
If is a privately owned passenger vehicle, just enter the 6 digit plate number in the “Numero de Placa” field.
If you have a pickup, then click on the “Clase” field, and select “CL – Carga Liviana”
Click on Consultar and you will see the information of the vehicle!
Here you can see all of the basic information of the vehicle, chassis or VIN Number, year model, brand, model name, and the government’s fiscal value.
Scroll down and you will see the engine information, including size and power, as well as the owner’s name. If the vehicle has any liens or outstanding traffic fines it will show here, although the COSEVI web site has the most recent data.
Go to the bottom, and you can press the orange button “IMPRIMIR” to create a printout, you might make a PDF copy to save paper, this can be kept on your home computer, and also in your smartphone if you like.
If you would like to see information about other vehicle types and models, click here — Vehicle Makes and Models in Costa Rica — for a list of articles on our site.
If you are looking to purchase a used or new car in Costa Rica, wheelsCR.com can help you with our PASS service. Click here, used car buying assistance in Costa Rica for details. Click here, New Cars in Costa Rica for information on the peculiar process.