What happens if you don't pay the marchamo by December 31?
From January 1 you can still pay the marchamo, but with interest and surcharges; driving without it means a fine and your plates can be removed. What happens and how to avoid it.
The 2027 marchamo is due December 31, 2026. If you don't pay on time, you don't lose the chance to pay: you can pay it later, but it costs more, and in the meantime your vehicle can't legally be on the road. Here's what happens from January 1.
Can I pay after December 31?
Yes. A late marchamo is paid through the same channels: the INS website, the INS Móvil app, online banking and authorized payment points. The difference is that interest and surcharges are added for every day or month you're late.
How much more do you pay?
Each part of the marchamo has its own surcharge. According to the breakdown published by La República:
- Mandatory insurance (SOA): interest equal to the basic deposit rate plus five percentage points, for the days you're late.
- Vehicle property tax: annual interest plus a late-payment fine that grows every month.
- Traffic and parking-meter fines included in the bill: these add interest too.
The exact amount depends on each vehicle and how much time passes. The INS lookup by plate shows the updated total with surcharges.
What happens if I drive without a current marchamo?
- Fine: according to the press, driving without a current marchamo carries a fine of about ₡60,000.
- Plates or vehicle removed: traffic officers can remove your plates or impound the vehicle.
- Paperwork blocked: without a current marchamo you can't transfer ownership or do other vehicle procedures at the Registry.
The traffic fine is also added to your next marchamo bill, so being late ends up costing you more than once.
What if the car isn't being used?
The marchamo is charged even if the vehicle is stored or damaged: it's a tax and an insurance tied to the plate, not to use. If the vehicle won't be driven again, ask the Registro Nacional how to deregister it; while it stays registered, the charge keeps running.
How to avoid paying late
- Look up the amount now on our Look up your marchamo page.
- If you can't pay it all at once, check the interest-free installment options.
- Don't wait for the last days of December: websites and payment points get overloaded.
- Check the total before paying: the INS adds an optional ₡11,900 insurance you can remove in two clicks.
This article is for information only. Current interest, surcharges and fines are the ones set by the INS, the Ministry of Finance and the Traffic Law.