If your Costa Rica DIMEX has expired, identify your category and the exact expiry date before choosing a procedure. The official DGME DIMEX guidance distinguishes permanent residents from temporary residents and special categories. A card-renewal problem should not be reduced to a universal grace period.
Permanent residents and late renewal
DGME says permanent residents must renew their identity document within 30 days after expiry; otherwise its information lists US$3 for each month or fraction of a month of delay. This is a late amount, not the entire renewal cost. Confirm the calculation and payment instructions for your case.
The general information also says a card more than three months expired requires an explanation letter with a lawyer-authenticated signature. Check which procedure applies instead of assuming that paying a late amount alone settles the file.
Temporary residents: more than three months expired
DGME’s general information warns of cancellation for temporary and special categories if the document is not renewed within the following three months, subject to duly proven reasons for being unable to do so. Its specific temporary-residence lists, including Pensionado, Rentista and Investor, state that a card more than three months expired requires a new category application.
These provisions are not a promise that every late card can be renewed with a letter. Ask DGME to establish the status of your file and any applicable exception. Preserve evidence of circumstances that prevented timely action.
What if the appointment is after the expiry date?
Keep the booking confirmation and contact the office before expiry. Ask whether an additional filing or authorization is necessary for your category. A booked appointment and a completed renewal application are different things; do not assume a booking automatically extends the document.
Record when you sought the appointment and retain replies. If you have already filed something, keep its receipt and any notices as well.
Documents and payment checks
Bring your current passport, DIMEX or evidence of loss, CCSS proof and the documents listed for the correct procedure. The renewal checklist explains the common and category-specific items. A new application can have different requirements from renewal; confirm that distinction before ordering foreign records.
For BCR renewals, DGME tells applicants not to pay the immigration renewal charge beforehand. Obtain the office’s current instructions, including any service and late charges. Do not use an old all-inclusive fee quoted in an article.
Travel and long absences
Before leaving Costa Rica or returning with an expired DIMEX, ask DGME and the airline what evidence is accepted in your circumstances. Do not assume a renewal receipt guarantees boarding or re-entry.
DGME’s renewal information also addresses absences: more than a year triggers additional explanation and background-record requirements; prolonged consecutive absences may lead to cancellation, with the stated exceptions. Give the authority your full travel dates rather than treating card expiry as the only issue.
What to do now
- Write down the category, expiry date and any pending application number.
- Gather your passport, card, appointment and filing receipts, and relevant notices.
- Ask DGME which procedure and payment apply to this file.
- Follow the instructions and keep proof of submission.
Contact CRIE for help reviewing the records. DGME’s contact directory is the official source for authority contact details.
DGME source checked September 7, 2026. Images are illustrative.