COSTA RICAN IDENTIFICATION CARD (CÉDULA) FOR THE FIRST TIME
As established by Costa Rican law, all Costa Rican citizens must obtain their national ID (cédula de identidad) once they turn 18 years old.
To apply for the national ID for the first time, the applicant must appear in person at the Consulate General in Berlin or at the nearest Honorary Consulate according to their place of residence.
Requirements:
1. Request letter in Spanish to the email address of the CLOAKING or the nearest Honorary Consulate.
The letter must include the following details:
-
Full name
-
National ID number (if assigned)
-
Email address and telephone number
-
Dominant hand (right or left)
-
Voting location:
-
If you vote abroad, indicate Berlin as your electoral address.
-
If you vote in Costa Rica, provide the exact address of your residence in the country.
-
-
Witnesses' information, or a photograph of your Minor’s Identification Card (TIM)
On the day of the appointment:
- Two printed, recent, color photographs with a light gray (preferably) or white background, dimensions: 5 cm height x 5 cm width.
- Costa Rican identification card for minors (TIM) or attendance on the appointment with two witnesses (father, mother, siblings or grandparents) with a valid Costa Rican identification card or a valid passport (if the witness is not Costa Rican) to attest the Costa Rican nationality of the interested person. If the witnesses are in Costa Rica, this mus be indicated in the request letter.
Estimated Processing Time:
The process takes approximately two months, starting from the moment the Civil Registry in Costa Rica receives your request. Once the ID is issued, it will be sent to the Consulate General in Berlin or the corresponding Honorary Consulate.
For applicants over 25 years of age, the processing time may be longer.
Delivery Options to Expedite Processing:
The Consulate sends a monthly shipment to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) with all requests received during that period. If you prefer your cédula to be sent individually, you may choose one of the following options:
-
Certified mail: Attach German postal stamps totaling €7.20 for the delivery from Germany to Costa Rica.
-
Courier service: Cover the corresponding shipping cost.
Cost: Free of charge
Legal Basis:
- - Constitution of Costa Rica, Article 95 subparagraph 2) and Article 104 subparagraph 3).
- - Organic law 3504 of the Electoral Supreme Court (Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones) and Articles 73, 75, 76, 88 subparagraph c), 89, 92 y 93 of the Civil Registry (Registro Civil).
- - Resolution 2337-E, september, 6, 2004, of the TSE.
