There are three different ways to transport your vehicle to Costa Rica, those being by air, sea or land, however, the law regarding the importation of any vehicle is the same. Below, I have outlined the procedure for clearing you car though customs, in the event that you had your vehicle shipped via sea. If you drive your car into the country or have it flow in, the same requirements exist with respect to obtaining and re-newing your drivers permit.
Most vehicles arrive by sea, by way of a shipping vessel.
Some shipping companies make stops in Honduras, or other destinations, prior to arriving in Costa Rica, while others make a direct route. The length of time required to ship your vehicle depends on which shipping company you work with, but most vary between 4 days and 10 days. Depending on the type of vessel you choose, your vehicle can be shipped either in a container or on what is called a car deck. The most secure means to transport your vehicle is in a container, as the car is placed and secured within the container before departing, and not opened until it arrives or goes through customs. Some larger containers can accommodate several cars simultaneously, while others only one.