Criminal Record Certificate (also called “hoja de delincuencia”)

The criminal record certificate (also called “hoja de delincuencia”) is a document that shows whether a person has been convicted by a Costa Rican court. It is issued by the Poder Judicial, and it is frequently required for jobs that involve responsibility for minors, money, or safety (for example, staff at a daycare center — see the daycare center licensing form).

Donde se tramita:

• Online, through the official website of the Poder Judicial (pj.poder-judicial.go.cr) or its institutional mobile app. The document is received in PDF format with a digital signature, with notification by SMS or email.
• In person at the Registro Judicial (Annex A building of the First Judicial Circuit of San José), Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. continuously, or at regional administrations and authorized judicial offices throughout the country.

Requisitos:

• Be of legal age and present a valid, well‑preserved identification document.
• To use the online system, you must create a user account and password one time, which requires appearing in person at any judicial office with your cédula.

Vigencia: the certificate is valid for 3 months from issuance — if an institution asks for a “recent” one, confirm whether they accept that period or require a newer one.

Nota: the exact current cost could not be confirmed in this verification — check directly at pj.poder-judicial.go.cr at the time of the procedure.