Take a Good Look at Costa Rican Girl’s Id Card

Costa Rica Adult Cedula

The general advise is that when there is any doubt as to the age of a potential date, then it is a good idea to politely ask to see her national identification card or "cedula". However, a little know fact is that in Costa Rica a minor can sometimes receive an adult cedula, and when it does happens there is no protection for any would be gringo boyfriend.

Do not assume that having the adult cedula means you are dealing with an adult. Take the time to actually look on the reverse side for the date of birth. The format for the date is dd-mm-yyyy, which unlike in the United States means the day comes before the month. Always check the birth date and make sure the math says 18 or above.

The problem is that both adults and Married Minors may receive the adult cedula. The legal age for marriage is 15, and this is by no means the age of consent, married or not for any gringo. You can’t expect much help from ticos on this issue either. The average bar bouncer ignores the date of birth, and looks to see that the picture on the adult cedula resembles the girl.

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Unlike in the United States there are no real consequences for a girl who for example uses the cedula of a family member to get into a bar or Work in a Massage Parlour. Being fooled about a girl’s age is not an affirmative defense, and in Costa Rica a foreigner in this situation can expect to spend seven years in prison and thousands of dollars in extortion payments.