Do You Need an International Driving Permit in Costa Rica?
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Do You Need an International Driving Permit in Costa Rica?
Introduction
Most international visitors do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) simply to drive in Costa Rica when they have a valid foreign driver’s license authorizing the type of vehicle they are driving.
Costa Rica’s current Traffic Law allows qualifying foreign visitors and travelers in transit to use their foreign license for the same period as their authorized legal stay.
However, legal permission to drive and rental-company document requirements are separate issues.
Rental companies can require additional documentation before releasing a vehicle. Current Alamo, National and Enterprise Costa Rica policies require additional documentation when the original driver’s license uses a non-Latin script, such as Chinese, Arabic or Cyrillic.
An IDP also does not replace your original driver’s license.
Before collecting a rental vehicle, review the Costa Rica Car Rental Requirements and the terms for the exact rental brand and pickup location.
Quick Answer
You generally do not need an International Driving Permit in Costa Rica if:
You have a valid foreign driver’s license.
Your license authorizes the vehicle you intend to drive.
You remain within your authorized legal stay in Costa Rica.
Your rental company accepts your license format without additional translation.
An IDP or accepted translation may be required by the rental company when your license uses a non-Latin alphabet.
You must still bring your original home-country driver’s license.
An IDP by itself is not a substitute for a valid driver’s license.
Quick IDP Information
General Costa Rica Legal Requirement: No universal IDP requirement for qualifying visitors with a valid foreign license
Foreign License Validity: Generally tied to the traveler’s authorized legal stay
Non-Latin-Script License: Rental location may require an IDP or accepted notarized English translation
U.S. License: IDP normally not required because of license format
Canadian License: IDP normally not required because of license format
UK License: IDP normally not required because of license format
Spanish-Language License: IDP normally not required solely because it is in Spanish
Original Driver’s License Required: Yes for rental pickup
Can an IDP Replace the Original License? No
Expired License: An IDP does not make an expired license valid
Rental Requirements: Can be stricter than the general legal driving rule
Is an International Driving Permit Required in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica does not impose a general IDP requirement on every tourist holding a valid foreign driver’s license.
Article 91 of Costa Rica’s Traffic Law allows drivers holding a foreign license who qualify under the applicable immigration categories, or who are in transit, to drive the same type of vehicle authorized by their foreign license for a period identical to their authorized legal stay in Costa Rica.
This is different from older information that described foreign licenses as valid for only 90 days.
The law also recognizes an officially issued foreign digital license when the issuing country or jurisdiction provides the license in that format.
For a more complete explanation of foreign-license validity, read Foreign Driver’s Licenses in Costa Rica.
Legal Driving Rules vs Rental Car Requirements
This distinction is important.
Costa Rican law determines whether you are legally authorized to drive.
The rental company determines whether it will release a rental vehicle to you under its contract and documentation policies.
A traveler can therefore meet Costa Rica’s general legal requirements while still encountering additional documentation requirements at the rental counter.
Before traveling, check:
Costa Rica’s current legal driving requirements.
Your immigration-authorized stay.
The expiration date of your driver’s license.
The alphabet used on the license.
The exact rental location.
The rental brand.
The terms attached to your reservation.
The Costa Rica Car Rental Requirements Guide explains the main pickup requirements in more detail.
When Can an IDP Be Required for a Rental Car?
The most important issue is often the alphabet used on your original license.
Current Costa Rica location policies published by Alamo, National and Enterprise state that an IDP is required when the driver’s license uses a non-Latin script, unless the renter provides the alternative notarized English translation accepted by the location.
Examples specifically identified in the rental policies include:
Chinese.
Arabic.
Cyrillic.
The purpose is translation and interpretation of the original license.
The IDP does not independently authorize you to drive and does not eliminate the requirement to present your original valid license.
What Is a Non-Latin-Script Driver’s License?
A non-Latin-script license uses an alphabet or writing system different from the Latin alphabet commonly used in languages such as English, Spanish, French, German and Portuguese.
Examples can include licenses written primarily in:
Arabic script.
Chinese characters.
Cyrillic.
Japanese characters.
Other non-Latin writing systems.
Rental-company requirements can depend on exactly what is visible on the physical license.
If your license displays both your local writing system and a Latin-character version of your information, confirm the requirement with the exact rental location before traveling.
Do not assume that a bilingual license automatically eliminates the translation requirement.
Do Americans Need an IDP in Costa Rica?
Normally, no.
A standard valid U.S. driver’s license uses Latin characters, and current Enterprise Costa Rica guidance states that an international driver’s license is not required when the traveler has a valid home-country license.
Bring your original valid license.
You will also need to satisfy the remaining rental requirements, which may include:
Passport.
Required payment or security card.
Minimum age requirement.
Reservation information.
Any required insurance or coverage documentation.
Travelers arriving through SJO can review the San Jose Airport Car Rental Guide.
Do Canadians Need an IDP in Costa Rica?
A standard Canadian driver’s license normally does not trigger the non-Latin-script requirement.
Most Canadian licenses use Latin characters, including licenses containing English or French.
The license must still be:
Valid.
Unexpired.
Appropriate for the vehicle being rented.
Accepted by the rental location.
An IDP should not be treated as necessary simply because the license was issued outside Costa Rica.
Do UK or Australian Travelers Need an IDP?
A standard valid UK or Australian license generally uses Latin characters and therefore normally does not trigger the non-Latin-script documentation requirement used by the Costa Rica rental locations reviewed.
Bring the original license and verify the exact reservation terms before pickup.
Other renter requirements still apply independently of whether an IDP is needed.
Do You Need an IDP If Your License Is in Spanish?
Normally, no.
Spanish uses the Latin alphabet.
The reviewed rental policies do not require an IDP merely because a valid driver’s license is written in Spanish.
The original license must still satisfy the rental company’s normal validity and renter requirements.
What If Your License Uses Arabic, Chinese or Cyrillic?
Plan for additional documentation.
Current Alamo, National and Enterprise Costa Rica rental-location policies identify non-Latin scripts such as:
Arabic.
Chinese.
Cyrillic.
For these license formats, the renter must provide an International Driving Permit or the accepted notarized English translation described by the rental location.
You must also present the original driver’s license.
Do not bring only the translation or IDP.
Does an IDP Replace Your Original Driver’s License?
No.
An International Driving Permit is a supporting translation document.
It does not replace your original home-country license.
For rental pickup, travelers should have:
Original valid driver’s license + IDP or accepted translation when required
Do not arrive with only an International Driving Permit and expect it to function as your driver’s license.
Can You Rent a Car With Only an IDP?
No.
An IDP is not a standalone driver’s license.
Your original valid government-issued license remains the primary document establishing your driving authorization.
An IDP can help translate that document when required, but it does not create driving privileges independently.
How Long Can You Drive With a Foreign License in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica’s current Article 91 ties the validity of a qualifying foreign driver’s license to the visitor’s authorized legal stay.
This replaced the former general three-month rule.
For example, if immigration authorizes a qualifying visitor to remain legally in Costa Rica for a particular period, Article 91 generally allows that visitor to drive for the same authorized period, provided the foreign license remains valid and authorizes the vehicle being driven.
Your actual immigration authorization controls.
Do not automatically assume that every traveler receives the same legal-stay period.
For more information, read Foreign Driver’s Licenses in Costa Rica.
What Happened to the Old 90-Day Rule?
Older Costa Rica travel information frequently states that tourists can use a foreign driver’s license for only 90 days.
That information reflects an older version of Article 91.
Costa Rica changed the law through Law 10,591, which amended Article 91 so that qualifying foreign drivers can use their foreign licenses for a period identical to their authorized legal stay.
The reform took effect in December 2024.
This is particularly important because some travelers can be authorized to remain in Costa Rica longer than 90 days.
Why Do Some Rental Company Pages Still Say 90 Days?
This is an important current inconsistency.
As reviewed in August 2026, current Costa Rica location pages for Alamo, National and Enterprise still publish wording stating that international visitors may use their foreign license for up to 90 days and should obtain an IDP beyond that period.
That wording does not match the newer statutory language in Article 91.
This does not mean travelers should ignore the rental-company terms.
The legal rule and the rental contract address different questions:
Costa Rican law: determines legal authority to drive.
Rental-company policy: determines whether a specific location will release its vehicle under its current renter terms.
If your rental extends beyond 90 days, confirm the policy directly with the exact rental location before reserving.
Do not assume that showing the newer law at the counter will automatically override the company’s published handover procedure.
Can an IDP Extend an Expired Driver’s License?
No.
An International Driving Permit cannot:
Renew an expired license.
Extend the validity of a suspended license.
Replace a canceled license.
Override vehicle-category restrictions.
Extend your authorized immigration stay.
The home-country driver’s license must remain valid.
Current Alamo, National and Enterprise Costa Rica policies also state that temporary driving permits or renewal documents are not accepted at the locations reviewed.
Check your license expiration date before traveling.
What If Your License Expires During the Rental?
This can create a serious problem.
Rental companies require a valid license, and your legal authorization to drive also depends on having a valid underlying license.
If the license will expire during your Costa Rica trip, resolve the renewal before traveling whenever possible.
Do not assume that:
A renewal receipt.
Temporary permit.
IDP.
Photograph of the previous license.
will automatically be accepted by the rental company.
Review the exact location policy before pickup.
Can You Use a Digital Foreign Driver’s License?
Costa Rica’s current Article 91 states that physical presentation cannot be required when a foreign driver shows a digital license because the issuing country or jurisdiction officially issues the license in that format.
However, this legal rule does not automatically mean every rental company must use the same pickup procedure.
Current rental policies may still request a physical driver’s license when handing over a vehicle.
If your country issues only a digital license or you intend to travel without a physical card, confirm acceptance with the rental company before arriving in Costa Rica.
For practical rental pickup, bringing the original physical license whenever available remains the safer option.
Should You Get an IDP Even If It Is Not Required?
It can sometimes be useful, but most travelers with a straightforward Latin-alphabet license do not need one solely because they are visiting Costa Rica.
An IDP may be worth obtaining when:
Your rental location requires it.
Your license uses a non-Latin script.
You want an additional standardized translation.
Your license contains information that may be difficult for foreign officials to interpret.
The rental company specifically recommends it.
Do not purchase an unofficial online “international driver’s license” simply because a website claims it is valid worldwide.
If you need an IDP, obtain it through an authorized issuer recognized in your home country.
What Documents Should You Bring to Rent a Car?
Requirements depend on the rental company, location, vehicle and reservation.
International travelers should generally prepare:
Original valid driver’s license.
Passport.
Qualifying payment or security card in the renter’s name.
Reservation confirmation.
IDP or accepted translation when required.
Written insurance or coverage documentation when required by the reservation.
See the full Costa Rica Car Rental Requirements before traveling.
Travelers can also use the Costa Rica Car Rental Guide to compare locations, vehicles, deposits and rental procedures.
Renting at San Jose Airport
Travelers arriving through Juan Santamaría International Airport should use the correct SJO rental location rather than accidentally reserving a San José city office.
Current Alamo, National and Enterprise SJO procedures involve completing baggage claim and customs, visiting the rental counter and then using company transportation to the rental facility.
Review the San Jose Airport Car Rental (SJO) Guide before arrival.
Renting at Liberia Guanacaste Airport
Travelers arriving through Guanacaste Airport (LIR), commonly called Liberia Airport, should also review the exact airport-location requirements.
Current LIR renter policies require a valid license and identify additional documentation requirements for non-Latin-script licenses.
See the Liberia Guanacaste Airport Car Rental Guide.
IDP Checklist Before Your Costa Rica Trip
Before departure, confirm that your driver’s license:
Is valid and unexpired.
Will remain valid for the entire rental period.
Authorizes the vehicle category you intend to drive.
Uses a format accepted by the rental company.
Is accompanied by an IDP or accepted translation when required.
Also confirm:
Passport validity.
Authorized Costa Rica stay.
Rental pickup location.
Driver age requirements.
Required payment card.
Security deposit or authorization.
Insurance documentation.
Additional-driver requirements.
Driving in Costa Rica
Having the correct license documentation is only one part of preparing for a Costa Rica road trip.
Travelers should also understand:
Right-side driving.
Speed limits.
Road signs.
Rainy-season conditions.
Mountain roads.
Unpaved access roads.
Night-driving considerations.
Toll roads.
Vehicle selection.
Hotel and vacation-rental access.
Review the Driving in Costa Rica: Rules, Roads & Safety Guide before starting your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Americans need an International Driving Permit in Costa Rica?
Normally no.
A valid U.S. driver’s license uses Latin characters, and current Enterprise Costa Rica guidance states that an international driver’s license is not required when the traveler has a valid home-country license.
The exact rental office can still impose its normal renter and pickup requirements.
Do Canadians need an IDP in Costa Rica?
A standard valid Canadian license normally does not trigger the non-Latin-script requirement because it uses Latin characters.
Confirm the exact rental-location requirements before traveling.
Do UK travelers need an IDP?
A standard UK license normally does not require an IDP solely because it is foreign.
The original license must be valid and satisfy the rental company’s requirements.
Do Australians need an IDP?
A standard Australian driver’s license generally uses Latin characters and normally does not trigger the non-Latin-script IDP requirement.
Check the terms of your exact rental location.
Do I need an IDP if my license is in Spanish?
Normally no.
Spanish uses Latin characters, so the license does not trigger the non-Latin-script requirement solely because of its language.
What if my driver’s license is in Arabic?
Current Costa Rica rental-location policies reviewed for Alamo, National and Enterprise require an IDP or the accepted notarized English translation for non-Latin-script licenses such as Arabic.
Bring the original license as well.
What if my driver’s license uses Cyrillic?
Current rental policies reviewed identify Cyrillic as a non-Latin script requiring an IDP or accepted notarized English translation.
The original valid license is also required.
What if my license is in Chinese?
A license using Chinese characters falls within the non-Latin-script requirement used by the rental-company policies reviewed.
Bring the original license together with the required IDP or accepted translation.
Can an IDP replace my normal license?
No.
The IDP supplements your original driver’s license and does not replace it.
Can I rent a car with only an IDP?
No.
Bring the original valid driver’s license.
Is a foreign license valid for only 90 days?
Not under Costa Rica’s current Article 91.
The current legal rule generally ties foreign-license validity to the visitor’s authorized legal stay.
Some rental-company pages continue to publish a 90-day rule, so travelers renting for longer periods should confirm the exact location policy.
Do I need an IDP after 90 days?
Costa Rican law no longer creates a universal 90-day foreign-license limit.
However, current rental-company location pages reviewed still state that an IDP is needed beyond 90 days.
If your rental extends beyond that period, confirm the rental company’s current policy directly.
Does an IDP make an expired license valid?
No.
Your original driver’s license must remain valid.
Can I use a digital driver’s license?
Costa Rican law recognizes a foreign digital license when it is officially issued digitally by the relevant foreign jurisdiction.
Rental-company pickup policies may still require a physical license, so confirm before traveling without one.
Does every additional driver need a license?
Yes.
Every authorized driver must satisfy the rental requirements and present the documentation required to be added to the rental agreement.
Where can I review all Costa Rica rental requirements?
Use the Costa Rica Car Rental Requirements Guide and Foreign Driver’s Licenses in Costa Rica.
Final Recommendation
Most travelers do not need an International Driving Permit simply to drive in Costa Rica when they hold a valid foreign driver’s license that authorizes the vehicle they intend to drive.
The most important exception for rental pickup involves licenses using a non-Latin script. Current Alamo, National and Enterprise Costa Rica policies require an IDP or accepted notarized English translation in those circumstances.
Always carry your original license.
Remember that an IDP is a supporting translation document and does not replace the underlying driver’s license.
Costa Rica’s current Article 91 ties legal foreign-license validity to the traveler’s authorized legal stay rather than the former universal 90-day limit. Because some current rental-company pages still publish the older 90-day wording, travelers planning rentals extending beyond 90 days should confirm the exact branch policy before booking.
Before reserving, review the Costa Rica Car Rental Requirements, Foreign Driver’s Licenses in Costa Rica, and the Driving in Costa Rica Guide.
Last reviewed: August 30, 2026.
Driver-license law, immigration rules and rental-company policies can change. Costa Rican law determines whether you are legally authorized to drive, while the terms of the exact rental company, location and reservation determine whether a vehicle will be released.