Foreign Driver’s Licenses in Costa Rica

Foreign Driver’s Licenses in Costa Rica

Tourists and travelers in transit can use a valid foreign driver’s license in Costa Rica for the same vehicle type their license authorizes and for the same period as their authorized legal stay. Costa Rican law also recognizes an officially issued digital foreign license. Rental companies may use separate pickup-document procedures, so confirm the exact brand and location requirements before collecting a vehicle.

Can Tourists Drive With a Foreign License?

Yes. Article 91 of Costa Rica’s Traffic Law allows qualifying visitors and travelers in transit to drive with a foreign license for a period identical to their authorized legal stay.

The license must remain valid and authorize the type of vehicle being driven. This legal rule is separate from a rental company’s eligibility and document requirements.

Check current vehicle availability after confirming that your license and travel status meet the requirements for the selected rental location.

How Long Is a Foreign License Valid in Costa Rica?

The current legal rule is tied to your authorized legal stay, not a universal 90-day limit. Law 10,591 amended Article 91 so eligible foreign-license holders may drive for the same period immigration authorities authorize them to remain legally in Costa Rica. The Costa Rica Tourism Board states that immigration determines the permitted stay at entry; visitors from countries in the first visa group can receive up to 180 calendar days.

Your actual authorized period controls. Do not assume every traveler receives 180 days.

Some current Alamo, National and Enterprise rental-location pages still publish a 90-day limit and say an International Driving Permit is needed afterward. That wording does not match the newer Article 91. If your rental extends beyond 90 days, confirm the exact office’s acceptance policy before booking.

Do You Need an International Driving Permit?

An International Driving Permit, or IDP, is not a general requirement for every tourist with a valid foreign license. Enterprise’s current Costa Rica country guidance, for example, states that an international license is not required when the traveler has a valid home-country license.

Current National and Enterprise SJO and LIR policies require an IDP when the original license uses a non-Latin script, such as Chinese, Arabic or Cyrillic, unless the renter provides the notarized English translation accepted by the location. An IDP supports the original license; it does not replace it.

For licenses in English, Spanish or another Latin-based alphabet, an IDP is not automatically required under the reviewed airport policies.

Are U.S., Canadian and European Licenses Accepted?

A valid foreign license can be used under Article 91 when it covers the vehicle being driven and the visitor remains within the authorized legal stay.

Enterprise’s Costa Rica country page also states that an international license is not required with a valid home-country license, but separately says the driver must have held that license for at least two consecutive years. Because that condition is not stated identically across every brand and location page reviewed, newly licensed travelers should verify their exact rental terms.

Can You Use a Digital Driver’s License?

Costa Rican law recognizes a foreign license shown digitally when the country of origin or residence officially issues it in that format.

The statute refers specifically to a license officially issued in digital form; a personal photo or screenshot of a physical card should not be assumed to qualify.

There is a practical conflict for renters: Alamo Costa Rica’s current FAQ asks for a current physical license, while Article 91 says physical presentation cannot be required when the traveler’s country officially issues the license digitally. If you rely only on an official digital license, confirm acceptance with the exact rental office before travel.

Are Temporary Licenses or Renewal Documents Accepted?

Do not rely on them for rental pickup.

Current National and Enterprise policies at San José International Airport and Liberia International Airport require a valid, unexpired license from the renter’s country of residence and state that temporary driving permits or renewal documents are not accepted.

If your permanent license expires near your trip, renew it early enough to travel with the final credential.

What Should You Carry While Driving?

Keep your valid license and rental documents accessible. Because foreign-license validity is linked to legal stay, also keep evidence of your immigration status available.

Costa Rica’s tourism authority recommends making a copy of the passport page showing entry information and carrying it during the stay. Follow the rental company’s instructions for original documents and secure valuables appropriately.

What About Additional Drivers?

Every authorized additional driver must meet the rental requirements and present an acceptable license.

Current National and Enterprise SJO policies require additional drivers to appear at the rental counter and present their license. Make sure every person who may drive is added to the rental agreement as required.

What If You Stay in Costa Rica Long Term?

Tourist driving rules and converting a foreign license into a Costa Rican license are separate matters.

Article 91 includes a homologation process—recognition toward a Costa Rican license—for certain foreigners with approved or pending legal immigration status, as well as specified diplomatic and international-organization personnel. Long-term residents should review current COSEVI and immigration procedures rather than relying on tourist rental guidance.

Before Renting a Car

Confirm that your license is valid for the vehicle type, your authorized stay covers the rental period, your license format is accepted by the rental company, and any required IDP or translation is ready.

Then review the broader Costa Rica car rental requirements, document, insurance and deposit rules for your reservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in Costa Rica with a U.S. or Canadian license?

Yes. A valid U.S. or Canadian license can be used by a qualifying visitor for the authorized legal-stay period, provided it covers the vehicle type being driven. Rental-company requirements may add separate pickup conditions.

Is a foreign license valid for only 90 days?

No, not under the current Article 91. Legal validity is tied to the visitor’s authorized stay. Some rental-company pages still display older 90-day wording, so rentals longer than 90 days should be confirmed with the exact office.

Do I need an IDP if my license is in English?

Not under the National and Enterprise Costa Rica airport policies reviewed simply because the license is foreign. Additional documentation applies when the license uses a non-Latin script.

Can an IDP replace my driver’s license?

No. An International Driving Permit accompanies the original home-country license and should not be treated as a standalone license for rental pickup.

Can I rent with a digital driver’s license?

Costa Rican law recognizes an officially issued digital foreign license, but rental procedures are not fully aligned. Alamo Costa Rica currently asks for a physical license, so confirm acceptance before travel if you have no physical card.

Does every additional driver need a valid license?

Yes. Each authorized driver must meet the rental requirements and present an acceptable license to be added to the rental agreement.

Last reviewed: August 2026.

Driver-license law, immigration status and rental-company procedures can change. Verify the exact rental-location terms before travel and use current Costa Rican law and official authorities for legal driving status.