Yes, you can drive in Costa Rica with the valid driver's license from your country, for as long as your legal stay. Since December 2024, Costa Rican law (Ley 10591) lets visitors with a foreign license drive the same type of vehicle their license allows, for the same period that immigration authorizes them to stay. Here is what that means for your rental.
What the law says
Article 91 of the Traffic Law, as reformed by Ley 10591 (in force since December 2, 2024), says drivers with a license issued abroad who are in Costa Rica as visitors, or in transit, may drive the vehicle their license permits "for a period identical to the one authorized for their legal stay in the national territory." Before this reform, a foreign license was valid for only three months.
- How long: as long as your authorized stay. That period is set by immigration when you enter the country, so check your entry stamp or entry record.
- Which vehicles: the same type your license allows at home. A regular car license covers our 4x4s and SUVs.
- Digital licenses: if your country issues your license in digital format, you cannot be required to show a physical card.
What we ask for when you rent
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Driver's license | Valid and current, issued in your country |
| Passport | The driver's passport |
| Credit card | In the driver's name, for the deposit from $500 |
| Age | Minimum 21. Drivers aged 21 to 24 pay a surcharge from $13/day |
| Years with a license | No minimum required |
See all conditions on our rental requirements page.
US, Canadian and UK licenses
The rule is the same for every country: a valid license from home is enough for the length of your legal stay. Travelers from the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom only need their valid home license and passport to rent with us.
Staying for months?
Your foreign license stays valid while your stay is legal. If you become a resident, you will need to convert it to a Costa Rican license, which is a separate process. For a car while you stay, see our long-term rental.
Frequently asked questions
Can tourists drive in Costa Rica with a US license?
Yes. A valid US license lets you drive for as long as your authorized stay, under Ley 10591.
Is my license still valid after 90 days?
The old three-month limit no longer applies. Your license is valid for the same period as your authorized stay, so check the stay immigration granted you on entry.
Do I need to carry my physical license?
If your country issues a digital license, you can show it in digital format. Otherwise, carry your license and passport whenever you drive.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Sources: Ley 10591, published in Alcance 194 of La Gaceta 226 (December 2, 2024). Check your entry conditions with Costa Rica's immigration authority.