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World Driving Permit

🇨🇷 Do you need an IDP to drive in Costa Rica?

IDP usually not required· no specific convention· Last reviewed 17 Jun 2026

Short answer

Usually not — most visitors can drive in Costa Rica on a valid national driving licence during a short tourist stay. A certified translation can still make police and rental checks smoother, especially for non-Latin-script licences.

Driving in Costa Rica: the rule explained

Costa Rica is not a party to either convention; tourist driving rights come from national law (Ley 9078, Art. 91). A foreign licence is valid for driving for up to 90 days, and this validity is explicitly tied to the duration of the visitor's tourist immigration permit (the passport entry stamp). An IDP is not required for Latin-script licences but is needed only if the licence is in a non-Roman script.

Exemption: Licences in Roman/Latin script (e.g. English) need no IDP; only non-Latin-script licences require an IDP or translation.

Renting a car in Costa Rica

Rental requires the original passport with a valid tourist entry stamp, the home licence and a credit card. Drivers must carry the passport at all times when driving.

Motorcycles & scooters: The foreign licence must show the motorcycle category to legally ride and rent a motorcycle.

What to carry when driving in Costa Rica

  • Original driving license (physical card)
  • Passport with valid visa/entry stamp
  • Translation companion or certified translation of your license
  • Proof of insurance covering the destination
  • Foreign licence is valid only while the 90-day entry stamp is valid
  • Carry the passport with the entry stamp whenever driving

Check your exact trip

Get a tailored answer for your licence country, dates and vehicle.

Translation companion

A certified, multi-language translation of your licence to carry alongside it. It is not an IDP and does not replace one.

Costa Rica: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Costa Rica?
Usually not — most visitors can drive in Costa Rica on a valid national driving licence during a short tourist stay. A certified translation can still make police and rental checks smoother, especially for non-Latin-script licences. Costa Rica is not a party to either convention; tourist driving rights come from national law (Ley 9078, Art. 91). A foreign licence is valid for driving for up to 90 days, and this validity is explicitly tied to the duration of the visitor's tourist immigration permit (the passport entry stamp). An IDP is not required for Latin-script licences but is needed only if the licence is in a non-Roman script.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Costa Rica?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Costa Rica read your licence, but it does not replace an IDP where one is legally required. Always carry your original national licence with it.
What do I need to rent a car in Costa Rica?
Rental requires the original passport with a valid tourist entry stamp, the home licence and a credit card. Drivers must carry the passport at all times when driving.

Official sources

Need a real, government-recognised IDP? See how to get an IDP from an authorised issuer.

Requirements for other countries