International Driving Permit for Costa Rica

Do you need an IDP to drive in Costa Rica?

You may drive on a valid foreign licence for up to 90 days; an IDP is recommended as a translation. An International Driving Permit is an official translation of your national driver's licence into multiple languages — it never replaces your home licence, so always carry both, along with your passport.

What to carry when driving in Costa Rica

• Your valid national driver's licence
• Your International Driving Permit (IDP)
• Your passport and rental documents

How to get your IDP for Costa Rica

You don't need to visit an office. Get your International Driving Permit online with International DL in minutes — we translate your licence into the official UN-convention languages and issue your IDP digitally, ready before you fly.

Which permit Costa Rica recognises

Costa Rica has not signed either the 1949 Geneva or the 1968 Vienna Convention, so an International Driving Permit carries no treaty status there. Rental agencies still commonly ask for one as a translation of your licence.

Treaty status per the United Nations treaty depositary: 1949 Geneva Convention · 1968 Vienna Convention

Driving on the Right-hand side in Costa Rica

Costa Rica drives on the RIGHT. If you normally drive on the left, allow time to adjust — roundabouts, junctions and overtaking all run the opposite way, and most rental cars will have the gear shift on your right.

The legal minimum driving age in Costa Rica is 18. Rental companies routinely set their own, higher minimum and often add a young-driver surcharge below 25.