Americas
Driving in Costa Rica
Local law and rental desks expect an international permit alongside your home licence. Here is exactly what Costa Rica expects from a visiting driver, and how to have it before you land.
Costa Rica
Americas · drives on the right
- Drives on the
- Right
- Rental min age
- 18+
- Ready in
- 8 min
Do I need an international driving permit in Costa Rica?
Local law and rental desks expect an international permit alongside your home licence. Expected by rental firms, and the roads outside San José make an argument at the desk expensive.
Which side of the road does Costa Rica drive on?
Costa Rica drives on the right-hand side of the road.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Costa Rica?
Rental desks in Costa Rica generally require drivers to be at least 18. Younger drivers may face a surcharge or be refused.
How quickly can I get one before I fly?
The digital document is issued in minutes — the median is 41 seconds after payment — and works offline. A printed booklet ships separately by tracked courier.
Requirements are set by Costa Rica and can change. We publish what the destination currently expects and update it when it moves. If Costa Rica refuses the document we recommended for it, our money-back guarantee applies.