Driving in Costa Rica with a US or other foreign license
If you're visiting, you can drive on your valid home-country license for as long as immigration let you stay when you entered. That's article 91 of the Traffic Law as reformed by Law 10470 of 2024. Here's the rule, what to carry, insurance basics and when you need a Costa Rican license.
Last updated: · Unofficial guide with linked sources.
The current rule (Law 10470)
- Tourists and people in transit may drive the same type of vehicle their valid foreign license allows, for the same period granted by the immigration authority (Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería) (Law 10470, SCIJ).
- That period is set by your entry stamp. For some nationalities the maximum is 180 days, but it isn't automatic: the immigration officer decides, and many visitors get 90 days or less (Tico Times; directive DG-30-10-2023-AJ per Themis Legal).
- With a license equivalent to class B-1 or higher you may also ride motorcycles or mopeds up to 125 cc (electric up to 11 kW) off primary roads, and trikes or quads up to 500 cc (Law 10470).
- Once that period ends, your foreign license no longer lets you drive in Costa Rica.
The Poder Judicial 2026 fine table still shows the old wording (“foreign license for more than three months”). Article 91 as reformed by Law 10470 is what applies.
What to carry when you drive
- Your valid foreign driver's license (the original).
- Your passport with the entry stamp, since the stamp shows how long you may drive (Tico Times).
- The vehicle documents the Traffic Law requires (art. 4): title or Registry ownership certificate, proof of the circulation permit (marchamo) and technical inspection, the mandatory insurance certificate, plates and any special permits (Law 9078, art. 4). In a rental car, check with the rental company that they're in the vehicle.
Insurance basics
- The mandatory SOA insurance comes with the marchamo. It covers injury and death of people in traffic accidents, with a cover limit of up to ₡6,000,000 (INS).
- Under article 64 of the Traffic Law, SOA covers people; damage to vehicles or property is covered by voluntary insurance. If you rent, ask the rental company exactly which coverages your contract includes.
- After an accident, the Traffic Law (art. 68) gives you 10 business days to notify INS (INS).
- Driving in on foreign plates? INS has a policy for foreign-registered vehicles that you register or renew online.
When you need a Costa Rican license (homologation)
- If you move here: people with approved or pending residency can convert (homologate) their valid foreign license, without the basic course or the practical test (Law 10470). There is no minimum time in the country before you can apply (MOPT).
- It's done in person, by free appointment in the road-safety education (Educación Vial) system, at its 13 offices.
- Requirements include an official translation, a certification of your license, current immigration status, a medical certificate (dictamen médico), your passport or home-country ID, and no unpaid fines. Full list: Educación Vial (Spanish).
- Once approved, BCR prints the license for ₡5,000 plus a bank fee (MOPT). According to the Tico Times, a first converted license is valid for 3 years and must be printed within 6 months of approval.
If you own a car in Costa Rica
Besides your license, the car needs a current marchamo and technical inspection. See how to pay the 2027 marchamo, the marchamo calculator and how to book Dekra.
Wheels Down Concierge can handle your marchamo, Dekra or import paperwork
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FAQ
Can I drive in Costa Rica with a US license?
Yes. Since Law 10470 (2024), tourists can drive with their valid foreign driver's license, for the same vehicle types it allows, for as long as the immigration authority (Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería) let them stay on entry.
How long can I drive on a foreign license in Costa Rica?
For the length of stay immigration granted you, shown by your entry stamp. For some nationalities the maximum is 180 days, but the immigration officer decides and it can be shorter.
What should I carry when I drive?
Your valid foreign license, your passport with the entry stamp (it shows how long you may drive) and the vehicle documents the Traffic Law requires, such as proof of the marchamo and technical inspection and the mandatory insurance certificate.
When do I need a Costa Rican driver's license?
When your tourist stay ends, or if you move here. People with approved or pending residency can convert (homologate) their foreign license, with no minimum time in the country.
What does the mandatory SOA insurance cover?
It covers injury and death of people in traffic accidents, up to ₡6,000,000. It's included in the vehicle's marchamo.
Related guides
Sources
- Law 10470 (reform of art. 91, Law 9078): SCIJ — Attorney General (PGR)
- Vehicle documents: Law 9078, art. 4 (SCIJ)
- 180-day directive and publication of the law: Themis Legal
- Entry stamp, period and converted license: Tico Times, Aug 30, 2026
- Homologation: appointment, requirements, cost: MOPT, Nov 3, 2025
- Full requirements: Dirección General de Educación Vial
- Mandatory SOA insurance and accident notice: INS — FAQ
- 2026 fine table: Poder Judicial, circular 220-2025
- Foreign-registered vehicles: INS — foreign vehicle policy