Planning to drive or rent a car in Costa Rica? Get your International Driving Permit online in minutes — delivered to your inbox, recognized in 175+ countries.
Get your IDP for Costa Rica →If your driving licence is not issued in the local language, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended — and often required — to legally drive and rent a car in Costa Rica. The IDP is an official translation of your national licence and must be carried together with it.
Car rental companies and police checkpoints in Costa Rica frequently ask for an IDP alongside your national licence. Travelling without one can mean being turned away at the rental counter or fines at a checkpoint.
Pick your plan and pay securely — under a minute.
Add your details and your driving licence photo.
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If your licence isn't in the local language, an IDP is recommended and often required to drive or rent a car in Costa Rica. Always carry it with your original national licence.
After payment you upload your details and photo, and your digital IDP is emailed to you — usually within minutes.
Yes. Major rental companies request an IDP together with your national licence when renting abroad.
Yes. The IDP is a translation and must always be used together with your valid national driving licence.
Driving somewhere else too? See all destinations or read our travel driving guides — including whether you need an IDP and how to rent a car abroad without problems.