In Costa Rica, the strict three-month rule for driving with a foreign license no longer applies. Now the period depends only on the stamp in the passport placed by the immigration officer, and for many tourists this is up to 180 days.
The change came into force back in May 2024 after amendments to article 91 of the Traffic Law. However, more than two years later, outdated information about the three-month limit continues to circulate online. The practical rule is simple: look at the date in the entry stamp — it determines how long you can legally drive.
Previously, the maximum tourist stay was increased to 180 days in September 2023, but this is not an automatic guarantee. The border officer decides individually, and many receive only 90 days or less. Now a foreigner's license is valid exactly as long as the permitted stay in the country.
The reform also simplified life for those planning to stay longer. Previously, to exchange a license for a Costa Rican one, you had to prove continuous residence of at least three months and one day. Any short trip abroad reset the counter, and expats with frequent departures found themselves trapped. Now you can start the process immediately after obtaining status or submitting an application.
For tourists who want to rent a motorcycle or scooter, clarifications have been added regarding categories. With a foreign license of category B-1 and above, you are allowed to ride motorcycles up to 125 cc only on secondary roads. Electric and hybrid models are limited to 11 kilowatts. More powerful vehicles require the corresponding category.
Practical requirements remain the same: a valid foreign license without damage, a medical certificate, proof of immigration status, and no unpaid fines. The exchange procedure is done by appointment at the Road Education Office, without theoretical or practical exams. The finished license is printed at Banco de Costa Rica and is valid for three years.
Travelers should check current rules before their trip rather than rely on old guides. The passport stamp now determines both the length of stay and the right to drive — this simplifies planning but requires attention to details at the border.
