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If you’ve spent even five minutes on a Costa Rica Facebook group or expat forum, you’ve probably seen the debate. Someone says your foreign driver’s license is valid for 180 days. Someone else swears it’s only 90. Someone throws in a GIF. Someone mentions a friend of a friend who got fined in Jacó. It’s chaos.
So let’s clear it up once and for all. Yes, as of 2024, you can legally drive in Costa Rica with your foreign license for the full 180 days of your tourist visa. No border run required.
But the confusion? Totally understandable.
TL;DR
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is my foreign license valid for 180 days? | Yes—as long as your tourist visa stamp is for 180 days. |
| Do I need a border run every 90 days? | No—unless you’re stopped by someone unaware of the update. |
| Can residents convert license sooner? | Yes—once you get your DIMEX, you can convert it right away. |
Driving in Costa Rica – What did the law used to say?
Until recently, the rule was this: even if your tourist visa was good for 180 days, your driver’s license was only valid for 90 days. After that, you’d technically be driving without a valid license, which meant your insurance could be void, and transit police could fine you on the spot.
For a lot of people staying long-term — especially digital nomads, remote workers, or families trying out life in Costa Rica — this meant doing a border run every 90 days just to reset the driving clock. Even if you didn’t want to leave. Even if your visa was still perfectly valid.
Can You Drive in Costa Rica for 180 Days on a Tourist Visa?
In May 2024, the government finally fixed the mismatch. The new rule says that your foreign license is now valid for the full length of your legal stay, up to 180 days for most tourists.
That means if your passport was stamped with 180 days at the airport, you can drive the entire time, legally and confidently. Here’s the official legal update published in La Gaceta.
No more border runs. No more 90-day reminders in your phone. No more “technically illegal but everyone does it” vibes.
Why does the internet still say it’s 90 days?
Because for years, it was. And unfortunately, a lot of blogs, Facebook replies, and even local tour guides are still quoting the old version. It takes time for that kind of info to catch up — especially in Costa Rica, where things often change quietly and without big flashy announcements.
So if someone confidently tells you “You have to leave every 90 days to keep driving,” they’re not lying. They’re just a little behind the times.
Are there any exceptions?
Yes, and it’s worth knowing.
- This rule applies to tourists from countries that receive 180-day visas (like the US, Canada, EU, and others).
- You still need to carry your passport with your entry stamp when you drive.
- If you get pulled over by an officer who hasn’t heard about the rule change (it happens), be polite, and show them the law — ideally saved on your phone.
What about residents or digital nomads?
If you’re applying for temporary residency or have a digital nomad visa, you’re in even better shape. As soon as your permit is approved, you can apply for a Costa Rican driver’s license — no more relying on your foreign one.
And thanks to the same 2024 law change, once you have your DIMEX (residency ID), there’s no longer a 90-day waiting period before you’re allowed to convert your license. You can do it immediately.
Did Costa Rica Just Make License Renewal Way Easier?
By the way, starting in October 2025, Costa Rica is finally making life a bit easier. You’ll be able to renew or duplicate your driver’s license entirely online, no need to set foot in a COSEVI office. Whether you’re staying long-term or just accidentally dropped your license in a waterfall (hey, it happens), you can take care of it from your laptop or phone.
No lines, no appointments, no stress, and definitely a win for anyone trying to stay legal without interrupting their pura vida groove. It’s a topic worth diving into on its own, so keep an eye out for a full blog post soon. And if you want updates like this straight to your inbox, don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter.
Can I still buy a car in Costa Rica as a tourist?
Yes. Tourists can legally own and drive a car in Costa Rica, and with the 180-day rule now aligning with your license, it makes a lot more sense to do so. Just remember, owning a car here means keeping up with the marchamo (yearly registration), Riteve/Decra (technical inspection), and finding a good mechanic who doesn’t ghost you for a month.
If you’re staying for several months, buying might actually be smarter than renting — but that’s a topic for another blog post.
Driving in Costa Rica – so what should I do now?
If you’re planning a longer stay in Costa Rica and want to drive legally the whole time:
- Double-check your passport stamp when you arrive
- Save the official law update on your phone
- Carry your passport when driving
- Breathe easy. You’re not breaking the rules anymore
Want help navigating the weird grey areas of life in Costa Rica?
I get it. Between visa rules, SIM cards, car insurance, and which beach has the least jellyfish this month, Costa Rica can be confusing.
At GoExploreWith.me, we help travelers and expats cut through the noise — with real advice, not recycled FAQs.
Whether you’re planning to rent a car, buy one, or just want someone to translate Costa Rican bureaucracy into plain English, we’ve got your back.
Sign up for the newsletter, download our free eBook “10 Hidden Gems in Costa Rica You’ve Never Heard Of”, or just shoot us a message. We’ll help you figure it all out — and maybe even tell you where to get the best roadside empanada on your way to the Osa.
