Check the licensing route that applies to you before relying on a foreign driver’s license in Costa Rica. Short-term driving permission, foreign-license homologation and obtaining a first license are different questions. An immigration approval is not a driver’s license.
Can visitors drive for 180 days?
The rule follows the authorized legal stay for the groups covered by Article 91(a); it is not an automatic 180-day allowance for everyone. The current Traffic Law 9078, Article 91 allows drivers in the specified estancia subcategories or in transit to use their foreign license for the same period as their authorized legal stay, for the vehicle it permits.
For example, a qualifying visitor authorized to stay 180 days should not apply an old blanket 90-day driving limit. Someone authorized for a shorter stay cannot assume 180 days. Check the actual immigration record and license validity.
Article 91 also addresses foreign licenses issued digitally, homologation and certain pending immigration procedures. A pending application should not be treated as an unlimited permission without confirming that the statutory conditions apply to your case. Ask the competent authorities what evidence you should carry.
Article 91 checked September 7, 2026 in SINALEVI’s latest consolidated version, 30 of 30; the article records its amendment by Law 10591 of November 5, 2024.
What homologation means
MOPT’s homologation information sheet describes obtaining a Costa Rican license equivalent to a foreign license. It states there is no minimum period of stay before requesting the procedure, and that the procedure is personal and in person.
How the homologation actually runs, step by step
The part that confuses people is that two different institutions are involved, and they do different jobs. Educación Vial checks and approves your paperwork. The Banco de Costa Rica prints the card. Since 16 August 2022 the printing has been done only at BCR branches enabled for licence issuing, and BCR does nothing else — presenting the requirements, having them reviewed and getting the trámite approved all still happen at a Dirección General de Educación Vial office.
Four things worth knowing before you go
- Do not pay anything before you start. Educación Vial states plainly that no cost should be paid before beginning the trámite with them. Anyone asking you for money up front to “arrange” it is not part of the official process.
- Appointments go through BCR, at bcrcita.bancobcr.com or on 800-BCRCITA (2272482) — not through Educación Vial directly.
- Slots to present your requirements open in the last week of each month. Miss that window and you are waiting for the next one, which is the single most common reason people say the process is slow.
- Once approved, you have six months to have the licence printed at BCR. Approval is not the end of it, and the clock runs.
Homologation is handled only at certain Educación Vial offices, and while national licence certifications are available at every branch, international ones are issued only in San José. Offices run Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Checked against the Dirección General de Educación Vial (MOPT), “Acreditación del Conductor”, on 30 September 2026. Procedures change — confirm with Educación Vial before travelling to an office.
Book through the official system
MOPT’s service notice directs applicants to the Driver Accreditation System (SAC) for appointments. It lists requirements including immigration status, medical assessment, identification and foreign-license documentation. Use the complete current requirements for your circumstances; do not infer that every document needs the same translation or certification.
The information sheet says obtaining the appointment is free. Separate appointment booking from later licensing, medical or document costs, and confirm payment instructions with the authority.
Prepare questions before your appointment
- Is your foreign license valid and eligible for the requested category?
- Which identification and immigration records apply to your case?
- Does your license require official translation or additional certification?
- What medical assessment and payment steps are required?
- Which office and appointment are appropriate?
Confirm permission to drive now
A booked appointment or a pending application should not be treated as authorization to drive. Ask MOPT how the current rules apply to your license and immigration circumstances. Check vehicle insurance and rental conditions separately.
Budget for everyday transport
Before choosing a home, test the road access, parking and routine journeys. Compare vehicle costs with the transport options actually available in the community. Allow extra time on unfamiliar roads and check weather and route conditions before a long trip.
For motorcycle-specific planning, see our motorcycle-license guide. MOPT remains responsible for licensing decisions; CRIE can help with the separate immigration questions involved in your move.
Official sources reviewed September 7, 2026. Use the linked authority’s current requirements for your case. Images are illustrative examples, not official documents, offices or approvals.