Update On The Overview Of The New Law Regulating Foreign Driver’s Licenses

The new law aimed at regulating foreign driver’s licenses amends Article 91 of the Transit Law, addressing the validity and privileges associated with foreign driver’s licenses. Article 91 has posed longstanding challenges for expatriates by imposing a three-month limit on driving privileges based on foreign licenses, regardless of the authorized stay’s duration. The reform aims to overhaul this limitation, allowing foreigners to operate vehicles corresponding to their foreign license categories throughout the entire authorized period of their stay in Costa Rica. Moreover, the bill officially acknowledges digital driver’s licenses if issued by the country of origin.

Visitors from countries with up to a 90-day tourist visa can legally drive for the entire duration of their stay. Similarly, tourists from nations with the new 180-day tourist visa will enjoy driving privileges for the same period, eliminating the need for a border run at the 90-day mark.

Digital nomads and specific visa holders (such as business agents, press professionals, religious practitioners, and academics) are entitled to a full year of driving legality without the requirement for license homologation.

TEMPORARY & PERMANENT RESIDENTS: Although residents will still need to homologate their foreign driver’s license, the stipulation for a minimum uninterrupted 90-day stay in Costa Rica has been eliminated.

APPLICANTS “IN TRAMITE”: Those awaiting resolution of their case file at DGME can continue using their foreign driver’s license until they receive the final resolution without the need to depart the country.

For further details or assistance navigating these changes, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help.

Xualá Tobal
Immigration Registration Specialist
xtm@quatro.legal