NZ licence Costa Rica

Driving in Costa Rica with a NZ license

Short answer: you can drive in Costa Rica with a NZ license; an International Driving Permit is recommended and is carried alongside your NZ license.

IDP recommended

An International Driving Permit is recommended (not strictly required) for NZ licence holders driving in Costa Rica. Your NZ licence is in the Roman alphabet, but an IDP removes any doubt at rental desks and roadside checks. Carry both.

Convention basisCosta Rica uses the format of the 1949 Geneva Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

At the rental deskMandatory liability insurance is added at the desk; an IDP helps non-Latin scripts.

CarryCarry BOTH your NZ national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.

Minimum age18+ to drive; rental typically 21+ with a young-driver surcharge under 25

Validity1–3 years (you choose at checkout)

FormatDigital PDF you print yourself, plus a QR-verifiable ID card — accepted alongside printed permits

Last verified June 2026Convention: 1949 Geneva

Get my IDP for Costa Rica Full Costa Rica guide

New Zealand drivers should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their licence when driving abroad. Your International Driving Permit is a certified multilingual translation of your existing licence, prepared in the 1949 Geneva format and carried alongside your national licence.

Driving rules in Costa Rica

Drive on the right.
Mandatory state liability insurance on rentals.
0.05% alcohol limit.
4x4 advised for rural and rainy-season roads.

Common questions

Can I drive in Costa Rica with a NZ license?

you can drive in Costa Rica with a NZ license; an International Driving Permit is recommended and is carried alongside your NZ license. Costa Rica uses the format of the 1949 Geneva Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

Is my NZ driver's license valid in Costa Rica?

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Costa Rica?

Can I rent a car in Costa Rica with a NZ license?

Mandatory liability insurance is added at the desk; an IDP helps non-Latin scripts.

What IDP format does Costa Rica accept?

Costa Rica uses the format of the 1949 Geneva Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

How do I get an International Driving Permit for Costa Rica?

An International Driving Permit is a certified multilingual translation of your existing NZ license. You apply online, and it is issued as a printable PDF booklet with a QR-verifiable ID card in the 1949 Geneva format Costa Rica uses — carried alongside your NZ license.

Do I still carry my NZ license?

Carry BOTH your NZ national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.