How old do you have to be to rent a car in Costa Rica

The minimum age is typically between 18 and 21, and it depends on the rental company. This is the short version of the answer but there is much more about possible young driver fees, license requirements, and insurance premiums that I explore in this guide.

Renting a car in Costa Rica under 25 is not complicated, however, your driver’s license must be valid for at least 1 year. Sometimes rental companies have however a different requirement like possibly 2 years.

There is no standard approach by the rental companies and that is why I decided to write this post including a few booking examples, scams, and how to avoid them.

But let’s have a start

Minimum Age Requirement

Based on the Costa Rican Ministry of Public Works and Transport, the minimum age to drive in the country is 18 years. However, most car rental companies stipulate a minimum age of 21 but it varies by rental agency.

There are some agencies that might allow rentals to younger drivers, typically with the condition that they have had a driving license for a certain number of years, usually one or two.

It’s worth noting that younger drivers may face additional fees or restrictions even if they meet the age requirement. The next sections will cover that. Therefore, it’s crucial for potential renters to verify the specific age policies with their chosen rental agency before making a booking to ensure a smooth rental process.

Some rental agencies also impose a maximum age limit, often set at 75 years, so older drivers should likewise confirm any age restrictions.

One thing to notice is that in 2017, the Comisión Costarricense de Cooperación con la Unesco considered changing the minimum age for driving to 21 but it hasn’t happened so far (I will update this post in case).

Driving License Requirements

When renting a car in Costa Rica, the type of driving license you hold, as well as your age, will impact your rental agreement. Both local and international licenses are accepted, as long as they are valid and have been held for at least two years.

There are a few rental companies that accept also less than two years of driving license, however, expect a fee and a larger deposit.

A license written in Roman letters like English or Spanish does not require an International Driving Permit (IDP). However, if your license is not written in Roman letters, for instance, Chinese or Cyrillic, you are required to obtain an IDP.

Age-related Rental Conditions

When renting a car in Costa Rica, the driver’s age can indeed impact rental conditions and policies. Typically, car rental companies have a minimum age requirement, usually around 21-23 years old. Some rental companies may not rent certain vehicle types, such as luxury or high-performance cars, to drivers under a certain age, typically 25 or 30 years.

There can also be a maximum age limit, usually 75 years, after which additional documentation or insurance may be required. Furthermore, drivers under a certain age, commonly 25 years, may face a ‘young driver surcharge‘, a daily fee added to the rental cost.

In terms of insurance, some rental companies might require younger renters to purchase comprehensive insurance, considering them high risk. It’s important to check the specific age-related rental policies of the chosen rental company ahead of time to avoid any surprises upon arrival in Costa Rica.

I usually book my cars with DiscoverCars, an aggregator website that compares location and international rental companies providing the best deal. I love them because they do not have small letters and you can find all you need in the Rental Conditions, including the section on the driver requirements (see pictures below).

If under 25 years old, check carefully the driver requirements. The last thing you want is to book a car, arrive at the renter’s desk, and discover you can’t pick it up or you have to pay a very high younger fee.

Young Driver Surcharge

The “Young Driver Surcharge” can vary quite a bit based on a few factors. It’s not only about the age but also about the car that you rent and the length of the hire.

You may end up paying anything between $10/day and $20/day.

Typically the booking website should tell you the charge once you add your date of birth and surely before completing the payment. Unfortunately, this is not always the case and some renters may tell you that only at the counter (this is one of the scams of Costa Rica).

My biggest tip here is to avoid completing the payment if you do not get reported on the surcharge. On the DiscoverCars booking platform, for example, you get the below alarm and the updated total cost once you enter the date of birth.

Age Limits for Different Vehicle Categories

Certain vehicle types may carry different age restrictions when renting a car in Costa Rica. Usually, basic economy, compact, and standard vehicles are available to drivers from the minimum rental age (usually between 18 and 21 years).

However, for larger, premium, or specialty vehicles such as SUVs, luxury cars, or vans, rental companies might impose higher minimum age requirements.

For example, you can rent an economy car when you are 20 years old. You may be required to be at least 25 to rent an SUV or a luxury car. It is also common to see restrictions on young drivers from renting high-performance sports cars, rarely offered anyway.

Tips for Young Renters

Here below I have organized 10 tips that will help with renting a car in Costa Rica at a young age.

1. Do Your Research: Understand the policies of different rental companies, as they can vary widely when it comes to young drivers.
2. Early Booking: Reserve your car well in advance to ensure availability and possibly lower rates.
3. License Validity: Ensure your license is valid and in English or accompanied by an International Driving Permit.
4. Insurance: Understand the insurance requirements in Costa Rica and make sure you’re adequately covered.
5. Vehicle Selection: Choose a vehicle that suits your driving comfort and the terrain you’ll be exploring. Renting a 4×4 in Costa Rica is the best choice, assuming the rental company does not have restrictions on age for this type of car.
6. Additional Driver: Consider adding an older driver to the rental agreement, if possible. This will smooth the process.
7. Avoid Additional Fees: Refuel the car before returning it and avoid a late return to prevent extra charges.
8. Documentation: Carry all necessary documents, including passport, credit card, and driver’s license. Although you can rent a car in Costa Rica without a credit card, it becomes almost impossible at a young age due to the already many restrictions.
9. Road Awareness: Familiarize yourself with Costa Rican traffic rules and road conditions. I have written a full guide for first-timers driving in Costa Rica that has plenty of great information and tips.
10. Emergency Numbers: Have local emergency contact numbers handy for quick assistance (you find them all in my driving in Costa Rica guide).

Conclusion

Like in most of the world, also in renting a car Costa Rica has age-related requirements and conditions. Being well-prepared can help you avoid unexpected complications and costs.

Remember, each car rental company might have their unique policies, so doing your due diligence beforehand is key. Choose a suitable vehicle, understand your insurance coverage, and ensure your driving license meets the requirements.

In doing that, you will save money, and time and you will experience a safer trip in the beautiful landscapes of Costa Rica.

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