Before starting the process of renting a vehicle in Costa Rica, it's helpful to know the basic requirements you'll need to meet. The three main points are the driver's age, the validity of the driver's license, and having a credit card available for the security deposit. Reviewing these ahead of time avoids confusion, especially if you're visiting Costa Rica from another country and aren't familiar with local requirements.
Why it's important to know the requirements in advance
The requirements to rent a vehicle don't depend only on having a driver's license. There are also conditions related to age and to the method used to back the security deposit. At Enterprise Costa Rica, the minimum age is 21 with no exceptions, and drivers between 21 and 24 are subject to an additional surcharge. You also need to present a valid license and have a credit card available. Knowing these requirements before planning your trip lets you confirm you meet the essential conditions and helps you distinguish between the documents needed to drive and the means required to complete the rental process.
Minimum age and surcharge for drivers 21 to 24
The minimum age to rent a vehicle with Enterprise in Costa Rica is 21, with no exceptions. If you're between 21 and 24, you can rent a vehicle, but an additional surcharge of US$10 per day applies during the rental period. Starting at age 25, this age surcharge no longer applies. Age is verified as part of the driver's requirements, so it isn't enough for another, older person to be part of the trip if the person who will be driving doesn't meet the minimum age.
Driver's license and credit card
If you're visiting Costa Rica from another country, you can use a valid driver's license issued in your home country; you don't need to obtain a Costa Rican license just to rent and drive the vehicle. The license must be valid at the time of the rental. You'll also need a credit card for the security deposit associated with the vehicle. A debit card or cash isn't accepted as the sole method to cover this deposit. This means the license and the card serve different purposes: the license proves you're authorized to drive, while the credit card is needed to back the security deposit required during the rental.
What to do if you have a question about a specific case
Some situations may require additional confirmation, for example, if you have questions about a specific document, the applicable age surcharge, or a detail related to the security deposit. In those cases, check the Enterprise Costa Rica central FAQ section, where information on conditions and procedures is gathered so it doesn't need to be repeated in every guide. Reviewing that section lets you complement these general requirements with information for your particular situation.
Before arranging your rental, confirm that you meet the minimum age, that your license is valid, and that you have a credit card available for the security deposit. For particular cases, also check the information available in the central FAQ section.
Have any questions left?
These are the most common questions related to this topic. If you have a specific question, feel free to contact us: our team will be happy to help.
21 years old, without exception. Drivers between 21 and 24 years of age may be subject to an additional surcharge depending on the vehicle.
No. The security deposit can only be held on a credit card in the primary driver's name.
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