Do You Need a License to Drive a Golf Cart in Costa Rica?
By Rent Me Tamarindo · 4 min read · Updated 2026-10-26
It is one of the first questions visitors ask before booking a golf cart in Tamarindo. The short version: a golf cart is a vehicle on public roads, so you drive it with a regular driver's license. Here is exactly what we require at Rent Me Tamarindo, and what to know before you get behind the wheel.
Lifted 4-Seater
From $70/day
Fuel not included: +$6/day fuel fee at checkout.
Electric carts: delivered charged.
What license do you need?
- A valid regular driver's license. No special golf cart license is required to rent from us.
- Temporary licenses are not accepted.
- A foreign driver's license is valid for the same duration as your authorized stay, up to 180 days for most visitors, depending on your entry stamp (article 91 of Law 9078, amended in May 2024; previously 90 days). Carry your passport with your license.
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not legally required in Costa Rica. It can be useful if your license is not in Spanish or English; carry it with your license and passport.
Age rules
- The person renting must be 21 or older.
- Every driver must be 18 or older.
Are golf carts legal on public roads?
Our carts are registered and legal to drive on public roads. They are made for local driving in your area — see where we deliver and our golf cart rental guide for the areas we serve. Gated communities such as Hacienda Pinilla may have their own rules for golf carts.
Costa Rica's traffic rules are set by Law 9078 (Ley de Tránsito). Normal traffic rules apply when you drive on public roads, and police checks happen in beach towns. Never drink and drive.
Is insurance included?
Yes. Every golf cart rental includes INS insurance. INS is Costa Rica's national insurer, and mandatory automobile insurance (SOA) is supervised by SUGESE. Ask our team on WhatsApp before you book for exact coverage details.
What to bring at delivery
- Your valid regular driver's license.
- Documents required at delivery besides the license: [À CONFIRMER].
Not sure a golf cart is right for your trip? Compare it with a car in golf cart vs. rental car, or read how to get around Tamarindo. You can see every vehicle in our fleet.
Frequently asked
Do you need a license to drive a golf cart in Costa Rica?
Yes. You need a valid regular driver's license. Temporary licenses are not accepted.
Do I need a special golf cart license?
No. A valid regular driver's license is enough to rent and drive our carts.
How old do I have to be?
The person renting must be 21 or older, and every driver must be 18 or older.
Can I drive a golf cart on public roads in Costa Rica?
Yes. Our carts are registered and legal on public roads, for local driving in the areas we serve.
Is insurance included?
Yes. Every rental includes INS insurance.
Sources
Rent for this trip
Lifted 4-Seater
Electric or Gas · 4 seats · Lifted suspension
Gas carts: Fuel not included: +$6/day fuel fee at checkout.
Electric carts: delivered charged.
Staying 32 days or more? Message us on WhatsApp for a long-stay rate.
Lifted 6-Seater
Electric or Gas · 6 seats · Lifted suspension
Gas carts: Fuel not included: +$6/day fuel fee at checkout.
Electric carts: delivered charged.
Staying 32 days or more? Message us on WhatsApp for a long-stay rate.
Delivered to your villa · Prices in USD. Delivery fee per vehicle: free in Tamarindo and Playa Langosta; USD 55 to Hacienda Pinilla, Playa Grande, Avellanas, Flamingo, Potrero and Brasilito; USD 100 to Playa Negra. Reserva Conchal: USD 55, pending confirmation with our team. Contact us for other areas. A 6% booking fee is added at checkout, calculated on the subtotal including add-ons and delivery fees.
Pick the right ride for your Tamarindo trip.
Have your license ready? Book your golf cart online in a minute, or ask us anything on WhatsApp.
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