Rental car - Lost driver's license! Help!
 

Hi! I have run into a serious issue. I will be arriving in Costa Rica on Monday (11/14) and require a rental car, but have lost my license. I can get a replacement today but I think only the flimsy paper temporary replacement, which I was informed would not work. I am flying into Liberia and was to drive immediately to La Fortuna.

Any suggestions for solutions (a suggestion for a sympathetic car rental place?) or alternatives would be very helpful.

Thanks!

"...I think only the flimsy paper temporary replacement..."

You think, or you know. I'd think the first step is confirming which is true.

The last place I lived, AZ, I got the permanent card on the spot. So check to see if that's possible, at your local office, or maybe another.

It's surprisingly hard to confirm without actually going through the process...no customer reps to take calls and the description on the site, although clear, is actually wrong. My statement was based on prior experience, but you never know what others go through or know.

Ultimately, I found out that I cannot get a plastic version immediately and I received a paper copy with no picture. The plastic card can be expedited by mail but its too long for me to be of any use.

Anyone with any Costa Rica experience that might be helpful? I likely have to get a driver for the needed portions unfortunately.

Can you get an International Drivers License from your Auto Club? Just a thought. Maybe with the paper license it's enough.

I had a similar problem. Before our trip to Costa Rica I removed all the unnecessary items from my wallet. Accidentally I left my drivers license at home. I noticed my mistake when I was already at the car rental office in San Jose, Costa Rica. Luckily I always take photos from all important documents when I travel, passport license etc.. I rented the car from Yourtravelmap ( http://www.yourtravelmap.com/costarica/car-rental/ ) and they were fine with the photo. They even printed a copy for me incase the police would have pulled me over.