Indonesia driver license: requirements and application process

Indonesia Driver's License

Driving in Indonesia — whether through Bali’s rice fields or Jakarta’s expressways — requires a valid driver’s license (SIM – Surat Izin Mengemudi).

For foreigners living or investing here, obtaining a local license is essential for insurance coverage, legal safety, and peace of mind.

This 2025 guide explains how to get a driver’s license in Indonesia, what types exist, what documents you need, and how the process works on Bali.

Driver’s License in Indonesia 2025

Category	Key Info
Official Name	SIM (Surat Izin Mengemudi)
Issued By	Polri (Indonesian National Police)
Main Types	SIM A – car, SIM C – motorcycle
Foreigners Eligible	Yes, with valid visa or KITAS/KITAP
Validity	5 years (renewable)
Processing Time	1–3 days
Approx. Cost	$25–50 (official fee)

SIM Types Explained

License Type	Vehicle Type	Notes
SIM A	Cars / 4-wheel vehicles up to 3,500 kg	For personal cars
SIM B1 / B2	Trucks, buses, heavy vehicles	Requires SIM A first
SIM C	Motorcycles ≤ 250 cc	Common for expats
SIM C1 / C2	Motorcycles > 250 cc	For large-capacity bikes
SIM D	Vehicles for disabled persons	Special category
SIM Internasional	International license issued by Polri	Valid in 90+ countries

Tip: Most expats in Bali apply for SIM A and/or SIM C depending on their daily transport — car, scooter, or both.

Who Can Apply

Foreigners can apply if they hold:

• Passport + visa (tourist, business, KITAS, or KITAP)
• Residence proof — e-KTP Orang Asing or domicile letter
• Medical certificate (available at Satpas or nearby clinic)

If you’re on a tourist visa, you can get a 3-month temporary SIM through authorized driving schools like Bali Driving Center in Denpasar.

Required Documents

Document	Purpose
Passport + visa	Identity verification
KITAS / KITAP	Residence status
Domicile letter	Proof of address in Indonesia
Medical certificate	Vision and health test
NPWP (optional)	Tax ID — sometimes requested for KITAS holders
Materai (tax stamp)	Used for official forms

Application Process (Example: Bali – Denpasar Satpas)

1. Prepare documents and visit the Satpas (license center).
2. Take a medical test (eyesight and reflexes).
3. Fill out the application form and submit copies of your ID and visa.
4. Attend theory and practical tests — driving course on-site for scooters or cars.
5. Pay the official fee:
   SIM A: ~250,000 IDR
   SIM C: ~150,000 IDR
6. Wait for license printing — usually same day or next.

Average processing time: 1–3 working days.

Processing Timeline Overview

Stage	Process	Duration
Document Prep	Collect passport, KITAS, domicile letter	1 day
Medical Check & Test	Eye & reaction test	30 minutes
Theory & Practical	Conducted at Satpas or certified driving school	1–2 days
License Printing	Final step at Polri Office	Same day / next day

In total, you can usually get your SIM within 2–3 days if all documents are ready.

Renewal Process

Validity: 5 years (same for foreigners and locals).

Renewal: Apply before expiry at any Polri Satpas or via Digital Korlantas Polri App.

Requirements: Old SIM, passport/KITAS, new medical check, and renewal fee.

Renewals can be done 100% online since 2023 — just upload your documents and collect the new card in person.

International & Temporary Licenses

Short-term visitors can legally drive with:

• International Driving Permit (IDP) + valid home country license.
• Validity: up to 6 months (not renewable locally).

After 6 months or with KITAS status, you must obtain a local SIM.

SIM for Electric Vehicles (EV)

From 2025, Indonesia’s National Police (Polri) plans to introduce a new SIM category for electric vehicles (EVs) — covering both electric cars and e-bikes.

Testing requirements will be simplified, focusing on battery safety and silent-vehicle awareness.

This reflects Indonesia’s national goal to promote electric mobility and eco-friendly transport by 2030.

Fines & Penalties (Updated 2025)

Violation	Fine (IDR)	Approx. USD
No SIM while driving	up to 1,000,000	$65
Expired SIM	250,000–500,000	$16–$32
No helmet / seatbelt	250,000	$16
Reckless driving	1–3 million	$65–195
Missing STNK (vehicle registration)	500,000 + confiscation	$32 + —

Police on Bali frequently check SIMs, especially in Canggu, Seminyak, and Uluwatu.

Always carry a license, STNK, and passport copy when driving.

Driving Tips for Expats

• Always carry a copy of passport + visa + SIM.
• Use only officially issued SIM cards (avoid “informal” licenses).
• Check that your scooter or car has valid registration (STNK).
• Follow local traffic laws — stop lines, helmets, and phone bans are enforced.
• Consider local insurance — hospital costs after accidents can be high.

Looking for how to get a Bali driver’s license as a foreigner?

Here’s your full 2025 breakdown — requirements, documents, test steps, and local insights from DDA Real Estate’s relocation experts.

Useful materials: 8 essential property negotiation tips in Bali you need to know, The Pros and Cons of Off-Plan Property Investments in Bali, Complete Guide To Buying Property in Bali as a Foreigner.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can foreigners drive with an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
  Yes, up to 6 months. For longer stays or KITAS holders, you need a local SIM.
• How long does it take to get a SIM?
  Usually 1–3 days depending on the queue and document readiness.
• Can I apply for both car and scooter licenses?
  Yes. You’ll need to take two separate tests (SIM A + SIM C).
• What happens if my SIM expires?
  You must reapply as a new applicant — late renewals aren’t allowed.
• Are online renewals available for foreigners?
  Yes, via Digital Korlantas Polri App, provided your data is registered in their system.

DDA Real Estate Assistance

DDA Real Estate assists expats and investors relocating to Indonesia with:

• KITAS / KITAP visa setup
• SIM A / SIM C driver’s license applications
• Vehicle purchase and registration (STNK)
• Insurance and tax compliance for business-owned cars

We make your transition to Bali smooth, legal, and stress-free.