Honest note (please read): Indonesia’s visa, tax and property rules change frequently. Everything here is general information, current as of 2025–2026, and is not legal, tax or immigration advice. Costs, income thresholds and visa names are indicative ranges that can change — always confirm the latest regulations with a licensed, Kantor-Imigrasi-registered consultant, lawyer or tax adviser before acting. We never recommend nominee property arrangements, working on a tourist visa, or visa-runs. We are a guide and concierge: for your situation we connect you to vetted, licensed professionals.
How to get Indonesian driving license (SIM) mainly comes down to your visa status and whether you already hold a foreign licence. To legally drive a car or scooter longer-term you’ll need a local SIM card Indonesia driving licence (SIM A for cars, SIM C for motorbikes), not just an International Driving Permit.
Last checked against official regulations and on-the-ground experience: June 2026. Rules and fees change; always confirm locally before you apply.
What is a SIM in Indonesia?
In Indonesia, “SIM” (Surat Izin Mengemudi) is your driving licence, completely unrelated to the SIM card in your phone.
There are several classes, but most foreigners only ever deal with:
- SIM A – private cars up to 3,500 kg
- SIM C – motorbikes/scooters (most expats use 110–250cc scooters)
There are also SIM B (trucks/buses) and professional categories, but you usually won’t qualify unless you’re an employee of an Indonesian company in that sector with the right work permits.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) plus your home-country licence can cover you for short visits, but police, rental companies and insurers increasingly expect a local SIM once you’re living here for more than a few months.
Who can get an Indonesian driving licence?
To get a standard SIM A or SIM C, you generally need:
- A passport
- A valid stay permit (visa sticker or e-visa/e-ITAS)
- INDONESIAN address (your kos, villa, apartment, or house – ideally one that matches your KITAS/KITAP registration)
- Minimum age: 17 for SIM A and SIM C
In practice, long-stay foreigners with:
- ITAS/KITAS (work, spouse, investor, retirement, digital nomad, etc.)
- ITAP/KITAP (permanent stay)
have the smoothest path. Some Polres (district police HQ) will still issue SIMs to long multiple-entry visa holders, but the trend is tighter: expect more questions if you’re on a tourist visa.
Types of SIM foreigners actually use
Below is a simplified table of the licences you’re likely to deal with as an expat.
| Type | Vehicle | Typical validity | Key points for foreigners |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIM A | Private car ≤3,500 kg | Up to 5 years (often aligned with KITAS/KITAP expiry) | Main licence for driving a car or small SUV. |
| SIM C | Motorbike/scooter | Up to 5 years (aligned with stay permit) | What you need for scooters in Bali, Jakarta, etc. |
| SIM Internasional | Driving outside Indonesia | Varys (commonly 1–3 years) | Optional; only after you have a regular SIM. |
Costs and timelines (2025–2026 ranges)
Official fees are set nationally but small local variations and “administration” extras occur.
- Official SIM A/C issuance fee
- Roughly IDR 120,000–200,000 per licence, last verified June 2026 (excludes medical, copies, agents).
- Medical check
- Typically IDR 25,000–60,000 at or near the Satpas.
- Photos & photocopies
- Plan IDR 10,000–30,000 around the office.
- Language/agent help (optional)
- Commonly IDR 500,000–1,500,000 per licence, depending on city and how much they “handle” for you. Get a written quote.
- Processing time
- From 2–4 hours if everything is smooth, to multiple visits if there are issues.
All numbers above are indicative ranges, not a quote or guarantee. Check at your local Satpas (SIM issuing office) before you go.
Step-by-step: how to get Indonesian driving license (new SIM)
Process can vary by region, but this is the common pattern in 2025–2026.
1. Check your visa and documents
Prepare:
- Passport (original + photocopy of biodata page)
- Stay permit: KITAS/KITAP card or e-ITAS printout, plus photocopy
- Police registration / SKTT / residence letter if you have it
- Indonesian address and phone number (your SIM card Indonesia phone number is used for OTP/SMS at some offices)
- Existing driving licence from home country, if you have one, plus IDP if available
Names and dates must match across documents. If your passport and KITAS use slightly different spellings, get it sorted first.
2. Go to the right office: Satpas or Polres
Licences are issued by the Polri (national police) via:
- Satpas – dedicated SIM service office; often the easiest.
- Polres – district police HQ that usually has a SIM unit.
Ask locals or your banjar head (in Bali) which Satpas serves your address. Showing up at the wrong jurisdiction can mean wasted time.
Try to go early in the morning on a weekday outside major public holidays.
3. Medical check
Most Satpas require a short medical screening:
- Basic questions (health history)
- Height/weight, blood pressure
- Simple vision test (you may be told to get glasses if needed)
You usually receive a small medical certificate to include in your file.
4. Fill the forms and register
At the registration counter you’ll:
- Fill in personal data and address
- Choose licence type (SIM A, SIM C, or both)
- Submit copies of passport, KITAS/KITAP, medical certificate, and existing licence if any
Some offices now use tablets or computers to input data, but staff will guide you.
5. Photos, fingerprints and signature
Expect biometric data capture:
- Digital photo (remove hats/sunglasses, modest clothing recommended)
- Fingerprints
- Digital signature
Double-check your name and address on the screen before confirming.
6. Theory test
If you’ve never held an Indonesian SIM before, you’ll usually sit a theory test:
- Format: computer-based multiple choice
- Languages: Indonesian as default; some offices have limited English support
- Content: road signs, basic traffic law, safe driving behaviour
If your Bahasa Indonesia is basic, strongly consider:
- Studying key road signs and sample questions in advance
- Going with a local friend, colleague or agent to help interpret (they can’t answer for you, but they can clarify questions in general terms)
Failing the test usually means:
- You can retry after a waiting period (often the next day or a scheduled slot)
- You may pay the test fee again depending on local practice
7. Practical driving test
This is where expectations differ most from Western driving tests.
Common format:
- Closed circuit track inside or near the Satpas
- Short series of manoeuvres: starting, stopping, turning, parking, ramps, cones
- For bikes: slow riding, zig-zag, balance
Things that often trip up foreigners:
- Requirements can be very formal (indicator usage, exact stopping lines)
- Motorbike tests sometimes require tight figure-8 or slalom you don’t see in daily traffic
- Using your own scooter can be allowed or required; ask in advance
If you fail:
- You usually get another attempt, either the same day or later
- Be honest with yourself – if you’re failing the basic course, you probably need more practice before taking on chaotic city traffic
8. Pay the fees
Payment may be:
- At a bank counter inside or near the office
- Via designated payment windows or POS terminals
Keep all receipts until you have your licence in hand.
9. Collect your SIM
Once approved and printed:
- Check: name, date of birth, address, licence category, and expiry date
- Expiry is often set to match your KITAS/KITAP or up to 5 years maximum
Carry the physical card whenever you drive. Photos on your phone don’t count as valid.
Converting a foreign licence in Indonesia
If you already hold a valid licence in your home country, you might be able to convert licence Indonesia-style instead of going through a full beginner process.
However, policy changes and local interpretations happen often.
Typical pattern:
- Your foreign licence must be valid, not expired
- Licence class must match what you’re applying for (car to SIM A, bike to SIM C)
- Some Polres/Satpas still require theory and/or practical tests even for conversions
Realistically in 2025–2026:
- Large cities (Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar) are stricter and more process-driven
- Smaller towns may be flexible, but this can cut both ways (unclear requirements, repeated visits)
Do not assume that having a foreign licence means “no test”. Bring it, present it, and be prepared to do at least a theory test.
If you need help with language, bureaucracy or aligning your licence with your stay permit, you can plan your trip and daily-life admin with our team over WhatsApp before you arrive.
SIM validity, renewal and what happens if your visa changes
How long is a SIM valid?
By law, SIM A and SIM C can be valid for up to 5 years. For foreigners, many offices:
- Align SIM expiry to your KITAS/KITAP end date, or
- Issue shorter validity if your stay permit is short
Check the date printed – don’t rely on assumptions.
Renewing your Indonesian driving licence
Renewal is easier than a first-time application as long as you renew before expiry.
Typically:
- Repeat medical check
- Update data and biometrics
- Pay renewal fee (similar range to issuance: ~IDR 120,000–200,000, last verified June 2026)
- In many locations: no theory/practical test for on-time renewals
If your SIM is already expired:
- Some offices give a grace period; others treat it as a new application, including tests
- Late renewals can be refused; you may need to start from scratch
Changing visa or address
If you:
- Move to another city
- Change from one KITAS to another
- Upgrade to KITAP
you should update your recorded address when renewing. Changing address mid-term isn’t always required, but mismatched records can complicate police checks or insurance claims.
Do tourists really need a SIM?
Short answer: not usually, but it depends on what you’re doing and how long you stay.
If you are:
- On a tourist visa or visa-on-arrival
- Staying under 30–60 days
- Renting a scooter occasionally
you’ll typically rely on:
- Your home-country driving licence (car or bike category), plus
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by your home country before travel
Problems in real life:
- Many tourists ride scooters with no licence at all – fines are common and not having a licence can jeopardise insurance coverage in an accident.
- Police at checkpoints in Bali and other hotspots increasingly expect an IDP, not just your plastic licence.
If you’re transitioning from tourist to long-stay expat, it’s sensible to plan for a proper SIM soon after you get your KITAS/KITAP.
Driving without a SIM: real risks
Driving or riding without a valid licence is a traffic offence. Possible consequences:
- On-the-spot fine (officially via ticket; informally cash is often requested)
- Vehicle can be held, especially after an accident
- Insurance may refuse to pay out if you had no valid licence for that vehicle type
Culturally, in many banjar or neighbourhood communities:
- Your behaviour on the road affects how neighbours see you
- If you injure someone, your banjar head may be involved in community-level mediation and compensation expectactions – having a proper licence and insurance can reduce tension
SIM vs “SIM card Indonesia” confusion
A frequent mix-up in relocation chats:
- SIM (Surat Izin Mengemudi) – driving licence, issued by national police.
- SIM card Indonesia – mobile phone card from a telco.
For the driving licence process you’ll often need:
- A local phone SIM card to receive OTP codes or contacts from the Satpas
But your phone SIM doesn’t replace your driving SIM – they’re separate systems.
If you’re just landing and planning admin days (e.g. NIK, bank, driving licence, BPJS, etc.), it’s smart to get a local phone SIM as one of your first stops.
Practical tips from expats actually driving here
- Learn real traffic behaviour – Local norms don’t always match the written rules. Observe a lot before driving yourself.
- Start with short, quiet routes – Especially on a scooter. Early Sunday mornings are usually calmer.
- Helmet always, proper shoes if you can – Police and hospitals both care, and your skull definitely does.
- Insurance matters – Your SIM is only step one. Look at health and motor insurance that realistically covers accidents here.
- Don’t drink and drive – Enforcement is inconsistent, but after any serious crash alcohol becomes a big liability factor.
If you’d like help sequencing everything (phone SIM, bank, driving licence, BPJS, school runs, villa contracts without illegal nominee structures, etc.), you can plan your trip with our relocation team over WhatsApp. No one can pay to change what we publish; if you proceed with our partner they may pay us a referral fee at no extra cost to you.
Legal, tax and visa disclaimer
Information above is general, based on current regulations and lived expat experience as of June 2026. It is not legal, immigration, or tax advice.
Before making decisions that could affect your visa status, employment, or liability:
- Confirm requirements directly with your local Satpas/Polres
- Consult a licensed Kantor Imigrasi agent or Indonesian lawyer for visa and work questions
- Speak with a qualified tax professional for any tax implications of owning or operating vehicles through a company
We never recommend illegal work, sham structures, or “nominee” solutions for property or vehicles. If someone suggests a shortcut that sounds too easy, it probably carries risks they are not telling you about.
FAQs: Indonesian driving licences for expats
Can I drive in Indonesia with just my home-country licence?
For short visits, many foreigners use their home-country licence plus an International Driving Permit, and police may accept it. For long-term stays and for better insurance protection, you should get an Indonesian SIM for the vehicle type you use.
Do I really need an International Driving Permit (IDP) for a scooter in Bali?
Legally you should have both a licence that covers motorbikes in your home country and an IDP translating it. In practice, many tourists ride without one, but police checkpoints and insurers increasingly insist on a proper licence and IDP.
How long does it take to get an Indonesian driving licence?
If your documents are complete and local systems are running smoothly, a first-time SIM A or C can be done in 2–4 hours. If you need to retake tests or fix paperwork, it can take multiple visits over several days.
Can I have SIM A and SIM C at the same time?
Yes. Many expats hold both a car licence (SIM A) and a motorbike licence (SIM C), issued either together or in separate visits. Each will have its own fees and expiry date.
Is it possible to “buy” a licence without taking the test?
You may hear stories of shortcuts or unofficial “packages”. These carry legal and ethical risks, and can backfire badly if you have a serious accident or a dispute with police. The safer path is to follow the official process and actually be capable of driving in Indonesian conditions.