Indonesia
International Driver's License for
Indonesia
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Apply online in 2 minutes — Digital copy in 8 minutesApply in 2 minutes — Receive in 8 minutes
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Printed booklet shipped worldwide — Free ID card includedWorldwide shipping — Free ID card included
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Valid in 175+ countries — Translated into 12 languagesValid in 175+ countries — 12 Translations
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Free replacements if lost or damagedFree replacements if lost or damaged
Do You Need an IDP in Indonesia?
Whether you need an International Driving Permit in Indonesia depends on who you are and how long you are staying.
Last updated:
| Driver type | IDP needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist or short-term visitor | Recommended | Strongly recommended for all visitors; often required when your license is not in the local language. |
| Rental car driver | Often required | Many rental agencies ask for an IDP alongside a foreign license at pickup. |
| Long-term resident | Not sufficient | After establishing residency you will usually need a local driver's license. |
| Local license holder traveling abroad | Recommended | Carry an IDL with your national license when driving in most foreign countries. |
Rules vary by region — see the FAQ below for local requirements and traffic laws.
Documents you need
- A valid driver's license from your home country
- A passport-style photo — a phone photo is accepted
- No driving test and no DMV visit required
You do not need to be a citizen or resident to apply.
How it works
- Complete the online application — it takes about 2 minutes
- Upload your driver's license and photo
- Receive your digital IDL in about 8 minutes; the printed booklet ships worldwide
International Driver's License Information & Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need an International Driver's License in Indonesia?
Yes. Indonesia expects foreign visitors to carry an International Driver's License together with their valid home country license when driving. On Indonesian roads your IDL acts as an official translation of your domestic license so that traffic police, local authorities, and car rental companies can read it. You can get your International Driver's License through E-ITA — apply online and have your permit ready in minutes.
What is an IDL/IDP, and how does it work in Indonesia?
For driving in Indonesia, an IDL (International Driving License) or IDP (International Driving Permit) is a booklet that translates the details of your national license into multiple languages recognised by Indonesian authorities. It does not replace your home license — you carry both together. Without your original license, the IDL on its own is not valid in Indonesia.
Who issues driving licenses in Indonesia?
Domestic licenses (the SIM) in Indonesia are issued by the Indonesian National Police traffic authority. As a visitor you are not applying for a local SIM — you drive on your home license paired with your International Driver's License, which the police recognise as the official translation of that license.
How long can I drive on my foreign license in Indonesia?
Indonesia allows tourists to drive on a valid foreign license paired with an International Driver's License for the duration of a normal visit. If you settle in Indonesia longer term you would eventually need to obtain a local SIM. For short and mid-length trips, your home license plus your IDL is the standard combination.
Do car rental companies in Indonesia ask for an IDL?
Rental desks in Bali, Jakarta and other tourist areas routinely ask to see an International Driver's License alongside your passport and home license, and many will not release a car or scooter without it. Note the minimum age to rent a car in Indonesia is 23, even though you can drive from 17. Having your IDL ready avoids being turned away at the counter.
Can I get an International Driver's License after I arrive in Indonesia?
It is far easier to arrange your IDL before you fly, because there is no reliable tourist counter in Indonesia that issues one on the spot for a foreign license. E-ITA lets you apply online from anywhere, including while you are already in Indonesia, and receive your permit in minutes — but sorting it out before your first rental or ride is the safer plan.
What are the key traffic laws and drink-driving rules in Indonesia?
* People drive on the left side of the road.
* The minimum age to drive a car is 17 years old. The minimum age to rent a car is 23 years old.
* Indonesia does have a national seat belt law. We recommend always wearing a seat belt if it is available.
* Indonesia does have a national law prohibiting mobile phone use while driving. Using a hands-free device and handheld phone is permitted.
* Indonesia does have a national law requiring the use of helmets when on motorcycle or scooter. This applies to both drivers and passengers. There is no age restriction for child passengers if they are wearing a helmet.
* Legal Blood Alcohol Content Level: 0.00%. Do not drink and drive.
* The maximum driving speed is 50 km/h (31 miles/hour) in urban areas and 80 km/h (49 miles/hour) in rural areas.
Is renting a scooter in Indonesia different from renting a car?
Scooters and motorcycles are the most common way tourists get around Bali and other islands. Indonesian law requires helmets for both the rider and passenger, and there is no age exemption for a child passenger as long as they wear a helmet. Police checks for scooter riders are common, and being asked for your International Driver's License is a routine part of them, so carry it whenever you ride.
Who can apply for an International Driver's License for Indonesia?
Anyone who already holds a valid national driver's license can apply. Your IDL simply translates that existing license, so you must be a licensed driver in your home country first. If you plan to drive in Indonesia, you can complete the whole application online through E-ITA.
Should I carry the physical IDL booklet or is a digital copy enough in Indonesia?
The physical booklet is what Indonesian traffic police and rental desks expect to see, so carry it with your home license whenever you drive. A digital copy is useful as a backup and is often accepted in practice at rental counters, especially for last-minute arrivals, but treat it as a fallback rather than a replacement for the printed permit.
What travelers say
Reviews from verified E-ITA customers.
“The rental agent asked for an IDP with my license. I showed the digital copy from my phone and picked up the car with no issues.”
“The digital version arrived fast and worked at the rental counter. The printed booklet took five days to arrive, which was fine for my trip.”
“Applied from the airport with urgent processing and had the PDF before boarding. Exactly what I needed for my road trip.”
Ready to drive in Indonesia?
Apply in about 2 minutes — digital delivery in 8, printed booklet shipped worldwide.
