The Indonesian driving license is called SIM (Surat Ijin Mengemudi). A KITAS holder needs to apply for a driving license while living in Bali. Tourists can use their international driving license to drive motorbikes or cars.
For anyone living long-term in Indonesia, obtaining a local driving license in Bali is a legal necessity. This is to ensure compliance during police controls and to guarantee insurance coverage in case of an accident. While tourists can use an international permit, KITAS holders must apply for a local license to operate vehicles legally.
This article provides a straightforward guide to the necessity of a SIM, detailing the different license classes required for various vehicles (SIM A for cars, SIM C/C1 for motorbikes) and outlining the fast application process and required documentation. We cover everything from the basic requirements to the validity of your Indonesian license.
At ILA Global Consulting, we have successfully assisted countless foreigners with legal, permit, and license issues in Indonesia. To navigate these processes effectively, it’s essential to understand the required documents for living in Bali. With our extensive experience in Indonesian immigration law, we ensure that the process meets all requirements and is seamless.
Why Do I Need a Driving License to Drive in Bali?
If you’re planning to move to Bali or are just on a temporary visit, there’s a good chance you’ll need to rent a motorbike or a car to get around. Even if the shop renting the motorbike or car doesn’t ask for your driving license, it is crucial to have your license with you for 2 main reasons:
- Police control: Police can stop you on the road and ask for your driving license. To avoid paying a fine, it is recommended to have it
- Insurance: If you have an accident, the insurance will request that to show your driving license
Driving in Bali has some risks. Even as a good driver, there are some people around who ignore others, and an accident can happen fast.
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Indonesia’s legal system is complex, with numerous regulations, licenses, and special rules for foreigners. Please don’t make the mistake of trying to navigate it alone, and get the help of experienced consultants instead.
At ILA, we can help you with intellectual property, corporate law, drafting, reviewing, and managing legal documents, navigating commercial transactions, and much more.
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Which License Do I Need to Drive in Bali?
If you decide to buy property in Bali and live there, and need to drive around, the most common driving licenses are SIM A and SIM C. For people looking to drive a motorbike over 155 cc, there is a SIM C1.
- SIM A for people looking to drive a car in Indonesia
- SIM C for people looking to drive a motorbike
- SIM C1 for people looking to drive a motorbike with a high engine over 200 cc (must own a SIM C for at least one year)
How to Apply for a Driving License in Bali?
You can apply for a driving license by contacting us. We will assist you with all the driver’s license requirements or paperwork and request the documentation:
- Passport
- Picture of the applicant
- Family name
- Parent’s name
- Blood type
The driving license is valid for 5 years from the date of issuance. The process to get the permit is fast. You will meet our team at the police station, and we will assist you with the documentation. You will obtain your driving license directly at the police station with our team on the same day as your application.
Where Can I Drive with the Indonesian Driver’s License?
Indonesia has signed some international treaties with other countries. The Indonesian driving license is not sufficient; you need to apply for an international driving license to drive in a country other than Indonesia.
However, the license is valid throughout Indonesia. You can go to all the other islands and use the driving license. You can drive with it in Lombok, for example, or Flores.
Key Terms for Driving License (SIM) in Bali
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| SIM | Surat Ijin Mengemudi (Driving Permit/License). The official Indonesian driving document is required for long-term residents. |
| KITAS Holder | A foreigner holding a Limited Stay Permit. By law, a KITAS holder must apply for and obtain a local SIM, as their International Driving License is not considered sufficient for residency. |
| International Driving License (IDL) | A permit that allows tourists to drive in Indonesia. It is not legally sufficient for long-term residents (KITAS holders). |
| SIM A | The specific class of Indonesian driving license required to operate a car or four-wheeled vehicle legally in Indonesia. |
| SIM C / SIM C1 | The classes of the Indonesian motorbike driving license. SIM C is standard, while SIM C1 is required for motorbikes with engine capacities over 200 cc (up to 500 cc). |
| Police Control / Fine | A risk faced by drivers without a valid local SIM is that police can stop them on the road. Possession of the correct license is necessary to avoid paying a penalty. |
| Insurance Coverage | A critical reason to obtain a local SIM is that insurance policies typically require a valid Indonesian driving license for coverage in the event of an accident. |
| Validity (SIM) | The legal period of the Indonesian driving license is 5 years from the date of issuance and is valid nationwide (e.g., Lombok, Flores). |
Without expert assistance, obtaining your local SIM driving license (Surat Izin Mengemudi) in Bali can involve frustrating paperwork, local tests, and trips to the police station.
Don’t risk fines, invalid insurance, or wasted time. ILA Global Consulting specializes in making this process fast, compliant, and convenient, often securing your new license on the same day.
Contact ILA Global Consulting today for end-to-end assistance and secure your driving license in Bali and other essential administrative documents seamlessly.
