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World Driving Permit

🇮🇩 Do you need an IDP to drive in Indonesia?

IDP required· the 1968 Vienna Convention· Last reviewed 1 May 2026

Key facts

IDP validity
Up to 3 years, or until your licence expires
Driving side
Left-hand
Minimum driving age
17+ years
Driving without the right documents
Police in Bali and across Indonesia frequently stop foreign scooter and car drivers; driving without the required IDP risks an on-the-spot fine and invalidated insurance.

Short answer

Yes — to drive in Indonesia you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. Indonesia recognises IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention, so yours must come from your own country's authorised issuer under that convention. A certified translation of your licence smooths rental-desk and police checks, but it does not replace the IDP where one is required.

Driving in Indonesia: the rule explained

Indonesia (including Bali) requires an IDP for tourists driving cars or scooters. Police checkpoints in Bali routinely check for it, and insurance claims are denied without proper licensing.

Renting a car in Indonesia

Scooter rentals rarely ask — but riding without an IDP plus motorcycle category risks fines and voided insurance.

Motorcycles & scooters: A motorcycle endorsement on your home license is required for scooters; a car license alone is not sufficient.

What to carry when driving in Indonesia

  • Original driving license (physical card)
  • Passport with valid visa/entry stamp
  • Translation companion or certified translation of your license
  • Proof of insurance covering the destination
  • IDP with motorcycle category if riding a scooter
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Translation companion

A certified, multi-language translation of your licence to carry alongside it. It is not an IDP and does not replace one.

Indonesia: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Indonesia?
Yes — to drive in Indonesia you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. Indonesia recognises IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention, so yours must come from your own country's authorised issuer under that convention. A certified translation of your licence smooths rental-desk and police checks, but it does not replace the IDP where one is required. Indonesia (including Bali) requires an IDP for tourists driving cars or scooters. Police checkpoints in Bali routinely check for it, and insurance claims are denied without proper licensing.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Indonesia?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Indonesia read your licence, but where Indonesia requires an IDP it must be one issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Always carry your original national licence with it.
What do I need to rent a car in Indonesia?
Scooter rentals rarely ask — but riding without an IDP plus motorcycle category risks fines and voided insurance.
Which IDP convention does Indonesia use?
Indonesia recognises IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Make sure your IDP is issued by your own country's authorised issuer under the matching convention.
How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Indonesia?
Because Indonesia follows the 1968 Vienna Convention, an IDP is valid for up to three years, or until your national licence expires — whichever comes first. The permit is only valid alongside your original national licence, and it cannot be renewed — you apply for a new one from your home country's authorised issuer when it lapses.
What is the minimum age to drive in Indonesia?
Visitors generally need to be at least 17 to drive in Indonesia; car-rental companies often set a higher minimum age and add a young-driver surcharge. Always confirm the age terms with your specific rental provider.

Official sources

Need a real, government-recognised IDP? How to get an IDP from an authorised issuer.

Driving to Indonesia from your country

In-depth driving guides

Real-world driving and IDP guides for popular trips:

Requirements for other countries