Quick answers
- Don't worry: motoranbali doesn't require an IDP, or even a licence, to rent a bike. We do strongly recommend one, because Indonesian law asks foreign riders to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) with their home licence.
- A car-only licence does not cover a scooter, and an IDP does not add a motorcycle category you don't hold at home.
- Get the IDP in the country that issued your licence, before you fly. You can't get a foreign IDP in Bali.
- Riding without a valid licence can be fined up to Rp1.000.000, and riding without an SNI helmet up to Rp250.000.
We rent scooters in Bali. We don't require a licence or an IDP to rent, though we recommend both. This guide explains the rules as they stand; it isn't legal advice.
What Indonesian law says
Indonesia's road traffic law (Law 22/2009, article 77) says everyone who drives a motor vehicle on the road must hold a driving licence. For foreign visitors, Bali's transport agency and the Bali police have said the same thing in plain terms: a foreign tourist who rents and rides a motorbike must carry a valid licence, either an Indonesian one or an international one.
In practice that means two documents together: your licence from home, showing the motorcycle category, and an International Driving Permit that translates it. The IDP is only valid next to your home licence, and it only covers the vehicle classes on that licence.
Which IDP does Indonesia accept?
IDPs are issued under different international conventions, mainly 1949 (Geneva) and 1968 (Vienna). Indonesia signed the 1968 Vienna Convention and is not a party to the 1949 Geneva Convention, so the 1968 format is the one to aim for.
Some countries only issue one format. Before you pay, ask the issuing body whether its permit is valid for riding in Indonesia, and make sure the motorcycle class (A) is stamped on it.
Where to get an IDP before you travel
| Your licence is from | Who issues the IDP | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | Australian Automobile Association, through the state motoring clubs | You need an Australian motorcycle licence to ride a scooter in Bali |
| United Kingdom | Post Office | Check the Post Office's country list for the permit type it issues for Indonesia |
| United States | AAA (authorised by the State Department) | Ask which convention the permit covers |
| Elsewhere | Your national automobile club | Apply in the country that issued your licence |
An IDP is usually valid for a year, or until your home licence expires if that comes first. Carry the paper booklet with your licence; police expect the original documents.
Police checks and fines
Police run roadside checks in busy tourist areas such as Canggu, Seminyak and around Kuta. They can ask for your licence, your IDP and the bike's registration paper (STNK).
- No valid licence: a fine of up to Rp1.000.000 or up to 4 months' detention (Law 22/2009, article 281).
- No SNI helmet: a fine of up to Rp250.000 (article 291). The rule covers your passenger too.
These are the maximum penalties in the law. Pay fines through the official ticket process and keep the paperwork.
Why the licence matters for your insurance
Travel insurers commonly refuse claims for scooter accidents when the rider doesn't hold the right licence class. The Australian Automobile Association warns that without the right paperwork your insurance will likely not be valid. Read your policy's motorcycle section before you ride, because a hospital bill after a crash costs far more than a fine.
Staying longer: an Indonesian licence
Foreigners living in Indonesia on a residence permit (KITAS or KITAP) can apply for an Indonesian licence (SIM) if they meet the requirements, which the Bali police have confirmed. If you're staying for months, it's worth asking at the police licensing office (Satpas) in Denpasar. For a holiday, the IDP route is simpler.
What we check when we deliver your bike
When we hand over the bike, we photograph your passport for our records. We hand the passport straight back; we never keep it. Indonesian guests leave their original KTP with us during the rental. We don't ask for a licence or an IDP, so you can still rent without them. Bring it if you have it. If you're renting by the month, see our monthly scooter rental terms. Landing with your licence in your bag? We can meet you at Bali airport with the bike.
FAQ
Does motoranbali require an IDP?
No. We don't check licences at handover either. An IDP is optional for renting with us, but we strongly recommend it for police checks and insurance.
Can I ride a scooter in Bali with a car licence?
No. You need the motorcycle category on your home licence. An IDP doesn't add a category you don't hold at home.
Can I get an International Driving Permit in Bali?
No. An IDP is issued in the country that issued your licence, so get it before you travel.
Which IDP do I need for Indonesia?
Indonesia signed the 1968 Vienna Convention, so aim for a 1968-format permit with the motorcycle class. Ask your issuing body whether its permit is valid in Indonesia.
What is the fine for riding without a licence in Bali?
Up to Rp1.000.000 or up to 4 months' detention under Law 22/2009, article 281.
Does my travel insurance cover me without an IDP?
Often not. Many policies refuse scooter claims when the rider doesn't hold the right licence class. Check your policy before you ride.
About the author
Lutfi Khamami owns motoranbali and has rented scooters to visitors and long-stay guests in Bali since 2022. More about us
Sources
- Korlantas Polri, Bali police ask rentals to check renters' licences
- ANTARA, Bali transport agency: foreign tourists renting motorbikes must hold a licence
- Suara Surabaya, foreign tourists need a licence before renting in Bali (2023)
- hukumonline, driving without a licence under Law 22/2009
- detikOto, fines for no licence and no helmet
- International Drivers Association, Indonesia and the 1968 convention
- Australian Automobile Association, get the paperwork before you get the motorbike
- AAA (US), International Driving Permit
