International Driving Permit for Bali: What Motorcycle Riders Need in 2026

If you're planning to rent a motorcycle in Bali, the single most important piece of paper isn't your passport — it's your International Driving Permit. Indonesian law requires foreign riders to carry an IDP endorsed for motorcycles, and riding without one can void your travel insurance, earn you an on-the-spot fine, and in the worst case land you in a police station. Here's exactly what you need, how to get it, and what changed in 2025.

The law in one sentence

Indonesian law requires every foreign rider to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) endorsed for motorcycles, together with their home-country driving licence. Without both documents, you are riding illegally — even if the rental shop hands you the keys.

What changed in 2025

For years, tourists could obtain a 30-day "tourist driving licence" (SIM Wisatawan) from the Denpasar police station. That programme was discontinued in 2025. Today, the IDP — arranged in your home country before you travel — is the only legal route for foreign riders in Bali. If someone tells you "you can just get one at the police station," they're working from outdated information.

How to get an IDP before your trip

IDPs are issued by authorised motoring organisations in your home country — not in Indonesia. In most countries you can walk into an office, hand over your licence and a passport photo, and walk out with an IDP in 15 minutes. Some countries offer online applications with mail delivery (allow 2-3 weeks). The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue.

• ·United Kingdom: Post Office or AA (over the counter, ~£5.50).
• ·United States: AAA (in-person only, ~$20 + passport photos).
• ·Australia: NRMA, RACV, RACQ or state motoring body (~$50).
• ·Germany: Bürgeramt or ADAC (~€15).
• ·France: Prefecture or approved auto-école.
• ·Canada: CAA (in-person only, ~$25 + photos).
• ·New Zealand: AA or VTNZ (~$25).

The 1949 vs 1968 convention — which IDP do you need?

Indonesia recognises the 1949 Geneva Convention IDP. Most countries issue both 1949 and 1968 versions — make sure yours is the 1949 one. Check the back of the permit: it should list "Indonesia" under the 1949 convention countries. If your home country only issues the 1968 Vienna Convention IDP (rare), you may need to arrange an alternative — contact the Indonesian embassy in your country for guidance.

What the IDP must say

Your IDP needs the "motorcycle" or "A" category stamp. If your home licence only covers cars and you haven't passed a motorcycle test, your IDP won't cover motorcycles — and you cannot legally ride in Bali. The IDP is a translation document, not a licence; it's only valid together with your original home-country driving licence.

What happens if you ride without one

• ·Police stops: Bali police conduct regular licence checks, especially in tourist areas (Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud, Kuta). Without an IDP, you'll likely receive an on-the-spot fine.
• ·Travel insurance: Most policies explicitly exclude riding without a valid licence. If you crash, your medical bills and repatriation are on you — and medical evacuation from Bali can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
• ·Rental deposit: Some rental shops check your IDP before handing over the bike. We do.
• ·Bike insurance: The rental shop's basic cover (if any) won't pay out if you were riding illegally.

The bottom line

Get your IDP before you fly. It costs less than a dinner in Seminyak, takes 15 minutes in most countries, and is the difference between a legal, insured ride and a trip-ruining problem. Bring both your IDP and your home licence with you when you collect the bike — we'll check both before we hand you the keys.