Getting a driver’s license in Indonesia as a foreigner is possible and relatively straightforward, as long as you meet the requirements.
In 2026, the Indonesian National Police (Korlantas Polri) continues to regulate SIM (Surat Izin Mengemudi) issuance for foreigners under updated digital and administrative systems.
Here’s a complete guide for expats who want to legally drive in Indonesia.
Types of Indonesian Driver’s Licenses
Before we discuss how foreigners apply for a driver’s license (SIM) in Indonesia, it is important to first understand the different types of Indonesian driver’s licenses.
Types of Indonesian Driver’s Licenses
Indonesia has several types of driver’s licenses (SIM), each issued based on the type of vehicle being driven.
- SIM A – For private four-wheeled vehicles such as cars, with a maximum weight of 3,500 kg. This is the most commonly used license for daily driving.
- SIM B1 – For larger private vehicles weighing more than 3,500 kg, including non-commercial passenger and cargo vehicles.
- SIM B2 – Required for operating heavy vehicles, such as trucks, trailers, and semi-trailers.
- SIM C – For two-wheeled motor vehicles, including motorcycles and scooters.
- SIM D – Issued for persons with disabilities who drive specially modified vehicles.
Who Can Apply for an Indonesian Driver’s License?
Foreigners who legally reside or stay in Indonesia are allowed to apply for an Indonesian driver’s license (SIM), as long as they meet the official requirements set by the Indonesian National Police.
In Indonesia, foreigners are only allowed to apply for specific types of driver’s licenses (SIM). These licenses are limited to personal use and do not include commercial or heavy vehicle categories.
The SIM types available to foreigners are:
- SIM A
This license is for driving private four-wheeled vehicles, such as cars or small personal vehicles. It is intended for non-commercial use only and does not allow foreigners to operate public transportation or heavy vehicles.
- SIM C
This license is for driving two-wheeled motor vehicles, including motorcycles and scooters. SIM C is required for any motorcycle use on public roads in Indonesia.
Foreigners are not permitted to apply for other SIM categories, such as:
SIM B, which is intended for buses, trucks, and heavy or commercial vehicles.
These restrictions apply regardless of visa type and are part of Indonesian traffic regulations to ensure safety and compliance with local driving standards.
Eligible Residence Permits and Visas
Foreigners with these long-term residence permits are fully eligible to apply for a SIM:
- KITAS (Temporary Stay Permit)
KITAS is for foreigners living in Indonesia for work, study, family, or other long-term purposes.
- KITAP (Permanent Stay Permit)
KITAP is for foreigners with permanent residency status.
Tourists and short-term visitors may also apply for a SIM, but only a temporary SIM:
• Visit Visa holders
• Business Visa holders
Temporary SIMs are usually valid for 1 or 3 months, depending on the length of stay. However, this option is only available at selected traffic police offices that support the required system, such as Jakarta, Bali, Yogyakarta, Manado, and Makassar. Availability may vary by location.
All foreign applicants must be at least 17 years old to apply for any type of Indonesian driver’s license.
SIM Validity Period for Foreigners (2026)
The validity of a SIM for foreigners depends on their residence status:
• KITAS holders: SIM is valid for 1 year
• KITAP holders and diplomats: SIM is valid for up to 5 years
The SIM validity cannot exceed the validity period of the applicant’s stay permit.
Documents Required to Apply for a SIM
Before visiting the traffic police office in Indonesia to apply for a driving license (SIM), foreigners are required to prepare several mandatory documents in advance.
These documents are used to verify your identity, immigration status, and eligibility to drive legally in Indonesia.
Mandatory Documents:
1. Original passport
2. Photocopies of:
• Identity page
• Entry stamp
• Valid visa page
3. Original KITAS or KITAP
4. Photocopy of KITAS/KITAP
5. Original and photocopy of KTP-OA (Kartu Tanda Penduduk-Orang Asing) or SKTT (Surat Keterangan Tempat Tinggal (if applicable). If you do not have a KTP-OA, a photocopy of STM (Surat Tanda Melapor) is required as proof that you are registered with the Indonesian police.
6. Photocopy of foreign driver’s license (if you have one)
7.Medical certificate (Surat Keterangan Dokter)
• Can be issued on-site for around Rp 25,000
Meanwhile, there are several additional documents that may be required, so it is recommended to prepare them in advance.
Additional Documents (May Be Requested)
• Sponsor or company letter (with stamp/materai)
• STM (Surat Tanda Melapor)
• SKLD (for KITAS/KITAP holders)
• SKTT (from local Kelurahan)
• Personal statement letter (height, weight, parents’ names)
Best Time to Apply for a SIM in Indonesia
To avoid long queues and lengthy waiting times, it is best to apply for a SIM on weekdays when the traffic police office is less crowded. Visiting early in the morning, especially from Monday to Thursday, will help ensure a smoother and faster application process. Fridays are still possible, but traffic police offices usually have shorter working hours due to Friday prayers. Many services stop or slow down around midday, Avoid the beginning of the month (usually busier)
The entire process can usually be completed in one day, so it’s recommended to take a day off.
How Expats Can Apply for a Driving License (SIM) in Indonesia (2026)
1. Online Pre-Registration (Recommended)
You can pre-register online via the official Korlantas website:
Online registration helps speed up the process.
2. Offline Registration
If foreigners do not register online, they can follow these steps to apply for an Indonesian driving license (SIM):
- Visit the local police office
Go to the police office in the city where you live.
Expats in Jakarta should visit Satuan Penerbitan Administrasi SIM (SATPAS) Polda Metro Jaya, located on Jalan Daan Mogot KM 11, West Jakarta, which is the main office responsible for issuing driving licenses in Jakarta and surrounding areas.
The office is open Monday to Friday from 08.00 to 16.00 and Saturday from 08.00 to 12.00. To ensure your application can be processed and completed on the same day, it is strongly recommended to arrive and submit all required documents before 12.00, as applications submitted later may need to be collected on the following day.
2. Go to the SIM application section
At the counter, you need a medical certificate.
If you don’t have one, you can usually do a basic health check (eye test and blood pressure) at the location.
3. Take the theory or written test
The theory test is in Indonesian and uses multiple-choice questions (true or false), covering traffic signs and basic road rules, and it must be passed for both SIM A and SIM C; the test is conducted in Bahasa Indonesia (you may bring a translator), and if you fail, you can retake it after 7, 14, or 30 days, while expats who already hold a valid foreign driver’s license may skip the practical test after passing the theory exam.
4. Take the practical driving test
- SIM A (Car)
The practical test for SIM A focuses on basic driving observation and safe car handling. Applicants must show proper control of the vehicle, awareness of surroundings, and correct use of signals and mirrors during the test.
SIM A (car): Basic driving observation, zig-zag driving, forward and reverse driving, and parallel parking, incline stop & brake control.
- SIM C (Motorcycle)
The practical test for SIM C checks basic riding observation, balance, and control skills. Applicants need to demonstrate safe riding techniques, stability, and the ability to handle the motorcycle smoothly in different situations.
SIM C (motorcycle): Basic driving observation, balance test, zig-zag riding, turning, and basic control skills, incline stop & brake control.
5. Photo, Fingerprints & SIM Collection
After passing the tests:
• Photo taken digitally
• Fingerprints scanned
• Digital signature recorded
You’ll wait around 30–45 minutes before collecting your SIM at the assigned counter.
6. Pay the SIM application fee
Purchase the payment slip at BRI or BII bank counters inside the complex.
Official SIM Fees (Valid Nationwide)
• SIM A
New: Rp 120,000
Renewal: Rp 80,000
• SIM C
New: Rp 100,000
Renewal: Rp 75,000
• International SIM
New: Rp 250,000
Renewal: Rp 225,000
Additional simulator fee (if required): Rp 50,000
Expedited or “one-day service” packages may cost more, but the fees above are the official legal rates.
7. Submit Documents
After payment, go to the Foreigner Counter (Loket Orang Asing) and submit:
• Application form (in Bahasa Indonesia)
• All required photocopies
• Bank payment slip
How Expats Can Apply SIM Renewal in Indonesia (2026)
Renewing your SIM is fast and easy:
Location: Jalan Daan Mogot, West Jakarta
Bring:
• Expired SIM
• Passport or KITAS + photocopies
Eye test required
Renewal fee: Rp 20,000
⚠️ Important:
If your SIM expires, you must apply from the beginning and repeat all tests.
👉 Renew your SIM at least 2 weeks before expiry.
Final Tips for Expats
• Always bring extra photocopies
• Be patient and polite
• Follow official procedures
• Avoid unofficial “brokers” if possible
With proper preparation, getting a driver’s license in Indonesia in 2026 is manageable and worth the effort—especially if you plan to drive regularly.
