International Driving Permit from Indonesia: Where Is It Valid? Here’s the List of Countries!

Having an International Driving Permit (IDP) is not mandatory, but it can be important—especially for those who want to save travel costs while staying in their destination country. If you plan to drive yourself during your overseas trip, having an International Driving Permit is certainly crucial.

Brief Definition of Indonesia’s International Driving Permit

Indonesia’s International Driving Permit is a driving license issued by the Indonesian National Police (Polri) and is valid for use abroad, in accordance with international conventions regulating mutual recognition of driving licenses between countries.

This permit is specifically made to facilitate Indonesian citizens who want to drive private vehicles when traveling abroad, whether for tourism, education, work, or temporary residence.

Unlike the national driving license, the International Driving Permit has a global standard format and is issued in several international languages, so it can be recognized and understood by traffic authorities in other countries.

The International Driving Permit contains important information such as the holder’s personal data, types of vehicles allowed to be driven, and a validity period typically lasting 3 years. The application process for Indonesia’s International Driving Permit can be done online through the official Korlantas Polri website.

With an International Driving Permit, holders have more freedom and legal certainty to drive in various countries that recognize this document, avoiding the risk of traffic law violations while driving abroad.

Countries Recognizing Indonesia’s International Driving Permit

The validity of Indonesia’s International Driving Permit depends on the type of agreements that form the basis of recognition in each country. Currently, Indonesia’s International Driving Permit is issued based on the 1968 Vienna Convention. This means only countries that agree to this convention recognize the validity of Indonesia’s International Driving Permit within their territories.

There are 92 such countries spanning almost every continent, some of which include:

These countries acknowledge and accept Indonesia’s International Driving Permit as a valid document for driving, whether private or rental vehicles.

However, some countries, such as Japan, South Korea, and Spain, do not recognize Indonesia’s International Driving Permit due to differences in conventions they have ratified. For example, Japan recognizes the 1949 Geneva Convention. Therefore, Indonesia’s International Driving Permit is not valid in these countries.

Requirements for Applying for Indonesia’s International Driving Permit

As briefly mentioned above, the application process for Indonesia’s International Driving Permit can be done online. The following are the requirements that must be fulfilled:

• Recent photo with these conditions:
  - Showing two shirt buttons
  - White background
  - Shirt and/or hijab not white
  - No glasses
  - Face facing the camera
  - No contact lenses
  - Not black and white photo
  - Teeth not visible
  - National ID card (KTP) for Indonesian citizens

• Temporary stay permit (KITAP) for foreigners
• Valid passport
• Valid national driving license corresponding to the category of the International Driving Permit applied for
• Signature on white paper with black ink
• Valid International Driving Permit (for renewals)

Note: Physical documents can be uploaded as scanned copies or photos on white paper.
Documents must be uploaded in JPG/JPEG format with a maximum size of 500 KB.

Applicants must pay a fee of IDR 250,000 for a new International Driving Permit or IDR 225,000 for renewal. The completed permit can also be shipped directly to the applicant’s address with additional shipping fees based on distance.

Tips Before Driving Abroad

Before driving in another country, it’s advisable to apply the following tips:

Check the Legality of Your Driving Permit

Make sure you have a valid International Driving Permit recognized in the destination country. Some countries also require you to carry the original Indonesian driving license as a companion. Always check the regulations in each country as not all countries accept Indonesia’s International Driving Permit.

Understand Local Traffic Rules

Every country has different regulations, including driving direction (left or right), speed limits, right of way, use of lights, and driving habits. Take time to learn the basic rules and traffic signs to avoid fines or violations.

Study Routes and Use Navigation

Before driving, study your routes using GPS or apps like Google Maps and Waze. Also, note whether the country has electronic tolls or restricted vehicle zones (low emission zones), and understand their payment systems.

Be aware of the steering wheel position—countries like the UK, Japan, and Australia drive on the left side (right-hand drive), while most European and American countries drive on the right side (left-hand drive).

This knowledge is crucial to avoid confusion at intersections, roundabouts, or when overtaking. If you’re not used to a different steering side, take time to adapt before long drives.

Know the Vehicle Type and Fuel

If renting a car, understand whether the transmission is manual or automatic and the type of fuel used (diesel, gasoline, electric). Also inquire about insurance and rental conditions, including geographic limits.

Prepare Complete Documents

Always carry important documents when driving: International Driving Permit, Indonesian driving license, passport, and vehicle documents (including insurance and rental contracts). Keep digital copies on your phone or email as backup.

Be Aware of Cultural Driving Differences

Driving styles vary by country; some are orderly and calm, others more aggressive. Observe traffic conditions before joining and don’t hesitate to yield if unsure. Always prioritize safety.

Validity of Indonesian National Driving License in ASEAN Countries

Starting June 1, 2025, holders of Indonesian driving licenses (SIM A for cars and SIM C for motorcycles) will be allowed to drive in eight ASEAN member countries without needing an International Driving Permit. These countries are:

• Malaysia
• Singapore
• Thailand
• Philippines
• Vietnam
• Laos
• Myanmar
• Brunei Darussalam

This policy is part of the ASEAN agreement on mutual recognition of domestic driving licenses among member countries, aiming to enhance integration and ease mobility in the region.

Currently, the implementation of Indonesian driving license recognition in these ASEAN countries is in the socialization phase. According to Kombes Dhafi, Deputy Director of Driving License Division at Korlantas Polri, it is expected that by June 2025 there will be no issues in implementation.

It should be noted that although the Indonesian driving license will be recognized in these countries, drivers must still comply with local traffic laws. For example, in Singapore, the Indonesian driving license is valid for only 12 months from the date of arrival.

With this policy, it is hoped that Indonesian citizens will find it easier to drive in ASEAN countries for tourism or business purposes.