What you need to know before you go

You cannot get an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Bali. An IDP must be issued by your home country before you travel — Indonesia does not issue them. If you are planning to drive in Bali and do not already have an IDP from your country, you have two options: get one before you leave home, or rent a vehicle with a driver instead of driving yourself.

An IDP is a translation of your valid home country driver's license. It is not a separate license and does not replace your national license. Indonesian traffic police recognize an IDP paired with your original license, but they do not recognize an IDP alone. If you arrive in Bali without either document, you cannot legally drive.

The process to get an IDP takes weeks in most countries, so if you are leaving soon, check your home country's requirements now. Some countries issue them through the automobile association; others use the Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent. The cost and processing time vary widely by country.

Key Takeaways

  • An IDP must be obtained from your home country's motor vehicle authority or automobile association before you travel to Bali — you cannot get one in Indonesia.
  • You must carry both your original home country driver's license and your IDP together; neither document alone is legal for driving in Bali.
  • Processing times range from same-day to several weeks depending on your country, so request yours as soon as you know your travel dates.
  • If you do not have time to get an IDP before your trip, hiring a driver or using ride-sharing services is the legal alternative to self-driving.

How to get an IDP from your home country

Start by finding which organization in your country issues IDPs. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and some state DMVs issue them. In the United Kingdom, the Post Office and DVLA handle them. In Canada, provincial motor vehicle branches issue them. In Australia, state-based motor registries issue them. Search "[your country] international driving permit" plus the name of your country's motor vehicle authority to find the exact office.

Contact that office or visit their website to learn what documents you need. Most countries require your valid national driver's license, a completed process form, one or two passport-sized photos, and a fee. Some countries require you to explore in person; others allow mail or online requests. Processing times range from the same day (if you explore in person) to four weeks by mail.

Once you receive your IDP, check that your name, license number, and signature are correct. The permit is usually valid for one year from the date of issue, though some countries issue three-year permits. Keep it with your original license at all times while driving in Bali.

What happens if you drive in Bali without an IDP

Driving without an IDP and your original license is illegal in Indonesia. If police stop you and you cannot produce both documents, you face a fine. The amount varies depending on the officer and the situation, but fines for driving without proper documentation typically range from 500,000 to 1,000,000 Indonesian Rupiah (roughly 30 to 65 USD at current exchange rates). Police may also impound your rental vehicle.

Beyond the legal risk, driving in Bali without an IDP creates insurance problems. If you are involved in an accident and cannot show proper licensing documents, your rental car insurance may not cover the damage. You could be held personally liable for repair costs or injuries.

Renting a car with a driver instead

If you do not have an IDP and cannot get one before your trip, renting a vehicle with a driver is a practical and legal alternative. Many car rental companies in Bali offer this service for a daily rate that includes the driver's wages. The driver holds the proper Indonesian license and insurance, so you avoid the documentation requirement entirely.

This option also makes sense if you are unfamiliar with Balinese roads, traffic patterns, or driving on the left side of the road. Drivers know local routes, can navigate traffic in Denpasar and other busy areas, and can communicate with police if needed. You can book a driver through major rental companies, hotel concierge services, or ride-sharing apps like Grab and Gojek, which operate throughout Bali.

Using ride-sharing and taxis instead of self-driving

Bali has extensive ride-sharing services that eliminate the need to drive yourself. Grab and Gojek operate throughout the island and are cheaper than traditional taxis. You book through a mobile app, the driver picks you up, and you pay through the app or cash. Drivers handle all licensing and insurance requirements.

Traditional metered taxis are also available in Bali, though they are less convenient than ride-sharing because you must flag them down or call ahead. Ride-sharing is faster, more transparent about pricing, and easier to use if you have a smartphone with data.

Driving a motorbike or scooter in Bali

Many visitors rent motorbikes and scooters in Bali because they are cheap and straightforward to park. The same IDP and license requirement applies: you must carry both your original home country license and an IDP. Riding without them is illegal and carries the same fines as driving a car.

Motorbike rentals in Bali often do not ask to see your IDP or license before handing over the keys. This does not make it legal to ride without them. If police stop you, you are responsible for producing the documents. Accidents without proper licensing also void your insurance coverage.

What to do if you arrive without an IDP

If you reach Bali and realize you do not have an IDP, do not attempt to drive. Your options are to hire a driver, use ride-sharing services, or take taxis. Some visitors have tried to obtain an IDP through the Indonesian immigration office or local police, but Indonesia does not issue IDPs to foreign visitors — only your home country can issue one.

If you need to drive urgently and have time before your return home, contact your country's embassy or consulate in Indonesia. They can sometimes help you obtain an emergency IDP or advise you on temporary solutions, though this is not may provide and may take several days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an international driving permit in Bali?

No. An IDP must be issued by your home country's motor vehicle authority before you travel. Indonesia does not issue IDPs to visitors. If you did not obtain one before your trip, you must hire a driver, use ride-sharing, or take taxis instead of driving yourself.

Is an international driving permit the same as an Indonesian driver's license?

No. An IDP is a translation of your home country license and is valid for one year. An Indonesian driver's license is a separate document issued by Indonesian authorities and is required only if you plan to live in Indonesia or stay longer than the typical tourist visa allows. Visitors use an IDP paired with their original home license.

How long does it take to get an international driving permit?

It depends on your country and how you explore. In-person applications at a motor vehicle office often take a few hours or same-day. Mail applications typically take two to four weeks. Some countries offer expedited processing for an extra fee. Check with your home country's motor vehicle authority for exact timelines.

What if I have an international driving permit from another country?

An IDP issued by your home country is valid in Bali regardless of which country issued it, as long as it is current and paired with your original home country license. You do not need a separate IDP for Indonesia — the one from your home country works.

Do I need an international driving permit if I hire a driver?

No. If you hire a driver or use ride-sharing services, the driver holds the proper Indonesian license and you do not need an IDP. You only need an IDP if you plan to drive yourself.