How to Get an International Driving Permit for Bali (AU, UK, US & EU)
Short answer: yes, you need one. To ride a scooter legally in Bali you need your home licence with a motorcycle category and an International Driving Permit (IDP) that covers motorbikes. Here’s how to get the right one before you fly, country by country, and why it matters more for your insurance than for the police.
Why bother? The police are only half of it
Bali police run regular checks on the tourist strips — Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta, Uluwatu, Ubud — and riding without a valid licence can cost up to IDR 1 million under Indonesia’s traffic law. Annoying, but survivable. The real problem is insurance. Most travel insurance policies only cover scooter accidents if you’re licensed to ride a motorbike both at home and in the country you’re in. Crash without a motorcycle licence and IDP, and you can be stuck with the hospital bill yourself — and a medevac out of Bali runs into the tens of thousands of dollars. Read your policy’s motorcycle clause before you go, and see our scooter rental insurance guide.
1968 or 1949 permit?
There are two IDP formats in common use. The UK government lists Indonesia as a 1968 Convention country, so if you’re in the UK, ask for the 1968 permit. Some countries only issue one type — the US and Australia issue the 1949 version — and that’s the permit travellers from those countries use. Whatever the format, the thing that matters is the motorcycle category (A) stamped on it, matching your licence.
Where to get one
| Country | Who issues it | Rough cost |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | Your state motoring club (NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAC WA, RAA, RACT, AANT) | About AUD 40–55 |
| United Kingdom | Selected PayPoint shops, in person (bring your photocard licence and a passport photo) | £5.50 per permit |
| United States | AAA or AATA — the only two authorised issuers | About USD 20 |
| Canada | CAA | About CAD 25–30 |
| Germany, Netherlands, France & most of Europe | Your local licensing office or national motoring club (e.g. ANWB in NL) | About EUR 15–30 |
| New Zealand | AA | About NZD 25–30 |
Prices change, so check the issuer’s website. And steer clear of sites selling “instant digital IDPs” — those are private translations, not an official permit, and they won’t help you with the police or your insurer.
Mistakes that catch people out
- No motorbike category at home. The IDP only translates what’s on your licence. Car-only licence = car-only IDP. You can’t fix that in Bali.
- Leaving it too late. An IDP can only be issued in the country that issued your licence. Once you’ve landed, it’s too late.
- Carrying a photo of it. Bring the physical booklet plus your actual licence. Keep copies on your phone as a backup, not a replacement.
- Believing “no licence needed”. A rental happily handing you the keys doesn’t make you legal. They’re renting you a bike, not insuring you.
- Thinking a learner or provisional motorbike licence counts. It usually doesn’t — check with your insurer.
What if I don’t have a motorbike licence?
Be honest with yourself: if you’ve never ridden and aren’t licensed, Bali’s traffic isn’t the place to learn. Use Grab or Gojek bike taxis for short hops (see scooter vs Grab/Gojek) or hire a car with a driver for day trips. If you are licensed but rusty, start with a light automatic and our beginner’s guide.
ASEAN licences and long stays
Licences from ASEAN countries are generally recognised in Indonesia under the ASEAN agreement on domestic driving licences, though carrying an IDP still makes life easier at a checkpoint. Living in Bali on a KITAS or KITAP? You can apply for a local licence — see getting an Indonesian SIM C as a foreigner.
Heads-up: the 2026 draft rule
In April 2026 Bali’s provincial government put forward a draft regulation that would stop foreign tourists renting scooters on their own. As of mid-October 2026 we haven’t seen it passed or enforced, and tourists with the right licence can still rent legally. Rules can move fast here, so check the latest status before you fly — our sister site tracks it (in Indonesian): Bali scooter rules 2026.
Your pre-flight checklist
- Home licence shows a motorcycle category.
- IDP issued, motorbike category stamped, valid for your travel dates.
- Travel insurance policy read — motorcycle clause understood.
- Photos of all three saved offline on your phone.
All sorted? Compare bikes on our Bali scooter rental page, and check the full Bali licence requirements if you’re riding something bigger than 250cc.
Ready to ride? Compare daily, weekly & monthly rates on our Bali scooter rental page — delivered to your hotel or villa in 24 areas.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit to ride a scooter in Bali?
Yes. Foreign riders need their home licence with a motorcycle category plus an IDP that covers motorbikes. Without both you risk fines and, more seriously, your travel insurance may refuse a scooter accident claim.
Which IDP does Indonesia accept, 1949 or 1968?
The UK government lists Indonesia as a 1968 Convention country. Travellers from countries that only issue the 1949 permit, like the US and Australia, use that one. Make sure the motorcycle category is stamped.
Can I get an IDP once I’m in Bali?
No. An IDP can only be issued by the country that issued your driving licence, so organise it before you travel.
How much does an IDP cost?
Roughly £5.50 in the UK, about USD 20 in the US and around AUD 40–55 in Australia. Check your official issuer for current fees.
Is my car licence enough to ride a scooter in Bali?
No. You need a motorcycle category on your licence. A car-only licence plus IDP doesn’t cover scooters, legally or for insurance.