Procedure for Obtaining an International Driving Licence (SIM Internasional)
Requirements, online registration, validity period, and rules of use for the SIM Internasional for Indonesian and foreign nationals.
The SIM Internasional (international driving licence) is issued by Korlantas Polri (the Traffic Corps of the Indonesian National Police) for Indonesian citizens (WNI) as well as foreign nationals (WNA) holding an Indonesian SIM (Surat Izin Mengemudi — the Indonesian driving licence) who wish to drive a motor vehicle in countries that are parties to the international conventions on road traffic.
Status of the SIM Internasional
The SIM Internasional is not a replacement for the national SIM; it is an accompanying document. Its holder must still carry a valid national SIM when driving abroad. A SIM Internasional carried without the national SIM is not valid.
Conversely, an Indonesian-issued SIM Internasional is not used for driving within the country. Within Indonesian territory, it is the national SIM that applies.
Centralised Issuance
Issuance is handled centrally by Korlantas Polri through an online registration channel, not through regional Satpas (police driving licence issuing offices). Applicants from Central Kalimantan do not need to travel to Jakarta: the application is submitted online and the document is sent to the applicant’s address.
Validity Period
The SIM Internasional has a shorter validity period than the national SIM and may be renewed through the same channel. The class shown on the SIM Internasional follows the class of the national SIM the applicant holds — an applicant cannot obtain a class higher than that of their national SIM.
Validity in the Destination Country
Recognition of the SIM Internasional depends on the rules of the destination country. Some countries require additional documents or impose a time limit on use by foreign drivers. Check the rules of the destination country before you travel.
Required Documents
- Original KTP (Kartu Tanda Penduduk — the Indonesian national identity card)
- Original valid passport
- Original valid national SIM (Surat Izin Mengemudi — the Indonesian driving licence)
- KITAP / KITAS (Indonesian permanent or limited stay permit card, for foreign nationals only)
- Recent passport photo with a white background
Service Procedure
- Prepare the documents: the KTP, a valid passport, a valid national SIM, and a passport photo with a white background that meets the requirements.
- Submit the application through the official Korlantas Polri online registration channel.
- Fill in the applicant data and upload the required documents.
- Pay the SIM Internasional issuance PNBP through an official payment channel.
- Wait for the officers to verify the documents.
- The SIM Internasional is sent to the applicant's address or collected in person, according to the option chosen at registration.
Fee Breakdown & Legal Basis
| Fee Component | Category & Authority | Amount | Official Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PNBP for a New SIM Internasional | PNBP (central government) | Rp 250.000 | PP No. 76 Tahun 2020 |
| PNBP for SIM Internasional Renewal | PNBP (central government) | Rp 225.000 | PP No. 76 Tahun 2020 |
- PP No. 76 Tahun 2020 (Government Regulation No. 76/2020)
- Konvensi PBB tentang Lalu Lintas Jalan (UN Convention on Road Traffic — 1968 Geneva/Vienna Convention)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a SIM Internasional be applied for from Palangka Raya?
Yes. The SIM Internasional is processed centrally online through the official Korlantas Polri website, and the physical licence booklet is sent by post.
How long is a SIM Internasional valid?
The SIM Internasional is valid for 3 (three) years from the date of issue.
Is the SIM Internasional valid in every country?
The SIM Internasional is valid in countries that have ratified the Vienna or Geneva Conventions.