Can you legally ride a motorcycle in Bali as a tourist? The short answer: yes, but only if you have the right paperwork. Without it, you risk fines, no insurance coverage, and even deportation.
This guide covers everything you need to know about motorcycle licenses in Bali for 2025—what documents you need, where to get them, what happens at police checkpoints, and how to stay legal.
Quick Answer: What License Do I Need?
If you are visiting Bali on a tourist visa, you need:
- A valid motorcycle license from your home country
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) with motorcycle endorsement
Both documents must be carried together. The IDP alone is not valid—it is a translation of your home license, not a replacement.
If you only have a car license in your home country, you cannot legally ride a motorcycle in Bali. Your IDP will only reflect the vehicle classes on your original license.
What is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
An International Driving Permit is an internationally recognized document established by the United Nations. It translates your driver license into 10 languages and is recognized in over 150 countries, including Indonesia.
| IDP Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Validity | 1 year from issue date (or until your home license expires) |
| Cost | $20 USD (USA via AAA) |
| Processing time | Same day in person, 2-4 weeks by mail |
| Convention | Indonesia follows the 1949 Geneva Convention |
| Motorcycle endorsement | Must match your home license—cannot add classes |
How to Get an IDP Before Your Trip
You must get your IDP in your home country before traveling. You cannot obtain one in Indonesia.
United States (via AAA)
AAA is the only organization authorized to issue IDPs for US citizens. You can apply:
- In person: Visit any AAA branch with your license, two passport photos, and $20
- By mail: Send application, photocopies of license (front and back), passport photos, and $20 check
- Online: Apply at aaa.com—permit is physically mailed, no digital version available
Important: When filling out the application, check the box for motorcycle endorsement. Missing this makes your IDP invalid for motorcycle use.
United Kingdom (via Post Office or RAC)
- Apply online or at major Post Office branches
- Cost: £5.50
- Need: UK driving license, passport photo, completed application
Australia (via AAA or state motoring clubs)
- Apply at RACV, RACQ, NRMA, or equivalent
- Cost: AUD $39-45
- Available same day at most locations
Beware of Scams
Many websites claim to issue "international driver licenses." These are fraudulent. Only official motoring organizations (AAA in USA, Post Office/RAC in UK, etc.) can issue legitimate IDPs recognized under the Geneva Convention.
Can I Get a Local Indonesian License as a Tourist?
No. This changed recently and catches many travelers off guard.
Previously, tourists could obtain a temporary 30-day driving license at the Denpasar police station. This is no longer available. The police now only issue 1-year licenses to foreigners with valid residence permits (KITAS/KITAP).
| Visa Type | Can Get Indonesian License? | What to Use Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa (30/60 day) | No | IDP from home country |
| Visa on Arrival | No | IDP from home country |
| Social/Cultural Visa (B211) | No | IDP from home country |
| KITAS (Temporary Stay) | Yes | SIM A (car) or SIM C (motorcycle) |
| KITAP (Permanent Stay) | Yes | SIM A (car) or SIM C (motorcycle) |
Police Checkpoints: What to Expect
Police checkpoints are common in Bali, especially on main roads between tourist areas. The route from Kuta to Ubud is particularly well-known for frequent stops.
What Police Will Ask For
- Helmet (must be worn)
- International Driving Permit
- Original home country license
- Vehicle registration (STNK) — your rental should provide this
Common Fines
| Violation | Fine (IDR) | Fine (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| No valid license/IDP | Up to 1,000,000 | ~$63 |
| No helmet | Up to 250,000 | ~$16 |
| No vehicle registration (STNK) | Up to 500,000 | ~$32 |
| Passenger without helmet | Up to 250,000 | ~$16 |
| Running red light | Up to 500,000 | ~$32 |
How Fines Work
If stopped, you may receive one of two tickets:
- Blue ticket (surat tilang biru): You admit guilt, pay the fine at a bank, and collect your documents from the police station
- Pink ticket (surat tilang merah): You contest the fine in court. Even if you lose, court-ordered fines are often lower than the maximum
Never hand over your passport. Some officers may ask for it as collateral—this is not standard procedure. Offer to follow them to the station instead.
2025 Enforcement: Stricter Than Ever
Bali has significantly increased traffic enforcement targeting tourists in 2024-2025. Governor Wayan Koster Circular Letter No. 7 of 2025 outlines stricter penalties for foreign visitors.
Key changes:
- Tourists who receive traffic tickets—even minor ones—now risk deportation
- In 2024, Bali police prosecuted 226 foreign nationals, including 34 Americans
- Insurance companies are actively denying claims for unlicensed riders
The days of riding without proper documentation are over. Police actively target tourist areas and the fines are enforced.
Why Your Insurance Will Not Cover You Without an IDP
This is the real risk most tourists overlook. If you have an accident while riding without a valid license:
- Travel insurance will deny your claim — medical bills are on you
- Rental damage liability is yours — you pay for the bike
- Third-party claims are your responsibility — if you injure someone else, you pay
Medical evacuation from Bali can cost $50,000-100,000 USD. A motorcycle accident with serious injuries can exceed $200,000 in medical costs. Your travel insurance excludes all of this if you were riding illegally.
Speed Limits and Road Rules
Basic rules you must follow:
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| City speed limit | 60 km/h (37 mph) |
| Highway speed limit | 80 km/h (50 mph) |
| Headlights | Required at ALL times, even during day |
| Helmet | Mandatory (SNI certified) |
| Drive on | Left side of road |
| Blood alcohol limit | Zero tolerance for motorcycle riders |
Step-by-Step: Getting Legal Before Your Trip
- Check your home license — Does it include motorcycle endorsement? If not, you need to get one first.
- Apply for IDP — In the US, visit AAA or apply online. Request motorcycle endorsement.
- Allow time — If applying by mail, allow 2-4 weeks. In person is same-day.
- Bring both documents — Pack your original license AND the IDP. You need both.
- Carry them always — When riding, have both on you at all times.
FAQ
Can I ride a scooter with just a car license?
Legally, no. Most scooters in Bali are 110-125cc, which require a motorcycle license. While some countries allow 50cc scooters on a car license, Bali rental scooters exceed that limit.
What if I do not have a motorcycle license at home?
You cannot legally ride in Bali. Consider getting your motorcycle license before your trip, or use other transport options (Grab, driver hire, etc.).
Is the tourist driving license still available?
No. The 30-day tourist license at Denpasar police station was discontinued. You now need either an IDP or a full Indonesian license (KITAS holders only).
Do rental shops check licenses?
Some do, many do not. But this does not change your legal status or insurance coverage. The rental shop accepting your money does not make you legal to ride.
What happens if I get caught without an IDP?
Fine up to IDR 1,000,000 (~$63), potential deportation, and zero insurance coverage if you have an accident.
The Bottom Line
Getting legal to ride in Bali takes about $20 and 30 minutes at AAA (or equivalent in your country). The IDP is valid for a year and works in 150+ countries.
The alternative—riding without proper documents—means:
- Fines at checkpoints
- Zero insurance if you crash
- Potential deportation under 2025 rules
- Full financial liability for any damage or injuries
Get the IDP. It is the cheapest protection you will buy for your Bali trip.