SIM A — The Only License for Passenger Cars
If you want to rent a self-drive car in Jogja, you need a SIM A — this is the license for driving passenger vehicles under 3,500 kg, covering all standard rental cars from Calya to Innova. For larger vehicles like Hiace or Elf, a SIM B1 is needed, but we do not offer these as self-drive anyway — they always come with a professional driver who holds a SIM B1.
For Indonesian Residents: Make Sure Your License Is Valid
This sounds obvious, but we regularly encounter renters who only realize their license is expired during the handover process. Check your SIM A expiry date before booking. If it is close to expiring, renew it at the nearest Samsat office — in Jogja there is one on Jl. Kusumanegara (Main Samsat) or mobile Samsat units whose schedules can be checked online. Renewal takes just 1-2 hours if there is no queue.
Important: carry your original license, not a photocopy or phone photo. If you encounter a police checkpoint (especially on the Parangtritis route or entering the Gunungkidul area), digital copies or photocopies are not accepted.
For Foreigners: International Driving Permit (IDP) Is Mandatory
If you are a foreign tourist wanting to self-drive, the rule is clear: a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory. Your home country license alone is not legally sufficient in Indonesia — even though you can technically drive, if there is an accident or police check, insurance will not cover you and you can be fined.
The IDP must be obtained in your home country before traveling to Indonesia. You cannot get one in Jogja. The process is usually easy — in most countries you just bring your original license, a photo, and a form to the local motor authority (AAA in the US, AA in the UK, etc.). An IDP is valid for 1 year.
The easiest solution for foreigners without an IDP? Rent with a driver. You do not need to drive at all — just a passport is enough to book. This is also safer because our drivers understand local road conditions, local driving habits (motorbikes suddenly overtaking from the left, trucks stopping abruptly in the fast lane), and know stress-free routes.