How to Officially Create a Digital Driving Licence (SIM) in Indonesia
Jakarta (ANTARA) – Motorists can now use the Digital Driving Licence (SIM Digital) as a companion to the physical licence through the official Digital Korlantas Polri application. The service makes it easier for the public to store and present their driving licence (Surat Izin Mengemudi or SIM) data on their mobile phones whenever needed.
It should be understood that the SIM Digital is an electronic version of the licence issued through the official Korlantas Polri application. Although digital in form, drivers must still hold a licence lawfully issued in accordance with the applicable provisions.
The SIM Digital is not a replacement for the licence issuance process, but rather a service to make it easier to access the data of a licence already held.
The SIM Digital can assist drivers during traffic checks, as licence data can be shown directly through the Digital Korlantas Polri application.
However, drivers must still ensure that their licence remains valid and comply with all traffic regulations in order to avoid fines.
The following are the steps to create and activate an official SIM Digital, as quoted from Korlantas Polri.
The first step is to download the Digital Korlantas Polri application from Google Play Store or App Store. The application is the official platform provided by Korlantas Polri for various traffic services, including the SIM Digital.
- Register an account
Once the application is installed, register using an active telephone number. Users will receive an OTP code for verification, then be asked to create a PIN to secure the account. Next, complete your personal data, including your National Identity Number (NIK), full name, and email address. After that, activate the account via the email sent by the system.
- Identity verification
The next stage is to verify your identity using your e-KTP through the photo liveness feature available in the application. This process is intended to ensure that the user’s data matches the officially registered identity.
- Link your licence data
If you already hold a valid licence, go to the SIM menu in the application and follow the instructions to synchronise. Once verification is complete, your licence data will appear in digital form, complete with a QR code as proof of the authenticity of the electronic document.
After successful activation, the SIM Digital can be displayed through the application when needed, for instance during checks by police officers. Users are advised always to ensure the application is accessible and that their mobile phone has sufficient battery power.
Can the SIM Digital replace the physical licence?
Korlantas Polri explains that the SIM Digital is an electronic service innovation that makes it easier for the public to access licence documents.
Nevertheless, a licence must still be obtained through the official procedure, including meeting the administrative requirements, undergoing a health examination and psychometric test, and passing the theory and practical examinations in accordance with the applicable provisions.
For new licence applications, members of the public can begin the registration process online through the SINAR (SIM Nasional Presisi) service in the Digital Korlantas Polri application.
After all requirements are met and the theory examination has been completed online, applicants are still required to attend the Licence Administration Unit (Satpas) to sit the practical examination before the licence is issued.
By using the Digital Korlantas Polri service, the public can access licence data more practically and efficiently. However, drivers are still required to hold a valid licence, ensure it has not expired, and always comply with traffic regulations to avoid fines.