Yes, Airbnb hosts can ask for your ID before you check in
Airbnb hosts are allowed to request a government-issued ID from guests as part of their house rules. This is not an Airbnb policy requirement — it is the host's choice. Some hosts ask for ID during the booking process through the Airbnb app, others request it when you arrive, and many do not ask at all. The ID is typically used to verify your identity matches your Airbnb account and to confirm you are the person who made the reservation.
Hosts cannot require you to provide ID information that goes beyond what Airbnb already collects. They also cannot use your ID for purposes unrelated to the stay — such as running a background check or selling your information. If a host's ID request feels unusual or asks for sensitive details beyond a photo ID, you can decline and contact Airbnb support.
Key Takeaways
- Hosts can ask for a government-issued ID like a driver's license or passport to confirm you are the guest who booked the reservation.
- You can decline an ID request, but the host may then cancel your booking or refuse check-in.
- Hosts cannot use your ID for background checks, credit checks, or any purpose beyond verifying your identity for the stay.
- If a host asks for unusual ID information or seems to be misusing it, report the request to Airbnb through the app or website.
Why hosts ask for ID
The most common reason a host requests ID is to prevent unauthorized guests from checking in. If you booked the reservation under your name, the host wants to confirm that the person arriving is actually you. This protects the host from liability if someone other than the paying guest causes damage or violates house rules.
Some hosts also ask for ID as a safety measure. Seeing a photo ID gives them a second way to verify who is in their property, beyond just checking the Airbnb app. Hosts who rent out entire homes or who have had problems with unauthorized occupants in the past are more likely to request ID at the door.
A smaller number of hosts use ID requests as a screening tool — they may decline guests whose ID shows an address in a certain area, or they may use the information to make assumptions about a guest. This practice is not officially permitted by Airbnb, but it does happen.
What types of ID hosts can ask for
Hosts typically ask for a government-issued photo ID. This includes a driver's license, passport, national ID card, or state ID. These documents have your photo, name, and date of birth, which is what the host needs to match against your Airbnb profile.
Hosts should not ask for your Social Security number, credit card information, bank account details, or any document beyond a photo ID. If a host requests this information, do not provide it — this is a sign of a scam or misuse of your personal data. Report the request to Airbnb when ready.
How to handle an ID request
If a host asks for ID before or during your stay, you have three options: provide it, decline and offer an alternative, or decline and cancel the booking.
If you are comfortable sharing your ID, you can show it in person at check-in or photograph it and send it through the Airbnb app. Many hosts accept a photo of your ID rather than holding the physical document. If the host asks you to email or text your ID outside the Airbnb app, decline — use only Airbnb's messaging system so there is a record of the exchange.
If you do not want to share your ID, you can explain that you prefer not to and ask if the host will accept other proof of identity, such as your Airbnb confirmation email or a credit card. Some hosts will accept this. If the host insists on ID and you are not comfortable providing it, you can cancel the booking before check-in and request a refund according to the listing's cancellation policy.
What hosts cannot do with your ID
Airbnb's terms of service prohibit hosts from using guest information for purposes other than managing the reservation. This means a host cannot run a background check, credit check, or criminal history search using your ID. They cannot sell your information to a third party, use it for marketing, or share it with anyone outside their household without your permission.
Hosts also cannot discriminate against you based on information in your ID — such as your age, address, or national origin. If you believe a host has refused your booking or canceled your reservation because of information on your ID, you can report this to Airbnb as potential discrimination.
If a host asks you to sign a separate document or agreement related to your ID, you are not required to do so. The Airbnb terms of service and the listing's house rules are the only agreements that explore to your stay.
When to report an ID request to Airbnb
Report a host's ID request to Airbnb if the host asks for information beyond a photo ID, if they ask you to provide ID outside the Airbnb app, or if they seem to be using your ID for a purpose unrelated to the stay. You can also report the request if the host becomes aggressive or threatening when you decline to share your ID.
To report, open the Airbnb app, go to your reservation, tap the three-dot menu, and select "Report this listing" or "Contact us." Describe what happened and include any messages from the host. Airbnb will review the report and take action if the host has violated the terms of service.
If you have already provided your ID and are now concerned about how the host may use it, you can also contact Airbnb support to ask what steps you can take. In some cases, Airbnb can contact the host on your behalf to clarify what the ID will be used for.
ID requests and your privacy
Your Airbnb profile already contains your name, profile photo, and review history. The host can see all of this information when you book. An ID request is asking for additional verification beyond what is already visible in your account.
If you are concerned about privacy, you can use a nickname or first name only in your Airbnb profile (within Airbnb's guidelines), and you can keep your profile photo private. When a host asks for ID, you can show only the portion of the ID that contains your name and photo, covering up your address and date of birth if you prefer. Most hosts will accept this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a host cancel my reservation if I refuse to show ID?
Yes. If you decline to provide ID and the host has made it a house rule, the host can cancel your reservation. However, the cancellation policy determines whether you receive a refund. If you cancel before the host does, you may be may have access to to a refund depending on the listing's cancellation terms. If the host cancels, contact Airbnb to discuss your options.
Is it safe to send a photo of my ID through Airbnb messages?
Airbnb's messaging system is encrypted, so sending a photo of your ID through the app is safer than emailing it or texting it outside the platform. However, you can always decline and offer to show your ID in person at check-in instead. Never send your ID to a host through email, text, or social media.
What if the host asks for ID after I have already checked in?
A host can ask for ID at any point during your stay, but it is unusual to ask after check-in. If this happens, you can decline and ask why the host needs it now. If the host becomes confrontational or threatens to end your stay, contact Airbnb support. You have the right to a safe and respectful experience during your reservation.
Can a host keep a copy of my ID?
Hosts should not keep a permanent copy of your ID. If a host asks to photograph your ID or keep a copy on file, you can decline. If the host insists, this is a sign to contact Airbnb. The host may take a photo to verify your identity at that moment, but should not store it after your stay ends.
What should I do if I think a host is using my ID information illegally?
Contact Airbnb support when ready and describe what happened. If you believe your identity has been stolen or your information has been misused, you can also file a report with your local police department and contact the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov. Keep records of all messages with the host and any evidence of misuse.