Yes, Airbnb asks for ID, and when it does, you must provide it to book or host

Airbnb requires a government-issued photo ID at different points depending on whether you are booking a stay or listing a property. As a guest, you may be asked to verify your identity before completing a reservation, especially for longer stays or if the host has requested ID verification. As a host, Airbnb requires ID verification before you can list your first property and accept bookings. The company uses this information to confirm you are who you say you are and to meet legal requirements in the countries where it operates.

The timing and strictness of ID checks vary. Some hosts request ID verification from guests before accepting a booking. Airbnb itself may ask for ID during account setup, after a certain number of bookings, or if your account shows unusual activity. Refusing to provide ID when asked means you cannot complete that booking or listing—there is no workaround.

Key Takeaways

  • Hosts can require guests to verify their identity before accepting a booking, and some do this as a standard practice.
  • Airbnb itself requires ID verification from all hosts before they can list a property and from guests in certain situations, such as longer stays or after suspicious account activity.
  • Acceptable forms of ID include a driver's license, passport, national ID card, or other government-issued photo identification.
  • The ID verification process is usually completed online through Airbnb's app or website using a photo or scan of your document.
  • If your ID is rejected, you can resubmit a clearer photo or a different form of ID, but you cannot proceed with a booking or listing until verification is complete.

When Airbnb asks hosts for ID

Every host must verify their identity before creating their first listing. Airbnb asks for a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or national ID card—and you submit it through the app or website. This happens during the account setup process, before you can add any property details or photos.

Airbnb also asks for ID verification again if your account shows signs of unusual activity, if you have not hosted in a long time and are returning to the platform, or if the company is updating its verification standards in your country. You will receive a notification in your account or by email when this happens, and you have a set number of days to comply before your listings are paused.

When Airbnb asks guests for ID

Guests are most often asked for ID verification when booking a longer stay—typically 28 days or more—because many jurisdictions require short-term rental platforms to collect guest information for stays that approach long-term rental status. You may also be asked if you are booking your first stay, if you have had a previous booking cancelled or a dispute, or if Airbnb detects activity that does not match your account history.

Some hosts also set their own rules and require guests to verify ID before they will accept a booking. This is the host's choice, and if you do not provide it, the host can decline your reservation request. You can see whether a listing requires ID verification before you attempt to book.

What ID documents Airbnb accepts

Airbnb accepts any government-issued photo ID: a driver's license, passport, national ID card, or similar document issued by a government authority. The document must be current and not expired. The photo must be clear enough that your face is recognizable and matches the name on your Airbnb account.

If you do not have a driver's license or passport, a national ID card works. Some countries issue other forms of government photo ID—check what is available in your country if you do not have a standard document. Airbnb does not accept student IDs, work IDs, or other non-government documents.

How to submit your ID to Airbnb

The process differs slightly depending on whether you are verifying as a host or guest, but both happen through the Airbnb app or website. You will see a prompt asking you to verify your identity, with a link to the verification page. You can upload a photo of your ID using your phone camera or a scanner, or you can take a photo of the document and upload it directly.

Take the photo in good lighting so the entire document is visible and readable. Make sure your face is clearly visible in the photo on the ID. Airbnb's system checks that the document is genuine and that the photo matches your account. If the photo is blurry, cut off, or the face is not visible, Airbnb will reject it and ask you to resubmit.

The verification usually completes within a few hours to a day. You will receive a notification once it is approved. If it is rejected, the notification will tell you why—usually because the photo was unclear or the document was expired—and you can resubmit when ready with a clearer image or a different document.

What happens if you refuse to provide ID

If Airbnb asks for ID and you do not provide it, you cannot complete the booking or listing. Your account will remain in a pending or suspended state until you verify. If you are a guest, your reservation request will be declined or cancelled. If you are a host, your listings will be paused and you will not receive any new bookings.

There is no way to proceed without ID verification when Airbnb requires it. You cannot contact customer service to bypass this step. Your only options are to provide the ID or to stop using Airbnb.

Privacy and how Airbnb uses your ID information

Airbnb stores your ID information in encrypted form and does not share it with other guests or hosts. The company uses it to verify your identity, to comply with local laws in countries where it operates, and to detect fraud. Some jurisdictions require Airbnb to keep records of guest and host identities for tax or legal purposes, and Airbnb may share that information with government authorities if required by law.

Your ID information is separate from your public Airbnb profile. Other users cannot see your ID number, your full legal name (unless you choose to display it), or any details from your ID document. Airbnb's privacy policy describes how long it keeps this information and what it does with it; you can review that policy in your account settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport from another country?

Yes. Airbnb accepts passports from any country, as long as the passport is current and not expired. The photo must be clear and your face must be recognizable. If you do not have a driver's license or national ID from your country of residence, a passport is a standard alternative.

What if my ID photo does not look like me anymore?

Airbnb compares the photo on your ID to your account profile photo, not to how you look in person. If your appearance has changed significantly since the ID was issued, you can resubmit with a clearer photo of the ID itself, or you can update your profile photo to better match the ID. If the system still rejects it, contact Airbnb support and explain the situation.

Do I have to show my ID in person when I arrive at the property?

No. Airbnb's ID verification happens online before you book or check in. The host does not see your ID document. Some hosts may ask to see ID in person as part of their own check-in process, but that is separate from Airbnb's verification and is between you and the host.

How long does ID verification take?

Most ID verifications complete within a few hours to one business day. During busy periods or if the photo is unclear, it may take longer. You will receive a notification once it is approved or rejected. If rejected, you can resubmit when ready.

Can I book without verifying my ID if the host does not require it?

It depends. If Airbnb itself requires ID verification for your account—such as for a longer stay or due to account activity—you must provide it regardless of the host's requirements. If only the host requires it and Airbnb does not, you can search for other listings that do not require host-level ID verification.