Airbnb requires you to be at least 18 years old to book a reservation

You must be 18 or older to create an Airbnb account and book a stay. This is Airbnb's baseline policy across all regions. The requirement exists because Airbnb's terms of service are a legal contract, and in most places only adults can enter binding agreements.

If you are under 18, you cannot hold your own reservation. Some hosts may allow a parent or guardian to book on your behalf and supervise the stay, but this is entirely up to the individual host — Airbnb does not enforce or standardize this arrangement.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 18 years old to create an Airbnb account and make a booking yourself.
  • Airbnb's age requirement is the same in every country where the platform operates.
  • A parent or guardian can book a listing for someone under 18, but the host must agree to this arrangement in advance.
  • Some hosts set their own minimum age limits higher than 18, which you will see in the listing details before you book.
  • Airbnb verifies age through government-issued ID during the account setup process.

How Airbnb verifies your age

When you create an account, Airbnb asks for your legal name and date of birth. During your first booking, the platform requires you to upload a photo of a government-issued ID — a passport, driver's license, or national ID card — that matches the name and birthdate on your account.

Airbnb uses automated systems to read and verify the ID, though some submissions are reviewed by a human moderator if the automated check cannot confirm the information. If your ID does not match your account details, Airbnb will ask you to resubmit or update your profile before you can complete a reservation.

Individual hosts can set their own age limits

Beyond Airbnb's minimum of 18, individual hosts are allowed to set a higher minimum age for their listings. A host might require guests to be 21, 25, or older. These host-specific rules appear in the listing description under "House Rules" or "Guest Requirements," and you will see them before you attempt to book.

If a listing has a higher age requirement and you do not meet it, you will not be able to complete the booking. Airbnb will show you a message explaining why the reservation cannot go through. You can then search for other listings that do not have that restriction.

What happens if you misrepresent your age

Providing false information on your ID or lying about your birthdate violates Airbnb's terms of service. If Airbnb discovers that your ID does not match your stated age, your account can be suspended or permanently removed. A host can also cancel your reservation after you arrive if they discover you are not the age you claimed.

Beyond the platform consequences, showing a false ID to a host or to Airbnb is a crime in most jurisdictions. It is not worth the risk — if you are under 18 and want to stay somewhere, ask a parent or guardian to book the reservation instead.

Booking as a guest under 18 with a parent or guardian

If you are under 18, the adult responsible for you should create the Airbnb account in their own name and book the listing. They will be the account holder and the person whose ID Airbnb verifies. The listing confirmation and all communication from Airbnb will go to them.

Before booking, contact the host directly through Airbnb's messaging system and explain that an adult will be booking on behalf of a younger guest. Some hosts welcome this arrangement; others prefer not to host minors even with adult supervision. Getting this conversation in writing before you book protects everyone and prevents a cancellation after you have already paid.

Age requirements for hosting on Airbnb

To list a property on Airbnb as a host, you must also be at least 18 years old. You will need to verify your identity with a government-issued ID, just as guests do. Airbnb also requires hosts to have a valid payment method and a confirmed address.

Some regions have additional rules — for example, certain cities require hosts to register with the local government or obtain a permit. These are separate from Airbnb's age requirement, but they may affect whether you can legally host in your area regardless of your age.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my parents book an Airbnb for me if I'm 17?

Yes, your parent or guardian can create an account and book a listing in their name. You would stay as their guest. Always contact the host first to let them know a minor will be staying there, because some hosts decline to host anyone under 18 even with adult supervision.

What if a host asks for my ID and I'm under 18?

A host cannot ask you for ID directly — Airbnb handles all age verification through the app. If a host requests ID from you in person, you can decline and refer them to Airbnb's verification process. If they continue to pressure you, you can report the interaction to Airbnb support.

Do I need to be 21 to book an Airbnb for a party?

Airbnb's minimum age is 18, but many hosts set their own rules prohibiting parties or requiring guests to be 21 or older. Check the listing's house rules before you book. Airbnb also prohibits parties in most listings, regardless of guest age, so review the specific property's policy.

Can I book an Airbnb if I don't have a government ID?

Airbnb requires a government-issued ID to verify your age and identity before your first booking. If you do not have a passport or driver's license, you may be able to use a national ID card or other official document. Contact Airbnb support to ask what forms of ID are accepted in your country.