Yes, Airbnb requires ID from both guests and hosts, but the rules differ depending on your role and location

Airbnb asks for identification to verify who you are and reduce fraud and safety risks. If you are a guest, you will need to provide ID before you can book certain listings or complete your reservation. If you are a host, ID verification is required before you can list a property. The specific documents accepted and when they are required vary by country and sometimes by city.

The platform does not always ask for ID when ready when you create an account. Many guests can browse and message hosts without verification. However, the moment you attempt to book a reservation—especially for entire homes or longer stays—Airbnb will ask you to verify your identity before the host can accept your booking.

Key Takeaways

  • Guests must provide a government-issued ID to complete most bookings, though some shared-room listings may not require it.
  • Hosts must verify their identity before creating any listing, using a government ID and sometimes a selfie for facial recognition.
  • Accepted documents include passports, driver's licenses, national ID cards, and similar government-issued credentials depending on your country.
  • ID verification typically takes a few minutes to a few hours, but can take longer if Airbnb needs to review your submission manually.
  • If your ID is rejected, Airbnb will tell you why and usually allows you to resubmit a clearer photo or a different document.

What ID Airbnb accepts from guests

Airbnb accepts government-issued photo ID from most countries. A driver's license, passport, or national ID card are the most common documents. Some countries also accept residence permits or travel documents. The ID must be current and not expired, though Airbnb sometimes makes exceptions for documents that expired recently.

The photo on your ID must match your face reasonably well. Airbnb uses facial recognition software to compare your ID photo to a selfie you take during verification. If you have changed your appearance significantly since the ID was issued—a different hairstyle, glasses, or facial hair—the match may fail. If this happens, you can resubmit or try a different ID document.

Your ID does not have to be from your country of residence. A guest traveling internationally can use a passport or ID from their home country. Airbnb will still verify it as long as it is a government-issued document they recognize.

When hosts need to verify their identity

Hosts must complete ID verification before they can publish any listing. You cannot create a listing and leave verification for later. Airbnb requires this step to may support that the person listing the property is real and to reduce the risk of fraudulent or illegal listings.

Host verification usually involves uploading a photo of your government ID and taking a selfie so Airbnb can confirm the ID photo matches your face. Some hosts are also asked to verify their address by uploading a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. This step varies by location and by Airbnb's assessment of your account.

If you are listing a property in a city with strict short-term rental rules—such as New York City or San Francisco—Airbnb may ask for additional documents, such as proof of registration with the city or proof that you own or legally rent the property. These requirements are set by local law, not by Airbnb alone.

How the ID verification process works

When Airbnb asks for ID, you will see a prompt in the app or on the website. You upload a clear photo of the front of your ID document. The photo must show all four corners of the document and be well-lit enough to read the text. Blurry, cropped, or heavily shadowed photos are often rejected.

Next, you take a selfie using your device's camera. Airbnb's software compares your face in the selfie to the face on your ID. The system is automated, so the result usually comes back within minutes. If the match is successful, your account is verified when ready and you can proceed with booking or listing.

If the software cannot match your face to your ID, or if the ID photo is unclear, Airbnb will reject the submission and ask you to try again. You can resubmit the same ID with a clearer photo, or you can upload a different government ID. There is no limit to how many times you can resubmit, but repeated rejections may trigger a manual review by Airbnb staff, which can take several days.

What happens if your ID is rejected

Airbnb will tell you why your submission was rejected. Common reasons include: the ID photo is too blurry or dark, the document is expired, the selfie does not match the ID photo clearly enough, or the ID is not a government-issued document that Airbnb recognizes.

If the problem is a blurry photo, take a new photo in better lighting and resubmit. Make sure the entire ID is visible and in focus. If the problem is that your face does not match well—because you have changed your appearance or the ID photo is old—try uploading a different ID document if you have one. A passport often works better than a driver's license because the photo is usually more recent.

If you have resubmitted multiple times and keep getting rejected, you can contact Airbnb support through the app or website. A staff member can review your submission manually and may be able to verify you even if the automated system could not. This process takes longer, usually several business days, but it is your option if the automated system is not working for you.

ID requirements for specific situations

Some bookings require ID verification even if your account is already verified. If you are booking a luxury listing, an entire home in a high-risk area, or a reservation for a large group, Airbnb may ask you to re-verify or provide additional information. This is a safety measure to reduce fraud on high-value bookings.

Hosts in certain cities must also verify additional information beyond their personal ID. In New York City, for example, hosts must register their short-term rental with the city and provide Airbnb with a registration number. In some European cities, hosts must prove they have the legal right to rent the property short-term. These rules come from local government, not from Airbnb, and they vary significantly by location.

If you are under 18, Airbnb has different rules. Most of the platform is restricted to users 18 and older. If you are between 18 and 21, some hosts may require additional verification or may decline your booking. Hosts can set their own age restrictions, and Airbnb does not override these choices.

What Airbnb does with your ID information

Airbnb stores your ID information in encrypted form and does not share it with hosts or other guests. Hosts can see your first name, last name, profile photo, and review history, but they cannot see your ID document or the details on it. The ID is used only for verification and fraud prevention.

Airbnb may share your ID information with law enforcement if required by law, such as in response to a subpoena or court order. Some cities also require Airbnb to share host information with local tax or housing authorities. These disclosures are governed by Airbnb's privacy policy and local law.

You can delete your Airbnb account at any time, and Airbnb will delete your ID information according to its data retention policy. However, if you have an active booking or unresolved dispute, Airbnb may retain your information longer to resolve the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an Airbnb without providing ID?

Some shared rooms or experiences may not require ID verification, but most entire homes and private rooms do. If you try to book a listing that requires ID and you have not verified your identity, Airbnb will ask you to do so before the host can accept your reservation. You cannot bypass this step.

What if I do not have a government-issued ID?

Airbnb requires a government ID and does not accept alternatives like school IDs, library cards, or company badges. If you do not have a passport or driver's license, you will need to obtain one through your local government before you can book most Airbnb listings. Some countries offer national ID cards specifically for this purpose.

How long does ID verification take?

Automated verification usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. If your submission is rejected and you resubmit, it may take another few minutes. If Airbnb needs to review your submission manually because of repeated rejections or suspicious activity, it can take several business days.

Can I use someone else's ID to book an Airbnb?

No. Airbnb requires that the ID matches the person making the booking. Using someone else's ID violates Airbnb's terms of service and can result in your account being permanently banned. Hosts and Airbnb staff can report fraudulent bookings to law enforcement.

What if my ID name does not match my Airbnb account name?

Your Airbnb account name should match the name on your ID as closely as possible. If you have legally changed your name since your ID was issued, you can update your Airbnb profile name and then resubmit your ID. If the names are very different, Airbnb may ask you to provide a legal document showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.