Airbnb's Minimum Age Requirement

You must be at least 18 years old to book and rent an Airbnb property. This is Airbnb's global policy—it applies whether you're renting in your home country or traveling abroad. You'll need to provide a valid government-issued ID that matches your name and confirms your age when you create your account.

The 18-year minimum exists because Airbnb treats a booking as a legal contract between you and the host. At 18, you have the legal capacity to enter into that contract in most jurisdictions. Hosts rely on this age gate to know they're dealing with someone who can be held accountable for the terms of the rental agreement.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be 18 or older to create an Airbnb account and make a booking anywhere in the world.
  • Airbnb will ask for a government-issued ID to verify your age, and the name on that ID must match your account name.
  • Some hosts set their own higher age limits—typically 21 or 25—which you'll see listed on the property page before you book.
  • If you're under 18, a parent or guardian can book the property in their own name, but they are responsible for the reservation and any damages.
  • Airbnb can cancel your booking or remove your account if you misrepresent your age or provide a false ID.

What ID Airbnb Accepts for Age Verification

Airbnb accepts government-issued photo IDs such as a passport, driver's license, national ID card, or state ID. The name on your ID must match exactly the name on your Airbnb account. If your legal name differs from the name you use on Airbnb, you'll need to update your account name before you can complete the verification.

When you upload your ID, Airbnb's system checks it automatically. The process usually takes a few minutes, though in some cases it can take up to 24 hours. You won't be able to book a property until your ID has been verified and your age confirmed.

Host-Set Age Restrictions Above 18

While Airbnb's platform minimum is 18, individual hosts can set their own higher age requirements. Many hosts restrict bookings to guests who are 21 or older, and some require guests to be 25. These restrictions appear on the property listing page, usually in the "House Rules" or "Requirements" section, before you attempt to book.

If a host has set an age limit higher than 18, you won't be able to book that property if you don't meet it. The system will block your booking attempt and explain why. This is common for properties in party-heavy neighborhoods or for hosts who have had problems with younger guests in the past.

Booking as a Guest Under 18

If you're under 18, you cannot create your own Airbnb account or make a booking. However, a parent or legal guardian can book a property in their own name and include you as a guest. The adult who books is the one responsible for the reservation, the payment, and any damage to the property or violations of house rules.

The adult's name will appear on the booking confirmation and will be the contact Airbnb and the host use for all communication about the stay. If there are any issues during your visit—noise complaints, damage, or breach of house rules—the host will contact the adult who made the booking, not you.

What Happens If You Misrepresent Your Age

Providing false information about your age or uploading a fake or someone else's ID is a violation of Airbnb's terms of service. If Airbnb discovers that you've misrepresented your age, your account can be suspended or permanently removed. You may also lose access to any future bookings and any funds in your account.

Hosts can also report you if they suspect you're younger than you claimed. Once reported, Airbnb will investigate, and if they find evidence of age misrepresentation, they will take action against your account. This can affect your ability to book travel accommodations in the future, since other platforms may see the account closure.

Age Requirements for Hosting on Airbnb

If you want to list a property and host guests, you must also be at least 18 years old. You'll need to verify your identity with a government-issued ID, just as guests do. Airbnb also requires you to have a valid payment method and to agree to their host terms and cancellation policies.

Some regions have additional age requirements for hosts—for example, some jurisdictions require hosts to be 21 or older to rent out a property. Check your local short-term rental laws before you list, since you may need permits or licenses that have their own age minimums.

Traveling Internationally as a Young Adult

If you're 18 or older and traveling to another country, your Airbnb age requirement stays the same—18 is the minimum everywhere. However, some countries have their own laws about the age at which you can legally sign a contract or rent accommodations. These laws don't change Airbnb's policy, but they may affect what you can do once you arrive.

For example, some countries require you to be 21 to rent a car or check into certain types of accommodations. Your Airbnb booking will go through at 18, but local laws might prevent you from completing the check-in or using certain amenities. Research your destination's local laws before you book to avoid surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Your parent or guardian can create an account in their name and book the property. They will be the account holder and responsible party. Make sure they understand that they're legally responsible for the booking and any issues that arise during your stay.

What if I just turned 18 but my ID still shows my old age?

Your ID must be current and show your actual age. If your ID is expired or shows an incorrect age, Airbnb's verification system will reject it. You'll need to renew your ID with the government agency that issued it before you can complete your Airbnb account setup.

Can I use a school ID or passport card to verify my age?

Airbnb requires a government-issued photo ID. A school ID typically doesn't count. A passport card (the wallet-sized version of a passport) is accepted in some regions, but a full passport is always accepted. Check Airbnb's ID requirements for your country to confirm what forms are valid.

Will Airbnb tell the host how old I am?

No. Airbnb verifies your age internally but doesn't share your exact age with the host. The host only knows that you've passed Airbnb's age verification. However, if you look significantly younger or older than your profile photo, the host may form their own impression when you check in.

What if a host's age requirement is higher than 18 but I'm 18?

You won't be able to book that property. The system will prevent you from completing the reservation and will explain that the host requires guests to be a certain age. You'll need to look for a different property that doesn't have that restriction, or wait until you reach the host's minimum age.