Airbnb's Minimum Age to Book

You must be at least 18 years old to create an Airbnb account and book a rental. Airbnb's terms of service require all account holders to be adults. This applies everywhere Airbnb operates — the age requirement does not change by location or property type.

If you are under 18, you cannot complete a booking yourself. A parent or guardian who is 18 or older must create the account, make the reservation, and be listed as the primary guest. The adult is responsible for the booking and any damage or rule violations that occur during the stay.

Airbnb verifies age during account setup. You will need to provide your legal name, date of birth, and a valid government-issued ID. The platform cross-checks this information before allowing you to search for or book properties.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be 18 or older to create an Airbnb account and make a booking yourself.
  • Guests under 18 need a parent or guardian who is 18 or older to book the property in their name.
  • Airbnb requires government-issued ID verification during account creation to confirm your age.
  • Some hosts set their own minimum age requirements that are stricter than Airbnb's policy, so check the listing details before booking.
  • The primary account holder is legally responsible for the rental, including any damage or lease violations.

What Happens If You Book Under 18

If you attempt to book without meeting the age requirement, Airbnb will reject your reservation during the checkout process. The platform will not allow payment to go through, and your booking will not be confirmed. You will receive a message explaining that the account holder must be 18 or older.

If you somehow complete a booking with false age information, Airbnb can cancel the reservation and suspend your account. The host may also refuse to allow you to check in if they discover you are underage. You would lose your payment, and the host could report the violation to Airbnb.

Individual Hosts May Have Stricter Rules

While Airbnb's minimum is 18, individual hosts can set their own age requirements in their listing rules. Some hosts require guests to be 21 or 25 years old, particularly for properties in party-prone areas or those with expensive furnishings and equipment. These restrictions appear in the listing details under "House Rules" before you book.

Check the host's rules carefully before you reserve. If the listing says "Guests must be 21+," you cannot book it at 18, even though you meet Airbnb's platform requirement. Attempting to book anyway will result in the host declining your reservation or canceling it after you check in.

How to Book If You Are Under 18

Ask a parent or guardian who is 18 or older to create the Airbnb account using their name and legal information. They will need their own email address and a valid government-issued ID for verification. Once the account is set up, they can search for and book properties on your behalf.

The adult's name will appear as the primary guest on the reservation and the check-in information. You can stay at the property, but the booking is in their name, and they are responsible for the rental agreement with the host. Make sure the host knows that an adult is the account holder before you arrive.

ID Verification and What Airbnb Accepts

Airbnb accepts government-issued photo ID for age verification. This includes a driver's license, passport, national ID card, or state ID. The ID must be current and match the name on your Airbnb account. Expired IDs are usually rejected.

During account setup, you upload a photo of your ID or take a selfie with your ID for facial recognition verification. Airbnb uses this to confirm your identity and age before you can book. If your ID does not match your account information, you will be asked to resubmit or update your details.

Age Requirements for Group Bookings

If multiple people are staying at a property, only the primary account holder needs to be 18 or older. The other guests can be any age. However, the account holder is responsible for all guests in the rental, including their behavior and any damage they cause.

Some hosts restrict the number of guests or require that at least one adult be present at all times if younger guests are staying. Check the listing rules to see if the host has set conditions for group bookings. If the host's rules say "At least one guest must be 21+," the primary account holder must meet that requirement.

What to Do If Your Booking Is Rejected

If Airbnb rejects your booking because of your age, the most straightforward solution is to have an adult 18 or older create an account and book the property instead. This takes a few minutes and solves the problem when ready.

If you believe your age information was entered incorrectly, you can contact Airbnb support through the app or website. Go to the Help Center, select "Account and ID," and choose "Age verification issues." Explain the problem, and support can review your account. Response times vary, but Airbnb typically replies within a few business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an Airbnb if I am 17 but turning 18 before my stay?

No. Airbnb requires you to be 18 at the time you make the booking, not at the time of your stay. You must wait until your 18th birthday to create an account and reserve a property. A parent or guardian can book for you before then.

Do I need to show ID when I check in?

Most hosts do not require ID at check-in, but some do. Check the listing details or contact the host before your arrival to ask about their check-in process. If the host does ask for ID, bring the same government-issued ID you used for your Airbnb account.

What if my parent books the property but I stay alone?

The booking is allowed because your parent is 18 and the account holder. However, some hosts prohibit guests under 18 from staying alone and require an adult to be present. Always read the house rules to see if the host has this restriction. If they do and you stay alone anyway, the host can cancel your reservation.

Can I use a fake ID to book an Airbnb?

No. Airbnb's verification system checks ID information against government databases. Using false identification is illegal and will result in your account being permanently banned from the platform. Your payment will be forfeited, and the host will be notified of the violation.

Are there any Airbnb properties that allow guests under 18 to book?

No. Airbnb's policy requires the account holder to be 18 or older across all properties and locations. This is a platform-wide rule, not a per-listing exception. If you are under 18, an adult must make the booking.