What Airbnb ID Verification Requires

Airbnb asks you to verify your identity before you can book a stay or host a listing. The platform uses a third-party verification service to check your government-issued ID against your account information. You will need a valid passport, driver's license, or national ID card — the document must match the name and date of birth on your Airbnb account.

The verification process is automated and happens through your account settings. Airbnb does not store a copy of your ID document itself; the verification service checks it and returns only a pass or fail result. The whole process typically takes a few minutes to a few hours, though it can take up to 24 hours if the system flags your submission for manual review.

Key Takeaways

  • You must verify your identity using a government-issued ID that matches your account name and date of birth exactly.
  • The verification happens through Airbnb's website or app using a photo of your ID — you do not mail anything or visit an office.
  • If your name on the ID does not match your Airbnb account name, you must update your account name first before verification will pass.
  • Verification usually completes within hours, but manual review can take up to 24 hours if the system detects a mismatch or unclear photo.
  • If verification fails, Airbnb will tell you why and let you resubmit with a corrected photo or updated account information.

How to Start ID Verification on Your Account

Log into your Airbnb account on a computer or phone and go to your account settings. Click on "Account" in the menu, then look for "Identity verification" or "Verify ID" — the exact label varies by region and whether you are a guest or host. Airbnb will show you a prompt asking you to verify your identity and explain what documents are accepted.

Click the button to begin verification. You will be taken to a page where you choose which type of ID you have: passport, driver's license, or national ID. Select the one you plan to use. The system will then ask you to take a photo of the front of your ID using your phone's camera or upload an existing photo from your device.

Taking a Clear Photo of Your ID

The photo is the most common reason verification fails, so take time to get it right. Place your ID on a flat, well-lit surface — natural light from a window works better than overhead lights, which can create glare. Hold your phone directly above the ID so the entire document fits in the frame, with all four corners visible. The text and photo on the ID must be sharp and readable; blurry or tilted photos will be rejected.

Do not cover any part of the ID with your fingers or shadows. If your ID has a hologram or reflective stripe, angle the document slightly to avoid a bright glare that washes out the details. Take the photo in portrait mode (phone held vertically) rather than landscape. Once you have a clear shot, upload it through the Airbnb app or website.

After you upload the photo, Airbnb may ask you to take a selfie to confirm the ID belongs to you. This happens on the same screen. Position your face in the center of the frame, make sure your face is fully visible and well-lit, and look directly at the camera. Do not wear sunglasses or a hat that covers your face.

What Happens After You Submit Your ID

Airbnb's automated system checks your ID photo against your account information. It verifies that the name and date of birth on the ID match what you entered in your Airbnb profile. If everything matches and the photo is clear, you will see a confirmation message within a few minutes to a few hours saying your identity is verified.

If the system cannot read your ID clearly or detects a mismatch, it will flag your submission for manual review. A person at Airbnb's verification team will look at your photo and account details. This manual review usually takes up to 24 hours. You will receive an email telling you whether you passed or what needs to be corrected.

Fixing a Mismatch Between Your ID and Account Name

The most common reason verification fails is that your name on the ID does not exactly match the name in your Airbnb account. If you see this error, go back to your account settings and update your profile name to match your ID exactly — include middle names, hyphens, or accents if they appear on your ID. Then return to the identity verification page and resubmit your ID photo.

If your legal name has changed since your ID was issued, you have two options. You can update your Airbnb account name to match the ID you are submitting, or you can obtain a newer ID that reflects your current legal name. Airbnb will not accept an ID that does not match your account name, even if you explain the discrepancy.

If your date of birth in your Airbnb account does not match your ID, update it in your account settings before resubmitting. Airbnb requires an exact match between these two pieces of information.

What to Do If Verification Is Rejected

If your verification is rejected after manual review, Airbnb will send you an email explaining why. Common reasons include a photo that is too blurry to read, a name mismatch that you did not correct, or an ID that is expired. Read the rejection message carefully to understand what went wrong.

If the photo was unclear, take a new one following the guidelines above — better lighting and a steadier angle usually solve this. If the name or date of birth did not match, update your account information and resubmit. If your ID is expired, you will need to obtain a new ID or use a different form of ID if you have one.

You can resubmit your verification as many times as you need. There is no limit on attempts, and each resubmission goes through the same process. Wait for a response to your previous submission before resubmitting again — submitting multiple times in quick succession may delay the process.

ID Verification for Hosts Versus Guests

Airbnb requires all hosts to verify their identity before they can list a property. Guests are also asked to verify, though some guests can book without it if they have a strong account history. If you are a host, verification is mandatory and must be completed before your listing goes live.

The verification process is the same for hosts and guests — you submit the same government ID through the same system. Hosts may be asked to verify additional information, such as their address or tax ID, depending on where they live and local regulations. These additional steps happen after identity verification is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I verify my ID using a passport from a different country?

Yes. Airbnb accepts passports, driver's licenses, and national ID cards from any country. The document must be valid (not expired) and must have your photo, name, and date of birth clearly visible. The name and date of birth must match your Airbnb account exactly.

What if my ID is expired?

Airbnb will not accept an expired ID. You will need to obtain a new or renewed ID from your government agency, or use a different form of valid ID if you have one. An expired passport or driver's license cannot be used for verification.

How long does ID verification usually take?

Most verifications complete within a few minutes to a few hours. If your submission is flagged for manual review — usually because the photo is unclear or information does not match — it can take up to 24 hours. You will receive an email when the process is complete.

Do I have to verify my ID every time I book or host?

No. Once your identity is verified on your Airbnb account, it stays verified. You do not need to reverify unless Airbnb asks you to, which is rare. If you change your name or date of birth in your account, you may be asked to verify again.

What happens to my ID photo after verification?

Airbnb does not store your ID photo. The third-party verification service checks the photo and returns only a pass or fail result to Airbnb. The photo itself is deleted after verification is complete.