What Airbnb ID Verification Requires

Airbnb requires you to verify your identity before you can book a stay or list a property. The platform uses a third-party verification service to confirm that the name, photo, and date of birth on your account match a government-issued ID. You will need to upload a photo of your ID — a driver's license, passport, national ID card, or similar document — and take a selfie that the system compares to your ID photo.

The verification process is automatic and usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. Airbnb's system checks whether your ID is valid, whether it matches your account details, and whether your face matches the photo on the ID. If the system flags your submission, a human reviewer will look at it within 24 to 48 hours.

You cannot complete a booking or create a listing without passing ID verification. Hosts also cannot accept guests who have not verified their identity. This is a platform-wide requirement, not optional.

Key Takeaways

  • You must upload a clear photo of a government-issued ID and a selfie taken at the time of verification.
  • The system compares your ID photo to your selfie and checks that the name and date of birth match your account.
  • Verification usually completes within minutes, but manual review can take up to 48 hours if the system cannot confirm a match.
  • If your ID is expired, blurry, or does not match your account name, your verification will be rejected and you can resubmit.
  • You cannot book or host until your ID is verified, so complete this step before you need to travel or accept guests.

Step-by-Step: How to Upload Your ID

Open the Airbnb app or website and go to your account settings. Click on "Identity verification" or "Verify your identity" — the exact wording depends on whether you are on mobile or desktop. You will see a prompt to upload a photo of your ID.

Take a clear, well-lit photo of the front of your ID. The entire document must be visible in the frame, including all four corners. The text and photo on the ID must be readable. Do not use a screenshot or a photo taken at an angle. If your ID has a back side with important information (some passports and national IDs do), upload that as well.

Next, the system will ask you to take a selfie. Use your device's camera and make sure your face is clearly visible, well-lit, and centered in the frame. You cannot wear sunglasses or a hat that covers your face. Take the photo in the same session — do not upload a selfie from a previous date.

After you submit both photos, the system processes them when ready. You will see a message saying verification is in progress. Check your email for updates; Airbnb will send you a confirmation when verification is complete or if it needs more information.

What Happens If Verification Fails

If the system cannot match your ID photo to your selfie, or if it detects that your ID is expired or invalid, your verification will be rejected. You will receive an email explaining why. Common reasons include a blurry photo, poor lighting, a face that does not match the ID photo, or an ID that has expired.

You can resubmit when ready. Take a new photo of your ID and a new selfie, making sure both are clear and well-lit. If you are resubmitting because your ID was blurry, pay extra attention to focus and lighting. If the issue is that your face does not match the photo on your ID (for example, you have grown a beard or changed your hair significantly since the ID was issued), the system may still reject you. In that case, contact Airbnb support through the app or website and explain the situation.

If you have tried multiple times and keep being rejected, Airbnb may ask you to verify by video call instead. A support agent will conduct a brief video verification where they ask you to show your ID and confirm your identity in real time. This option is available if the photo-based system cannot confirm your identity.

Which IDs Airbnb Accepts

Airbnb accepts government-issued photo IDs from most countries. This includes driver's licenses, passports, national ID cards, and travel documents. The ID must be valid — not expired — and must show your full name, date of birth, and a clear photo of your face.

Some documents are not accepted. Student IDs, work IDs, library cards, and other non-government IDs will not work. If your country does not issue driver's licenses or national ID cards, a passport is your best option. If you do not have a passport, contact Airbnb support to ask whether your country's ID document is accepted.

Your ID name must match the name on your Airbnb account exactly. If your account name is "James Robert Smith" but your ID says "James R. Smith" or "Jim Smith," verification may fail. Before you upload your ID, check that your Airbnb account name matches your ID name precisely. You can edit your account name in your profile settings if needed.

How Long Verification Takes

Most verifications complete within minutes. The automated system checks your ID and selfie in real time and gives you a result when ready. If the system is confident that your ID is valid and your face matches, you will see a confirmation message and your account will be verified right away.

If the system is uncertain, your submission goes to a human reviewer. This can take up to 48 hours. You will receive an email when the review is complete. During this time, you cannot book or host, so plan ahead if you have a trip coming up.

In rare cases, if Airbnb suspects fraud or has other concerns, the review may take longer or require additional steps. You will be notified by email if this happens. Airbnb will tell you what additional information or documents they need.

Keeping Your Verification Current

Once your ID is verified, your verification status remains active as long as your account is in good standing. You do not need to reverify every time you book or host. However, if your ID expires, Airbnb may ask you to verify again with a new ID before you can book or host again.

If you change your name legally, you will need to update your account name and reverify with a new ID that shows your new name. Go to your account settings, update your name, and then resubmit your ID verification with your new ID.

If you have not used Airbnb for a long time and your account is inactive, Airbnb may require you to reverify before you can book or host again. This is a security measure to prevent fraud. The process is the same as the initial verification.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Your photo is too blurry or dark: Make sure you are in a well-lit space, preferably near a window or under a bright lamp. Hold your ID steady and take multiple photos. Use the clearest one. For your selfie, face the light source so your face is evenly lit, not shadowed.

Your ID is partially cut off in the photo: Retake the photo so that all four corners of your ID are visible in the frame. Step back slightly if you are too close. Make sure the entire document fits in the photo.

Your name on your account does not match your ID: Edit your account name in your profile settings to match your ID exactly. Then resubmit your verification. Do not try to verify with an ID that does not match your account name.

You are wearing glasses or a hat in your selfie: Remove them and take a new selfie. Airbnb needs to see your full face clearly. Sunglasses, regular glasses, and hats that cover your face or hair can cause the system to reject your photo.

You submitted your ID but have not heard back in 48 hours: Check your email, including your spam folder, for a message from Airbnb. If you have not received anything, log into your Airbnb account and check the status of your verification in your account settings. If it still shows as pending, contact Airbnb support through the app or website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I verify my ID on the Airbnb website instead of the app?

Yes. The verification process works the same way on both the website and the app. You can start on one device and finish on another, though you may need to retake your photos if you switch devices. Most people find it easier to use the app because the camera interface is simpler.

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

Contact Airbnb support and explain your situation. In some countries, Airbnb may accept alternative documents. If you truly cannot obtain a government ID, Airbnb may offer a video verification option where an agent confirms your identity over a video call.

Is my ID information stored securely?

Airbnb uses a third-party verification company to process your ID. Your ID photo is not stored on Airbnb's servers after verification is complete. The company deletes your ID information once the verification is done. Airbnb keeps a record that you are verified, but not a copy of your ID itself.

Can someone else verify their ID on my account?

No. The ID you upload must belong to you, and the selfie must be your face. Airbnb's system is designed to prevent account sharing and fraud. If you try to verify with someone else's ID, the system will reject it because the face will not match.

Do I need to reverify if I book multiple stays?

No. Once your ID is verified, you remain verified for all future bookings and stays. You only need to reverify if your ID expires, your name changes, or Airbnb asks you to for security reasons.