What Airbnb needs to verify your identity

Airbnb requires identity verification to confirm you are who you say you are before you can book a stay or list a property. The platform uses this information to reduce fraud and keep both guests and hosts safer. When you verify, Airbnb will ask for a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, national ID card, or similar document — and may ask you to take a selfie so they can match your face to the ID photo.

The verification process happens in your account settings and usually takes a few minutes to complete. Airbnb's system checks your information against their fraud detection tools. Most verifications go through within hours, though some take up to a few days if Airbnb needs to review your documents manually.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a government-issued photo ID and may need to take a selfie to match your face to the ID.
  • Verification usually completes within hours, but manual reviews can take a few days.
  • You cannot book a stay or list a property until your identity is verified.
  • Airbnb will not share your ID with hosts or guests — they use it only for verification and fraud prevention.
  • If verification fails, Airbnb will tell you why and may let you resubmit documents or contact support.

Where to start the verification process

Open the Airbnb app or website and go to your account menu. Select "Account" or "Profile," then look for "Identity verification" or "Verification" in the settings. On the web, this is usually under Account > Settings > Identity verification. On the app, tap the profile icon at the bottom right, then tap your name, then scroll to find the verification section.

Airbnb will walk you through the steps: upload a photo of your ID, take a selfie, and confirm your personal details match what Airbnb has on file. Make sure the ID is current (not expired) and that your face is clearly visible in both the ID photo and your selfie. Poor lighting or blurry images are the most common reason verification gets rejected.

What documents Airbnb will accept

Airbnb accepts most government-issued photo IDs from any country. This includes a driver's license, passport, national ID card, or travel document. The ID must be current — an expired ID will be rejected. The name on your ID must match the name on your Airbnb account.

If your ID is in a language other than English, Airbnb may ask you to provide a translation or may process it anyway if the document is clear enough. Passport photos are often easier to verify because they follow a standard format. If you do not have a current photo ID, you will need to obtain one before you can verify your account.

Taking a selfie that passes verification

Airbnb will ask you to take a live photo of yourself so they can match your face to your ID photo. Use natural lighting — sit near a window or go outside if possible. Avoid shadows across your face, and do not wear sunglasses or a hat. Your face should take up most of the frame, and your eyes should be open and looking directly at the camera.

If you wear glasses in your ID photo, wear them in your selfie too. If you have facial hair in your ID photo, keep it for the selfie. Airbnb's system is looking for consistency between the two images. Take the photo on a device with a good camera — a smartphone is fine, but make sure the image is sharp and not blurry. If your first attempt is rejected, you can retake the photo and resubmit.

What happens if verification fails

If Airbnb rejects your documents, they will send you a message explaining why. Common reasons include a blurry photo, a face that does not match between the ID and selfie, an expired ID, or a name mismatch. Airbnb will usually let you resubmit new documents right away.

If you resubmit and are rejected again, contact Airbnb support through the Help Center. Go to Help > Contact Us and describe the issue. Support can sometimes manually review your documents or advise you on what to fix. If your ID is expired, you will need to renew it with your government before you can verify. If your name has changed, update your Airbnb account name first, then resubmit your ID.

How Airbnb protects your ID information

Airbnb does not share your ID with hosts, guests, or third parties. They store your ID information separately from your public profile. Your hosts will see your first name and a profile photo, but not your government ID or the details on it. Guests booking your property will see the same limited information.

Airbnb uses your ID only for verification and fraud prevention. They may use automated systems to check your information against databases of known fraud patterns, but they do not sell your ID data or use it for marketing. If you are concerned about privacy, you can review Airbnb's privacy policy in your account settings or on their website.

Verification requirements for hosts and guests

Both hosts and guests must verify their identity, but the timing differs. Guests usually verify when they first try to book a stay. Hosts must verify before they can list a property. Some hosts are asked to verify again if they have not hosted in a long time or if Airbnb detects unusual account activity.

If you are a host, verification is required before your first listing goes live. If you are a guest, you cannot complete a booking without verification. If you have already verified once, you do not usually need to verify again unless Airbnb asks you to — for example, if you change your legal name or if there is a security concern with your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does identity verification take?

Most verifications complete within a few hours. Airbnb's automated system checks your documents and compares your selfie to your ID photo. If everything matches, you will be verified the same day. Some verifications take up to a few days if a person at Airbnb needs to review your documents manually.

Can I book a stay before my identity is verified?

No. You must complete identity verification before you can book any stay on Airbnb. The same applies to hosts — you cannot list a property until your identity is verified. Start the verification process as soon as you create your account so there is no delay when you are ready to book or list.

What if my ID is expired?

Airbnb will reject an expired ID. You will need to renew your ID with your government agency before you can verify your account. Once you have a current ID, resubmit it through the same verification page. The process is the same as the first time.

Do I need to verify my identity again if I change my name?

If you legally change your name, update your Airbnb account name first in your account settings. Then go to the identity verification section and resubmit your new ID that shows your updated name. Airbnb will verify the new documents and update your account.

What if my selfie does not match my ID photo?

This is common if your appearance has changed significantly — for example, if you have gained or lost weight, grown facial hair, or changed your hairstyle. Retake your selfie in similar lighting and with a similar expression to your ID photo. If you still have trouble, contact Airbnb support and explain the change. They may be able to manually review and approve your documents.