Airbnb requires your ID to verify you are who you say you are and to meet legal requirements in the countries where it operates
Airbnb's ID verification system serves two purposes: it protects hosts from fraud and it satisfies laws that require short-term rental platforms to collect guest information. When you provide an ID, Airbnb checks it against your account details to confirm your identity matches your booking. This happens before you can complete a reservation on most listings.
The company uses a third-party verification service to scan and authenticate your ID rather than storing the document itself on Airbnb's servers. The verification happens in seconds, and once confirmed, Airbnb deletes the image of your ID from the verification service's system within a set timeframe—typically 30 days. Your identity information is stored in Airbnb's database, but the actual ID image is not kept long-term.
Key Takeaways
- Airbnb uses ID verification to confirm you are the person making the booking and to comply with local short-term rental laws.
- The ID image itself is deleted after verification is complete, usually within 30 days, though your verified identity information remains on file.
- You can use a passport, driver's license, national ID card, or other government-issued photo ID depending on your country.
- If your ID is rejected, you can resubmit a clearer photo or try a different form of ID; Airbnb's support team can help troubleshoot.
- Some listings require ID verification before you can book, while others ask for it only after you have reserved.
What types of ID Airbnb accepts
Airbnb accepts government-issued photo identification from most countries. A passport is the most widely accepted form. Driver's licenses, national ID cards, and residence permits also work in most regions. The ID must be current and not expired, and the photo must be clear enough for the verification system to read your name, date of birth, and ID number.
If you are traveling from outside your home country, you can use either your home country's ID or a local ID from where you are traveling. Airbnb's system is designed to work with IDs from over 190 countries, though the exact list of accepted documents varies slightly by region. If you are unsure whether your ID will work, you can contact Airbnb support before booking.
When Airbnb asks for ID and when it is optional
Most Airbnb listings now require ID verification before you can complete a booking. However, some hosts have chosen to allow bookings without ID verification, and those listings will show this in their house rules. Even if a listing does not require ID upfront, Airbnb may ask for it later—sometimes after you have already checked in—as part of its ongoing fraud prevention efforts.
New accounts are more likely to be asked for ID verification than established accounts with a history of successful bookings. If you have completed several stays without issues, some hosts may not require it. That said, the trend across the platform is toward making ID verification mandatory for all guests, so you should expect to provide it for most bookings.
How the ID verification process works
When you are asked to verify your ID, Airbnb directs you to take a photo of your ID using your phone or upload an existing image. The photo is sent to a third-party verification company that uses automated technology to read the document and extract your name, date of birth, ID number, and expiration date. The system compares this information to what you entered in your Airbnb account.
If the information matches, you are verified when ready and can proceed with your booking. If there is a mismatch—for example, your name on the ID does not match your account name—the system will reject the verification and ask you to resubmit. You can take another photo, correct your account information, or try a different form of ID. The entire process usually takes less than five minutes.
If you continue to have trouble, Airbnb's support team can review your submission manually. This takes longer but allows for human judgment if there are legitimate reasons for a mismatch, such as a recent legal name change or a nickname you use on your account.
What Airbnb does with your ID information
Airbnb stores your verified identity information—your name, date of birth, and ID type—in your account. This information is used to match you against watchlists and fraud databases, to prevent the same person from creating multiple accounts to circumvent bans, and to help hosts make decisions about whether to accept your booking. Your identity is also used if there is a dispute between you and a host, as it confirms you are a real person with a verifiable identity.
The actual image of your ID is not stored by Airbnb. The third-party verification service deletes it after confirming it is authentic. Airbnb does not share your ID information with hosts; hosts only see your first name, profile photo, and review history. Law enforcement can request your identity information through legal channels, but Airbnb does not voluntarily share it with third parties.
Why hosts care about ID verification
Hosts use ID verification as a basic fraud prevention tool. A verified guest is less likely to be someone using a fake name or a stolen account. Verification also creates accountability—if something goes wrong during a stay, the host knows they have the real identity of the person who booked. This reduces the risk of property damage, theft, or other issues that are harder to resolve when a guest's identity is unknown.
Some hosts set their own rules about ID verification and may decline bookings from guests who have not verified. Others use it as one factor among many when deciding whether to accept a reservation. Hosts cannot see the details of your ID, only whether you have been verified or not.
What to do if your ID is rejected
If your ID photo is rejected, the most common reason is that the image is blurry, poorly lit, or cut off. Make sure the entire ID is visible in the frame, that your face is clearly visible, and that all text is readable. Take the photo in good lighting and avoid shadows or glare on the ID surface. If you are using an older or worn ID, a clearer photo sometimes helps.
If the problem is a mismatch between your ID and your account information, check that your name, date of birth, and other details match exactly. If you have changed your name legally, you may need to update your Airbnb account first, then resubmit. If you have a nickname on your account that does not match your legal name, consider updating your account to use your legal name for verification purposes.
If you have tried multiple times and still cannot get verified, contact Airbnb support directly. Explain the issue and provide a clear photo of your ID. A support agent can review your submission manually and may be able to verify you even if the automated system could not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book without providing ID?
Most listings now require ID verification before booking. Some hosts allow bookings without it, but these are becoming less common. Even if a listing does not require ID upfront, Airbnb may ask for it after you have booked or checked in. To find listings that do not require ID, filter by host preferences in the search settings.
Does Airbnb keep my ID photo?
No. The third-party verification service deletes your ID photo after confirming it is authentic, usually within 30 days. Airbnb stores only the verified information extracted from your ID—your name, date of birth, and ID type—not the image itself.
Can hosts see my full ID information?
No. Hosts cannot see your ID details. They only see your first name, profile photo, and review history. They can see that you have been verified, but not the contents of your ID.
What if I do not have a government-issued ID?
Airbnb requires government-issued photo identification. If you do not have one, you will not be able to book on most listings. Some countries offer national ID cards or residence permits that work for Airbnb verification. Contact Airbnb support to discuss your specific situation.
Is my ID information safe with Airbnb?
Airbnb uses encryption and third-party verification services to protect your identity information. The company is subject to data protection laws in the countries where it operates. Your ID photo is deleted after verification, and your identity data is used only for fraud prevention and dispute resolution unless you consent to other uses.