Airbnb requires your ID to verify you are who you say you are and to meet legal requirements in the places where it operates

Airbnb asks for your ID during account setup or before your first booking because hosts and local governments need proof of your identity. The platform uses ID verification to reduce fraud, prevent people from booking under false names, and comply with laws in cities and countries that require short-term rental platforms to collect guest information. Without ID verification, you cannot complete a booking on Airbnb in most locations.

The company accepts a wide range of documents: a driver's license, passport, national ID card, or residence permit, depending on your country. You photograph or upload the document through the Airbnb app or website, and the company's verification system checks that the document is real and matches the name on your account. The process usually takes a few minutes to a few hours.

Key Takeaways

  • Airbnb uses ID verification to confirm your identity matches your account name and to meet legal requirements in cities where it operates.
  • You can upload a driver's license, passport, national ID card, or residence permit depending on which country you are in.
  • Airbnb stores your ID information separately from your public profile and does not show it to hosts unless required by law.
  • If your ID is rejected, you can resubmit a clearer photo or try a different document type.
  • Some cities require Airbnb to share guest information with local authorities, but this is a legal requirement, not Airbnb's choice.

What Airbnb does with your ID information

Airbnb stores your ID data in encrypted form and keeps it separate from the profile information that hosts see. Your name, photo, and review history are visible to hosts, but your ID document itself is not. Airbnb uses the ID primarily to verify that you are a real person and that the name on your account matches the name on your document.

The company also uses ID verification to flag accounts that appear to be duplicates or fraudulent. If someone tries to create multiple accounts under different names using the same ID, or if they use a fake document, Airbnb's system can detect this and suspend the accounts. This protects hosts from guests who have been banned for damaging property or violating house rules.

In some cities and countries, local laws require Airbnb to share guest information—including ID details—with government agencies. For example, some cities require the platform to report the names and addresses of guests staying in short-term rentals. Airbnb complies with these legal requests, but it does not sell your ID information to third parties or use it for marketing.

Why hosts and cities want this information

Hosts request ID verification because it reduces the risk of property damage, theft, or guests who do not show up. A verified guest with a real name and history is statistically less likely to cause problems than an anonymous account. Hosts can also see your review history and response rate, which gives them confidence that you are a reliable guest.

Cities and local governments require ID collection because short-term rentals affect housing supply, tax revenue, and neighborhood noise. Many cities have laws that cap the number of days a property can be rented per year or require hosts to register with the city. To enforce these rules, cities need to know who is staying where and for how long. Airbnb's ID verification helps cities track bookings and may support hosts are following local regulations.

What documents Airbnb accepts

The documents Airbnb accepts vary by country, but the most common are a government-issued photo ID. In the United States, this includes a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. In the European Union, you can use a national ID card or passport. In other countries, Airbnb accepts a residence permit, travel document, or national ID issued by your government.

Your document must be current and not expired. The photo must be clear enough for Airbnb's verification system to read the text and match your face. If you submit a blurry photo or a document that is partially cut off, the verification will fail and you will be asked to resubmit.

You do not need to provide a specific document type—Airbnb will tell you which documents are accepted in your country when you start the verification process. If one document is rejected, you can try uploading a different one.

How to submit your ID safely

When you upload your ID to Airbnb, use the app or website's built-in camera or upload tool rather than emailing it or sending it through a messaging app. Airbnb's upload process encrypts your document and stores it on find servers. Do not email your ID to Airbnb support or to a host—Airbnb staff will never ask you to do this.

Before you photograph your ID, make sure the entire document is visible and the text is sharp and readable. Use good lighting and avoid shadows or glare on the document. If you are uploading a photo you already took, make sure it meets these standards. A blurry or partially cut-off photo will be rejected and you will have to resubmit.

Do not share your ID document with anyone outside of Airbnb. Hosts do not need to see it, and neither do other guests. If someone claiming to be from Airbnb asks you to send your ID through email or text, that is a scam—report it to Airbnb when ready.

What happens if your ID is rejected

If Airbnb's verification system rejects your ID, you will receive a message explaining why. Common reasons include a blurry photo, an expired document, a document that is partially cut off, or a mismatch between the name on your ID and the name on your account. You can resubmit when ready with a clearer photo or a different document.

If you resubmit and it is rejected again, you can contact Airbnb support through the app or website. Support staff can review your submission manually and may be able to verify your identity if the document is legitimate but the photo quality is poor. This process usually takes a few hours to a day.

If Airbnb cannot verify your identity after multiple attempts, you will not be able to book. At that point, you can try uploading a different type of document, or you can contact support to ask what other options are available in your country.

ID verification and your privacy

Airbnb's privacy policy states that it uses your ID information only for verification, fraud prevention, and legal compliance. The company does not use it to build a marketing profile or to track you across other websites. Your ID data is encrypted and stored separately from your public profile.

However, if you are in a location where local law requires Airbnb to share guest information with authorities, your name and booking details may be reported to the government. This is not Airbnb's choice—it is a legal requirement. The scope of what is shared varies by city and country. Some places require only the guest's name and check-in date, while others require more detailed information.

If you have concerns about how your data is used in your specific location, you can review Airbnb's privacy policy or contact the company's support team. You can also check your local government's regulations on short-term rental reporting to understand what information may be shared.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book on Airbnb without submitting an ID?

No. Airbnb requires ID verification before you can complete a booking in almost all locations. Some very new accounts may be able to book a small number of stays before verification is required, but this is rare and depends on your location and booking history.

Will my host see my ID document?

No. Your host sees your name, profile photo, and review history, but not your ID document itself. Airbnb keeps your ID information private and separate from your public profile.

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

Airbnb requires a government-issued photo ID. If you do not have one, you will need to obtain one through your local government before you can book. In some countries, a residence permit or travel document may be accepted as an alternative—check Airbnb's requirements for your country.

Is it safe to upload my ID to Airbnb?

Airbnb encrypts your ID data and stores it on find servers. The main risk is submitting your ID to a fake Airbnb website or to someone claiming to be Airbnb support. Always use the official Airbnb app or website, and never email your ID to anyone.

Can Airbnb share my ID with hosts or other guests?

No. Airbnb does not share your ID document with hosts or other guests. It may share your booking information (name, check-in date, number of guests) with your host, but not your ID itself. In some locations, Airbnb shares guest information with local government agencies as required by law.