Airbnb does not require a driver's license to book a stay or list a property

You can create an Airbnb account and book a reservation using a passport, national ID card, or other government-issued photo ID. A driver's license is one accepted form of ID, but it is not the only one Airbnb will take. The same applies to hosting — you do not need a driver's license to list a property on the platform.

That said, Airbnb does require some form of government-issued photo identification to verify your identity before you can complete certain actions. The platform uses ID verification to reduce fraud and meet legal requirements in different countries. What ID you use depends on what you have available and what your country recognizes as valid.

Key Takeaways

  • Airbnb accepts passports, national ID cards, and driver's licenses as valid forms of government-issued photo ID for account verification.
  • You must verify your identity before you can book a stay, but the ID does not have to be a driver's license.
  • Hosts must also verify their identity before listing a property, using any accepted government-issued photo ID.
  • If you do not have a driver's license, you can use a passport or national ID card instead to complete Airbnb verification.

What ID Airbnb accepts for guests

When you book a stay on Airbnb, the platform asks you to verify your identity before your reservation is confirmed. Airbnb accepts the following forms of government-issued photo ID:

  • Passport
  • National ID card
  • Driver's license
  • State ID card
  • Visa or travel permit (in some countries)

The ID you submit must be current and not expired. Airbnb uses automated systems to read and verify the information on your ID, so the photo and text need to be clear and legible. If your ID is damaged, blurry, or partially obscured, Airbnb may ask you to resubmit.

The verification process is usually quick — most guests complete it in a few minutes. Airbnb does not store a copy of your full ID document in a way you can see later, but the platform keeps a record that you have been verified.

What ID Airbnb requires from hosts

If you want to list a property on Airbnb, you must also verify your identity before you can accept bookings. Hosts go through the same ID verification process as guests, and the same forms of government-issued photo ID are accepted.

Airbnb may also ask hosts for additional information depending on where the property is located. Some cities and countries require hosts to provide a tax ID number, business license, or proof of residency. These requirements vary by location and are separate from the photo ID verification.

Why Airbnb requires ID verification

Airbnb uses ID verification to confirm that you are who you say you are and to reduce fraud on the platform. When both guests and hosts are verified, it creates accountability — if something goes wrong during a stay, Airbnb and the other party know they are dealing with a real person, not a fake account.

ID verification also helps Airbnb comply with laws in different countries. Many jurisdictions require short-term rental platforms to collect and verify guest and host information for tax purposes, safety, and anti-money-laundering regulations. By verifying ID upfront, Airbnb meets these legal obligations.

What happens if you do not have a driver's license

If you do not have a driver's license, use your passport or national ID card instead. Both are widely accepted by Airbnb and work just as well for verification purposes. If you have a state ID card (issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles but not for driving), that also works.

If you do not have any government-issued photo ID, you will need to obtain one before you can book or host on Airbnb. The process for getting a passport or national ID varies by country, but both are standard forms of identification that Airbnb recognizes globally.

What to do if ID verification fails

If Airbnb rejects your ID, the most common reasons are that the photo is blurry, the document is expired, or the information does not match what you entered in your account. Airbnb will usually tell you which issue caused the rejection and ask you to resubmit.

Make sure the photo of your ID is well-lit, in focus, and shows the entire document. The text must be readable, and your face must be clearly visible. If you are resubmitting, take a new photo rather than uploading the same one again. If you continue to have trouble, you can contact Airbnb support through the app or website to ask for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an Airbnb without verifying my ID?

No. Airbnb requires all guests to verify their identity before a reservation is confirmed. You cannot complete a booking without submitting a government-issued photo ID. However, you can use a passport or national ID card if you do not have a driver's license.

Does Airbnb keep a copy of my driver's license?

Airbnb does not store a copy of your full ID document that you can access later. The platform uses automated systems to read and verify the information, then keeps a record that you have been verified. Your ID information is encrypted and stored according to Airbnb's privacy policy.

Can I use an expired ID to verify my Airbnb account?

No. Airbnb requires a current, non-expired government-issued photo ID. If your driver's license, passport, or national ID has expired, you will need to renew it before you can verify your account. Airbnb's automated system checks the expiration date as part of the verification process.

What if I lost my ID and cannot verify my Airbnb account?

You will need to obtain a replacement ID before you can verify your account. Contact your local government office or DMV to explore for a replacement driver's license, passport, or national ID card. Once you have the new ID, you can submit it to Airbnb for verification.

Do I need a driver's license to host on Airbnb?

No. Hosts can use a passport, national ID card, or state ID card to verify their identity. A driver's license is one option, but Airbnb accepts other forms of government-issued photo ID. Depending on where your property is located, you may also need to provide additional documents like a tax ID or proof of residency.