How to Add Your Driver's License to Your Airbnb Account

Why Airbnb asks for your driver's license

Airbnb requires a government-issued photo ID — usually a driver's license — to verify you are who you say you are. This happens whether you are booking a stay or hosting a property. The platform uses this information to build trust between guests and hosts, and to meet legal requirements in different countries and regions.

You do not need to upload your ID all at once. Airbnb may ask for it the first time you book, or it may ask later. Some hosts also request ID verification before they accept your reservation. The sooner you add it to your account, the fewer delays you will face when booking.

Key Takeaways

You can add your driver's license through the Airbnb app or website by going to your account settings and selecting the ID verification section.
Airbnb accepts driver's licenses from most countries, along with passports and national ID cards, but the document must be current and clearly show your face and full name.
The upload process takes a few minutes, and Airbnb usually reviews your ID within 24 hours, though it can take longer during busy periods.
If your ID is rejected, Airbnb will tell you why — usually because the photo is blurry, the document is expired, or the name does not match your account.

Steps to add your driver's license on the Airbnb website

Log into your Airbnb account and click on your profile icon in the top right corner. Select "Account" from the menu that appears. On the left side of the page, you will see a list of options; click on "Personal info" or "ID verification" depending on your account type.

Click the button that says "Add ID" or "Verify identity." You will be asked to choose the type of document you are uploading — select "Driver's License." The next screen will ask you to take or upload a photo of the front of your license. Use good lighting, make sure the entire document is visible, and avoid glare or shadows. Then upload a photo of the back of your license using the same process.

Review the information Airbnb has pulled from your license — name, date of birth, and expiration date. Make sure it matches what is in your Airbnb account. If your name on the license does not match your account name, you will need to update your account name first or contact Airbnb support. Once you confirm the details are correct, submit your ID for review.

Steps to add your driver's license on the Airbnb app

Open the Airbnb app and tap the profile icon at the bottom right of the screen. Tap "Account" and then scroll down to find "Personal info" or "ID verification." Tap "Add ID" or the option to verify your identity.

Select "Driver's License" as your document type. The app will ask you to take a photo of the front and back of your license using your phone's camera. Make sure the lighting is clear, the entire document fits in the frame, and you can see your face and all text clearly. After you take both photos, the app will extract your information automatically.

Check that your name, date of birth, and license expiration date are correct. If anything looks wrong, you can edit it before submitting. Tap "Submit" to send your ID for review. Airbnb will notify you by email once your ID has been reviewed.

What documents Airbnb will and will not accept

Airbnb accepts a driver's license, passport, or national ID card from most countries. The document must be current — not expired — and must clearly show your full name and a photo of your face. The photo must be recent enough that it still looks like you; if you have changed your appearance significantly, Airbnb may ask you to resubmit.

Airbnb will not accept expired IDs, documents that are too blurry to read, or documents where your name does not match your account name exactly. Some countries' documents are harder for Airbnb's system to read; if your ID is rejected, you can try uploading it again or contact Airbnb support for help.

How long verification takes and what happens next

Airbnb usually reviews your ID within 24 hours. During peak travel seasons or if Airbnb is processing a high volume of submissions, it can take up to a week. You will receive an email once your ID has been reviewed, whether it was approved or rejected.

If your ID is approved, you will see a checkmark next to "ID verified" in your account settings. You can now book stays without being asked for ID again, though some hosts may still request additional verification. If your ID is rejected, the email will explain why — for example, "document is blurry" or "name does not match account." You can then resubmit a clearer photo or fix the issue and try again.

What to do if your ID is rejected

Read the rejection reason carefully. The most common reasons are: the photo is too blurry or dark, the document is expired, the name on the ID does not match your Airbnb account name, or the document is not a type Airbnb accepts. If the problem is a blurry photo, take new photos in better lighting and resubmit. If the problem is an expired document, you will need to renew your driver's license first.

If your name does not match, you have two options: update your Airbnb account name to match your ID exactly, or contact Airbnb support to explain the discrepancy. If you have recently changed your name legally, you may need to provide a marriage certificate or court order along with your new ID. Contact Airbnb support through the Help Center if you are unsure how to proceed.

Privacy and security: what Airbnb does with your ID

Airbnb stores your ID information securely and does not share it with other guests or hosts. The platform uses it only to verify your identity and to meet legal requirements in your country or region. Airbnb does not display your full ID number or expiration date to anyone else on the platform.

You can remove your ID from your account at any time by going to your account settings and selecting "Remove ID." However, if you remove it, you may not be able to book or host until you add a new one. Airbnb may also ask you to re-verify your identity if you have not used your account for a long time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport instead of a driver's license?

Yes. Airbnb accepts passports and national ID cards in addition to driver's licenses. The document must be current and show your full name and a clear photo of your face. Upload it the same way you would a driver's license.

What if my name on my driver's license does not match my Airbnb account name?

You will need to update your Airbnb account name to match your ID exactly before you resubmit. Go to "Personal info" in your account settings and change your name. If you have a legal reason for the mismatch (such as a recent name change), contact Airbnb support with documentation.

Do I have to add my driver's license right away, or can I do it later?

You can add it later, but Airbnb may ask for it before you complete a booking or before a host accepts your reservation. Adding it to your account now will save you time and prevent delays when you are ready to book.

What happens if I upload a photo of someone else's driver's license?

Airbnb's system is designed to detect mismatches between the photo on the ID and the photo on your account. If you upload a fake or someone else's ID, your account will be suspended or permanently banned. Only upload your own valid ID.

Can I delete my ID from Airbnb after it has been verified?

Yes, you can remove your ID from your account settings at any time. However, Airbnb may ask you to re-verify before you can book or host again. Removing your ID does not delete the information Airbnb already has on file.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.