Are you an Airbnb host or user who has not yet verified your account? If that's you - get that ID out and get verified.
Why? We hear you say! We explain all in this blog…
One word - safety.
Airbnb can ask guests and hosts for proof of ID to ensure they are who you say you are. This protects its properties and the safety of all involved in the process. From a guest’s point of view, it’s reassuring to know there’s a real person behind the property, and the place they’re booking isn’t a scam. Hosts can also make it mandatory that guests have a verified government ID registered to Airbnb to book and stay at their accommodation.
As we’ve just said, you don’t have to be verified to book through Airbnb, as it is a decision made by the host; some hosts will require you to have a verified profile to book with them, and some will not. Airbnb may ask you to provide ID to check your identity or ensure you’re at least 18 years of age due to its Terms of Service.
Open your Airbnb app and go to Account Settings & Personal info & Government ID. Choose one of three options: uploading an existing photo, uploading a photo with your webcam, or taking a photo with the Airbnb mobile app.
Then choose whether you want to verify using a passport, driving license, identity card, or visa. You will then need to use either the app or a webcam to take a photo of yourself, so the Airbnb team can check you match the document you’ve provided (we hope you do!). And finally, just wait for the Airbnb team to check it!
The process can take up to 24 hours but usually takes just a few hours. We tested it by making a brand-new profile, which was approved within 7 minutes! You will receive an email when verification is complete, or you can check the verification status in your account settings.
Airbnb can verify your identity by adding your legal name and home address to your account. If this matches the address you pay your bills, Airbnb can use its secure third-party databases to confirm your identity.
We get it. Your data must be kept secure no matter where you travel. Here’s what Airbnb shares with its hosts:
- Your first name and profile name
- Your profile photo
- Whether you’re over or under 25
- Whether your ID has been successfully added or your identity has been confirmed
Your photo ID is protected under Airbnb’s privacy policy. Hosts that require verified IDs must also verify their IDs, which offers reassurance both ways! Your profile will show as verified, but the picture of your ID is not shared with anyone else who uses Airbnb. It will only be seen by Airbnb’s staff when they verify it.
Airbnb urges its users not to rely on this process alone as a guarantee of safety and suggests guests and hosts use their best judgment and read its safety tips to ensure a secure and pleasant experience.