Superhog

Is It Normal For an Airbnb Host to Ask for ID?

We are all taught to share minimum personal information online to avoid fraud and scams. That’s why an Airbnb host asking for a driver’s license or ID may cause suspicion. Is it normal for an Airbnb host to ask for ID? Why does Airbnb need my ID, after all?

Providing some personal data for verification is normal, but you must do it carefully. Find guidelines on sharing an ID and safety rules in our post.

Does Airbnb require a photo ID?

Before discussing host inquiries for IDs, let’s recap Airbnb ID verification. The platform does ask both guests and hosts to verify their identity. That’s the standard procedure for any app with online payments to minimize fraud and protect users.

To complete the identity verification process, you will need to provide:  

Therefore, Airbnb asking for a driver’s license or any other kind of ID is a normal step of Airbnb guest screening. Just make sure to upload it straight through the platform.

Can an Airbnb host ask for ID individually? 

What if you have already verified yourself at Airbnb, but a host is still asking to send an ID and doesn’t accept your booking without it? Is it normal for an Airbnb host to ask for ID in such cases?

Yes.

The thing is, hosts cannot see your government ID details when you book. However, Airbnb allows hosts to ask for a government ID for legal or compliance reasons after booking. They just need to mention it beforehand. So if a host directly states that guests must provide a government ID and specifies why in their listing description, they have all the rights to do it.

Some regions require hosts to register short-term rentals and collect guest details for reporting. These are legal requirements hosts can do nothing about and must follow. When you share your ID in such cases, it’s all about meeting the law.

Why do Airbnb hosts check ID

Short-term rentals are a relatively high-risk business. As a property owner, you let strangers live in your house, and you never know if they are good people. Renters may severely damage property and leave without notice, do unlawful chargebacks, throw parties, and misbehave in many other ways. When a host at Airbnb is asking for ID, it protects them against such mishaps.

Here are the main reasons why do Airbnb hosts check ID:

Read also how old do you have to be to rent an Airbnb?

Superhog is a safe way to share personal details

Superhog is an all-in-one platform for guest verification and damage protection for hosts. It provides an API that integrates with Airbnb, Vrbo, and other booking platforms for secure ID checks. It’s an add-on a host may ask guests to use for a smooth verification process. You only need to fill out basic personal information using a unique verification link and upload a government ID card or passport photo and a real-time selfie.

Superhog doesn’t share or sell any personal information and follows strict data protection measures as described in our Privacy Policy

Safety considerations

Even though giving Airbnb and connected platforms like Superhog your ID is safe, you should always be alert when sharing personal data. These are the main rules to follow online:

Vrbo ID verification and other platforms

Airbnb is not the only platform asking for guests and hosts’ IDs. Verification is a basic procedure used across all online travel platforms, including Vrbo. Does Vrbo ask for a photo ID? Yes. A Vrbo host asking for a driver’s license has the same reasons and rights to request personal details as a host at Airbnb. Vrbo does background checks and takes other steps to fight Vrbo scams, and must verify guest identity for it. 

Conclusion

So, is it normal for an Airbnb host to ask for ID? Yes. ID verification is essential to make online bookings safe and avoid fraud. Guests must share their personal information during registration and may be additionally asked to verify their identities by hosts. Such extra verification by hosts is usually required for guest screening or legal and compliance reasons.

There is nothing wrong about sending your ID to a host as long as you do it for the right reasons. Good hosts are always ready to explain why they need some information from you. Feel free to ask.

Want the latest STR insights at your fingertips? Sign up now!

Exit mobile version