Why Airbnb asks for your driver's license

Airbnb asks hosts and guests to add a government-issued ID — usually a driver's license — to verify who you are. This is a safety step for both sides: hosts want to know who is staying in their home, and Airbnb uses the ID to check your identity against public records and fraud databases.

You do not have to add your license to browse listings or message hosts, but you will need it to complete a booking. If you are a host, adding your ID helps build trust with potential guests and can improve your listing's visibility.

The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes and happens entirely in the Airbnb app or website. Airbnb does not store a photo of your license itself — they verify the information and then delete the image.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid government-issued ID like a driver's license, passport, or national ID card to book or host on Airbnb.
  • The verification process happens in your account settings under "Identity" or "ID verification" and requires you to photograph both sides of your license.
  • Airbnb uses automated technology to read your license information, so the photo must be clear, well-lit, and show all four corners of the card.
  • Verification usually completes within 24 to 48 hours, though it can take longer if Airbnb needs to review your information manually.
  • If verification fails, Airbnb will tell you why and let you resubmit a new photo of your license.

Step-by-step: Adding your driver's license on the Airbnb app

Open the Airbnb app and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner (on iPhone) or top right (on Android). Tap "Account" or "Settings," then look for "Identity" or "ID verification." Tap that option to start.

Airbnb will ask you to choose which type of ID you want to use. Select "Driver's License" from the list. You can also use a passport, national ID card, or other government-issued photo ID if you prefer — the steps are the same.

Next, Airbnb will ask you to take a photo of the front of your license. Make sure the lighting is bright and even, hold the card flat, and frame the photo so all four corners of the license are visible. Avoid shadows and glare from your phone's flash. Tap the camera button to take the photo, then review it before you submit.

Repeat this step for the back of your license. Again, all four corners must be visible and the image must be clear enough to read the text. Once you submit both photos, Airbnb's system will read the information automatically.

Adding your driver's license on the Airbnb website

Log into your Airbnb account on a computer or mobile browser. Click your profile picture in the top right corner, then select "Account" from the dropdown menu. Look for "Identity" or "ID verification" in the left sidebar and click it.

Choose "Driver's License" as your ID type. Airbnb will give you the option to upload a photo file from your computer or to take a photo using your device's camera. If you upload a file, make sure it is a clear, recent photo of both sides of your license.

If you use your device's camera, follow the same rules as the app: good lighting, flat card, all four corners visible, no shadows or glare. Submit the front photo first, then the back. Airbnb will process both images and confirm when verification is complete.

What happens after you submit your photos

Airbnb's automated system reads the information from your license — your name, date of birth, license number, and expiration date — and checks it against your Airbnb account details. If everything matches, you will see a green checkmark and a message saying your identity is verified. This usually happens within a few hours.

If the system cannot read your photos clearly, you will get a message explaining what went wrong. Common reasons include poor lighting, blurry images, or corners of the card cut off. Airbnb will let you retake the photos and resubmit them at no cost.

In rare cases, Airbnb's system flags your information for manual review — for example, if your name on the license does not match your account name exactly, or if there is a mismatch with public records. A human reviewer will look at your photos and information, which can take 24 to 48 hours or longer. Airbnb will email you if this happens and may ask follow-up questions.

Common reasons verification fails and how to fix them

Blurry or dark photos: The most common reason verification fails is that the photo is too dark, blurry, or out of focus. Use natural light or a bright lamp, hold your phone steady, and wait for the camera to focus before you take the shot. Retake the photo and resubmit.

Corners of the license are cut off: Airbnb's system needs to see all four corners of your card to verify it. Frame your photo so there is a small border of space around the entire card. If you are using the app's camera, follow the guide frame that appears on your screen.

Name mismatch: If your name on your license does not match the name on your Airbnb account exactly — for example, you go by a nickname or your account has a typo — verification may fail. Update your Airbnb account name to match your license, then resubmit your photos.

Expired license: Airbnb will not accept an expired driver's license. If your license has expired, you will need to renew it through your state's DMV before you can verify your identity on Airbnb. Once you have a new license, upload photos of that instead.

License is too worn or damaged: If your license is faded, cracked, or the text is hard to read, Airbnb's system may not be able to read it. If this is the case, consider using a passport or national ID card instead, or contact Airbnb support to ask about other options.

What to do if Airbnb asks for additional information

Sometimes Airbnb's manual review team will email you asking for more information — for example, a photo of your face to match against your license photo, or a utility bill to confirm your address. This is normal and does not mean anything is wrong. Airbnb is just being extra careful.

Follow the instructions in the email and submit what they ask for. Make sure any additional documents are clear, recent, and show your full name and address. Airbnb will review the new information and email you when verification is complete.

If you do not hear back within a week, or if you think there is an error, contact Airbnb support through the app or website. Go to your account settings, scroll to the bottom, and look for "Help" or "Contact Us." Explain the situation and include your booking or account details so they can look into it.

Protecting your privacy when you share your license

Airbnb uses industry-standard encryption to protect the photos you upload, and they do not share your license information with other users. Hosts cannot see your full license number or expiration date — they only see your first name and that your identity has been verified.

Once Airbnb has verified your information, they delete the photos you uploaded. Your license information stays in their system to speed up future bookings, but the actual images are not stored.

If you are uncomfortable sharing your driver's license, you can use a passport or national ID card instead. The verification process is identical, and Airbnb treats all government-issued IDs the same way.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Airbnb accepts any valid government-issued photo ID, including a passport, national ID card, or state ID. The verification process is the same — you photograph both sides and submit them through your account settings. Choose whichever ID you are most comfortable sharing.

How long does verification take?

Most verifications complete within a few hours to 24 hours. If Airbnb's system needs to review your information manually — for example, because your name does not match exactly or there is a flag in their fraud database — it can take 24 to 48 hours or longer. You will receive an email when verification is complete.

What if my driver's license is expired?

Airbnb will not accept an expired license. You will need to renew your license through your state's DMV first. Once you have a new, valid license, you can upload photos of that to complete verification. If you need to book before your renewal arrives, use a passport or national ID card instead.

Can I change my ID after I have already verified?

Yes. Go to your account settings, find "Identity" or "ID verification," and look for an option to update or change your ID. You can upload a new ID at any time. Airbnb will re-verify the new information, which usually takes a few hours.

What happens if verification fails multiple times?

If you resubmit photos several times and verification keeps failing, contact Airbnb support. There may be an issue with how the system is reading your ID, or there may be a mismatch between your license and your account that needs to be resolved manually. Support can walk you through next steps or suggest using a different form of ID.