Photo ID

[Lex13632]

Per Airbnb rules does guest provides a valid ID upon check in

[Elisa]

Hi @Lex13632  😊, 

Thank you so much for asking this question here, it’s a really interesting one!

I’m tagging experienced hosts who will know best what advice to give you on this topic: @Marie8425, @Lorina14, @Karen4131, @Guy991 and @Frances3408. 

Thank you in advance, everyone!

Warm regards, 🌻

[Marie8425]

@Elisa @Lex13632 

When this issue came up for me Airbnb CS and I worked out the following details.  Airbnb to generate a Airbnb Guest Profile validates a legal ID.

A Guest is not required to show the Host any Legal ID unless the Host discloses it must be shown in their listing.

My listing I states "All Guests must be named on the reservation,  All Guests are required to provide the Legal ID that reflects name on reservation upon check in "

[Marie8425]

@Lex13632 

Two things to note in your listing, you are requesting a copy of someone's Legal ID.  In the U.S. there are specific Federal Laws in regards to having a Legal ID picture.  You may want to review that information because telling them to submit to you on Airbnb's Platform is already in violation of Federal Laws Protecting people.

[Lex13632]

But I was told it has to be listed on my description to provide legal ID which must be on the reservation before check in 

[Marie8425]

@Lex13632 There is a difference between just viewing someone's Legal ID and requiring you actually have control of their Legal ID by requesting an electronic copy.  Federal Law says if some business like Airbnb requires a copy of my legal Id.  The Business has to be able to prove upon request that security from hackers stealing my legal ID is provided, files are stored Encrypted, files are stored here and deletion process is this, if we do get hacked or some criminal activity that may cause the person an issue this is my process to timely notify customers, i may offer credit monitoring services and this is my process to correct breach.  asking someone for a Legal id is something to be respected.

[Joan2709]

@Lex13632 

Airbnb says some Hosts may require a copy of a guest's legal ID for compliance or legal purposes. In some countries, it is required by law to obtain that. Some even require a copy of the guest passport.

That said, you say in Other Details on your listing that your HOA requires you to have a copy of the guest's ID? If so, some guests may question that and you may need to provide a copy of the CC&Rs that mention that requirement and Airbnb says they have the right to request you provide proof that is a requirement of your HOA. Airbnb says the ID requirement must be on the listing PRIOR to booking:

Airbnb Privacy Policies

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/2799

I suggest you put the ID requirement in your Additional House rules and also mention that requirement again to guests even after they book. As @Marie8425 mentions, be very careful how you handle any copies of a person's ID to ensure you are in compliance with any applicable privacy laws. 

Booking Requirements - ID

https://www.airbnb.com/help/search?q=requesting%20guest%20ID