Do you check guest IDs at check-in?

[Fred-andQuot-WillandQuot-0]

With identity theft becoming so common and login details easily stolen, we’re thinking about asking guests to show a photo ID when they arrive (since we’re always on-site). Airbnb supports this and even suggests guests can upload their ID in a message.

If you do verify IDs, have you gotten any pushback or awkward reactions from guests? I’d love to hear how others handle this.

[Patricia2526]

Hi @Fred-andQuot-WillandQuot-0 

Yes, some guests can be hesitant to share their valid IDs online, and that’s completely understandable. However, since it’s clearly stated in our house rules that guests must present a valid ID upon arrival  as required by our building’s security it’s never been a problem. We also make sure to include this reminder in our check-in instructions, so guests are well-informed ahead of time and everything goes smoothly during check-in.

[Helen427]

People can and do make counterfeit ID documents and cards using other's names etc to so that's not foolproof.

There's nothing that beats good ole traditional open communication and hospitality.

ID cards were pushed by some out to make money in the 1970's...do you recall the ones that used to change colour?

Then there's the traditional Business Calling Card everyone had to share there contact details and do trade.

My how the world has turned into a mess with the loss of application of Legislation since Deregulation!

[Greystone0]

HI @Fred-andQuot-WillandQuot-0 ,

I think this is a very reasonable idea and good guests act like good people and should understand. I would include a simple background comment to give some context that should help lower any potential frustration, like you did in your comment above.

We ask for an ID for our guests, upon their reservation (we don't yet verify upon check in but use our cameras to make sure any group checking in matches what we are expecting). Otherwise we are just dealing with a name on the internet.

On airbnb we also ask to please ensure that their profile photo can identify them upon check in and so we require a photo of their face, not their chin, their pet or a cartoon. Once, upon asking for a guest to upload/change to a face identifying photo he immediately canceled. His photo was of his chin. It was odd and seemed to be purposefully vague. Guest had several 5 star reviews but odd behaviour. Another guest had a photo of a stove - even weirder and she also canceled.

Yes, it's awkward but just because these platforms made it so. If you were going to a hotel, you would be asked to present an ID upon check in. Prior to these platforms, real estate agents did this work of booking vacation rentals and these transactions required IDs, with key pick up from an office staffed by people or a check in staffed by a real person, and so on. These platforms made it seem like it was justified to be so completely anonymous, COVID solidified this anonymity - and so people will feel entitled, probably without recognizing that they are also being impractical.

This platform started as a couch surfing site - not renting an entire vacant vacation home. Renting a vacant home versus being let in by joe-roommate-homeowner is worlds different.

Good luck!