Verify ID now required for all travelers?

Ramona11 · ‎17-09-2016

Has anyone else run up against a requirement to use Verify ID no matter who you are booking with? For security reasons I do not with to keep my ocs on file and link my airbnb profile with my fb page. So I have not been able to book with any hosts now, and the hosts are not the ones imposing the requirement. as a Super Host myself, I think this is going to really hurt my business. Anyone know anything? Thanks!

Alberto569 · ‎28-10-2018

Exactly! and I unable to cancel my reservation now, less then 24 hours after booking, unless I upload the ID. If they are so concerned for host's safety, why wasn't I forced to do the ID upload before I could even book?

Barbara519 · ‎01-06-2017

If that was their real motivation, Helen, they would protect your information instead of selling it to a "partner" with no privacy real protection.

Jo138 · ‎28-04-2017

Yes, I'm now trying to book via airbnb and find it incredibly interesting that they take your payment then they declare that ID is required, and I don't have a scanner or a camera to do these things. Also, NOTE - the payment is taken immediately and then the ID requirement is relayed.. and then I'm stuck.. so now I have paid, unable to close the action, and have to wait till my payment is credited back to my credit card (I'm waiting to see if extra charges are also involved in that).

I, however, would be happy to show my Driver's License and Passport when I get there. Last time I checked airbnb was not a Government agency of any kind.

Terri53 · ‎16-07-2017

I agree, I am happy to show my ID to my host when I arrive so that they have information they may need for any issues, just like I do when I stay at a hotel. I am not willing to post my ID online and have my identity sold or stolen so that I can reserve a room.

Zenna0 · ‎10-01-2018

What happened with this?

Were you charged extra or did you get the refund back in full?

Currently a sitting duck right now. They’ve taken $500 out and then requested my gov ID.

Violeta23 · ‎06-05-2017

Yes, it is absurd and I could not book because I couldn't upload my driver's license. Didn't know how, and it didn't work the way they said it would. Finally found one that had no such requirement. Airbnb used to be such a pleasant site, but no longer.

Margaret206 · ‎01-09-2017

I too was going to use my driver's license as my wife is awaiting our travel in our city of departure where she has our passports and is not tech savvy enough to upload to photo required (even if she wanted to I would advise against it). Additionally, I let her know that we should look for a different host's room if the host of the room we are attempting to reserve cannot accommodate our needs as if I failed the verification process as the photo which is uploaded does not pass our existing reservations can possibly be cancelled. If abb, doesn't address this quickly, someone will come to the market and fulfill this consumer need.

Sarah668 · ‎10-06-2017

Hi, I've been an air bnb user for a long time now. Just started at looking at booking for our next holiday and was shocked to be asked to give them a photo of my government ID and they compare it with a photo you take to verify you. My husband and I have built up a great reputation with air bnb as being reliable, clean and honest people who look after our hosts homes. I do not think this new ID requirement is a good idea. It makes me feel vulnerable and worried it could open me up to ID stealing and fraud, etc. I think it could be a disaster to air bnb's reputation and has made me question whether I want to use them anymore. I hope they change their mind with regard to how they want to verify someone.

David1178 · ‎15-06-2017

Air bnb sucks! Even the best hotels don't make me hand over my drivers licence info or my passport! How do u know what's going to happen to it, they already admit your info may be sent to other countries. What's to prevent some disgruntled employee selling my info or even them getting their site hacked? It's not like it happen like everywhere else. Even the cops tell u don't hand out ur personal info..EVER!!!

It ain't worth it folks..spend a few extra bucks and stay in a decent hotel! I for one will be deleting my account shortly

Bronwyn21 · ‎13-10-2017

yes I totally agree with you.

I have enjoyed using AIRBNB previously but feel it is not worth the risk.

I spoke to hosts I have stayed with and they are unaware of this new requirement.

I will spend a couple of extra dollars now and stay in hotels.

such a shame this has happened.

Cheryl196 · ‎30-01-2018

Every single hotel will ask you to hand over your drivers license or passport at check in. Most will make a copy. It's a government requirement in the majority of locations.

Razvan2 · ‎17-06-2017

This is beyond absurd!

I want to book a property, the host already accepted my request but I cannot finish the booking because I have not uploaded pictures of my ID (front and back). Airbnb has my name, address, credit card info, phone and email, how they want my ID? How about my SSN, bank accounts and passwords?

I will not upload my ID, I don't want to find it on the Internet sold to the highest bidder.

Barbara519 · ‎17-06-2017

But don't you see? This is all about money! airbnb "partnered" with another company that gets all of this info. We've looked into this other company's privacy policy and it is about nil, so forget about protecting your info. I suggest everyone who think this stinks protest widely on social media and get the word out.

Catherine482 · ‎20-06-2017

I was going to use airbnb for the first time today and was shocked to find I had to upload a government issued ID in order to book. I contacted the host and she told me that she does not require this, but I could not get past the page asking for that. I have been a victim of identity theft and have worked for the Federal Government and had my personal information compromised. There is no way I am going to voluntarily put myself in a position where even more of my information can be hacked. I have successfully used VRBO/Home Away many times and will stay with them.

Catherine

Margaret206 · ‎01-09-2017

Maybe the host does not know that he/she has set a preference on there room which is synonymous with id verification. I wouldn't be surprised if that was the case.