"Identity Verified" vs "Government ID" verified

[Kacey7]

I had an inquiry from a potential guest with a brand new account and zero info except for their first name. I encouraged the completion of their profile, including ID Verification, and to get back with me.

They wrote back quickly after making some updates. There now appeared the "Identity verified" badge on their profile, as well as Confirmed: Identity, Email address, and Phone number. However, they informed me they were not sure where to upload an ID.

It appears Airbnb now hands out the "Identity verified" badge after a guest submits a government ID, OR by simply submitting their legal name and address.

No longer does Airbnb display the "Government ID" verification. Here's what it used to look like:

I'm not sure what produced this change at Airbnb, but my guess is it was a means of removing barriers to entry for guests.

Here's the rub. According to this page, https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1237/verifying-your-identity

"Hosts may ask their guests to provide a government ID in order to book their place..."

So, hosts who only want to accept guests with a government ID can still ask, but we no longer have any way of confirming the guest actually provided it?

[Lenore22]

Wow. That's really hidden, isn't it?

[Helen427]

And of course their are Hosts that are Guest and Guests that are Hosts 🙂