Hosts required to provide ID

[Sue1483]

I’m curious to know how hosts feel about having to provide personal ID after they’ve been hosting for a number of years with nothing but good reviews.  With all the scammers around, I am very concerned that someone has hacked into the Airbnb data base and sent emails to hosts requiring this ID be provided.  I am super Leary about giving out my drivers license info or passport info.  I’ve communicated with Airbnb customer service on line and they keep telling me it’s legitimate but they will not answer my question.  I’ve asked many times, how can me providing personal information ensure the ID I provide is actually me?  They cannot contact Ministry of Transportation or Customs and Immigration to ask them to verify the information I provide because it would be a breach of confidentiality.  So why are they asking for this informationmation?  How can anyone be sure this site hasn’t been hacked and they’re planning to steal ID’s?

[David5641]

@Sue1483 all is being asked to submit their photo ID. If guests are required, so should the host. If hosts wants to make sure that their guests are verified, guests too wants to ensure their hosts are verified. Why  would I want to stay with a host who doesn't want to be verified.

[Sue1483]

I have been hosting for a number of years with excellent reviews so why would what I initially supplied to Airbnb not continue to be sufficient?  If they want to make this a new requirement, it should be a requirement for new hosts/guests.  They are not just asking for a photo, they want me to submit a copy of a personal ID.  I’m not comfortable providing that after having hosted for years.

[Sharon493]

Hi Sue, I am in a similar situation although in my case I am unable to download my passport ID to an acceptable definition and have had every attempt rejected by Airbnb. I have hosted since 2016 and have been a Superhost for the past 9 quarters. They have my address, phone numbers, bank details and tax codes yet apparently this is still not sufficient to verify I am who I say I am. I was threatened with being de-listed by 5 December but so far I am still here. Sebastien at Customer Support has been very persistent but has not managed to solve the problem yet. TBH at this point in time l couldn't care less, especially as I have no prospective clients this winter, and will block future dates until I feel more accommodating.

[Sue1483]

Hi Sharon

Thanks for your feedback.  I have read many posts with your same problem....how ridiculous that they did not test the software program before having hundreds of hosts experience the same frustrations.  I will at some point have no choice but to submit some ID but I am not going to do so until I know the problem has been resolved.  Like you, I don’t host during the winter so I’ll sit tight until they resolve their issues.  I also agree they have enough of my personal info to know I am who I say I am.  My take on this is if you e been a host in good standing, we should not have to deal with this nonsense.  If they want to make this a stipulation for new hosts, so be it....it will be their choice to join or not join Airbnb.  If this nonsense persists, I too will look for another company that connects hosts and guests.  I have contact info for all of my repeat guests so not difficult to notify them that I’ve switched.

[Danielle476]

I've been ID Verified for years.  I truly don't see an issue with it - I require it of my guests, it would be hypocritical for me to put myself above that same standard.  While I wouldn't want to share my passport, I uploaded my driver's license.  The provincial government has it, my banks have it, my car dealership has it, hotels have it...it's not like AirBNB is the only place someone could realistically 'hack' into and steal your information.  If it can provide a safer platform for both guests and hosts alike, I don't have a problem with it.