Stuck in Verify Photo ID

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HoaiAnh0
Level 1
Beppu, Japan

Stuck in Verify Photo ID

So this is my first time using Airbnb, when I press the Request to book button, Airbnb asked me to verify my ID (using passport, visa, ec.) The problem is the system keep insisting that my government ID photo and the photo (selfie) I just took myself doesn't match.

 

Customer Support didn't help much but tell me to try links to links but the result doesn't change. I've tried with my passport photo is both scanned or taken by phone, my selfie is well-lit. I'm a foreigner living abroad and, I just want to book a room and I don't want my first time experience here become something full of hatred. Would appreciate any suggestion!

 

Thanks in advanced.

Top Answer

@HoaiAnh0 - the picture you are using now on your profile is of someone in a tan, hooded jacket, with the hood up, petting a cat.  You cannot see any part of their face or body.  It is not a profile picture that Airbnb can verify.  The picture needs to be of your face - something they can match to your passport as they use an automated service - which may be why you are getting a validation error.  Many hosts will ask for a picture in which they can recognize you when you arrive at their door.  The picture of person with cat could, quite literally, be anyone.  Personally we would require a picture where we can identify you by sight.  It's the only way we can be assured that we let you in and not a stranger.  

 

Additionally, the link for verifying is to help you get fully verified by Airbnb - which is looks like you have completed.  

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136 Replies 136
Debra292
Level 1
Quinton, United Kingdom

Tried about 20 times not trying anymore booked a travelodge instead flaming stupid

Just4
Level 1
Amstelveen, Netherlands

Also went through same issues many people here described: uploading scans via web or taking photos in mobile app for several id-documents several times. None working...On verge giving up...but:

 

What resolved it for me finally: was making a high resolution scan (800 DPI) on a scanner, gives a huge image about 1.1MB as JPEG for creditcard-size ID, and upload via web. Verification then worked immediately. Appearantly the AirBnB  automatic verification OCR software is quite stringent in checking.

Zhirong0
Level 1
Singapore

I've been a recent victim of this ridiculous ID verification process, for which I've tried uploading photos of different kinds of IDs for more than 20 times, but each time I only get the reply "It’s difficult to see your ID in the photo you added. To help us make sure it’s you, we’ll need a photo that clearly shows all of the information on your ID so we can confirm that it’s valid."

 

I really don't know what is going wrong, and the issue still remains unsolved. To make it worse, I cancelled the original booking to find another one (As a first-time user I naively thought that another booking may be confirmed without providing ID in the first place), then I found an absurd increase of 30% in the price of my original booking! Is this the way Airbnb squeezes its customer??

Tamara375
Level 2
Steger, IL

THIS WORKS!!!

 

 


@Bálint4 wrote:

Hi All,

 

I've also faced this issue and I solved it by scanning the ID card using TinyScanner app and uploading the black and white version JPG through browser, after a while the system responded that verification was successful. Hope it works for you as well.

Problem is, I have no idea what your talking about, how it works or how to do any of what you said. Downloaded the app, took picture of passport picture, it looks like black powder on a white background, completly unclear. please explain what to do in laymans terms. Thanks

Guilherme161
Level 2
Minas Gerais, BR

Same problem here. I can't verify my id. 

I am going round and round in this matter- i neither have a photo drivers licence or a passport.

Neither does my wife.  Despite working for Health service and armed service we have no acceptable ID.

we are losing bookings!

I have been trying for a month now- where can i go to speak to a human being and explain???


@Chris1942 wrote:

I am going round and round in this matter- i neither have a photo drivers licence or a passport.

Neither does my wife.  Despite working for Health service and armed service we have no acceptable ID.

we are losing bookings!

I have been trying for a month now- where can i go to speak to a human being and explain???


Have you ever been verified Chris? I don't think you can get verified without some sort of government issued picture ID. Can you get someone who has picture ID to open an Airbnb account for you? Or if you already have started an account do as I explained above in response to Alice and Jeff. Use a trustworthy friend's ID and merge your name and their name into the account to get verified. If you have a Facebook account and the details match up with the Airbnb account then sign up using the Facebook account

Cathy583
Level 1
Barcelona, Spain

I'm so glad that it's not just me!  I have been trying to verify my ID about 20 times.  I have been in contact with support numerous times and they could not help me.  I can't delete my government ID and use another one as the system won't let me until 90 days after my last booking.  So I just have to wait.  I'm trying to set up Airbnb experience and I just have to wait. 

 

Helen427
Level 10
Auckland, New Zealand

@Cathy583 

Can you access your Dashboard or account?

I'm unable to until I verify my photo again, and or change ID alas I'm at a loss why we are been asked for ID again when we already have been verified.

 

I can't afford 90 days without any bookings and have been unable to answer any enquiries or messages, including writing of reviews.

 

It's dehumanizing

Dennis401
Level 1
Ottawa, Canada

Same problem. Reservation cancelled because photo I sent, taken by an experienced photographer at my  camera club using controlled lighting, wasn't accepted. Seems like they want the one on my driver's licence taken when I was younger, that made me look like a mobster.

Emily1054
Level 1
St Petersburg, FL

I am also stuck in AirBnB ID Verification hell. I have wasted HOURS on this the past two days and their "support" is no help whatsoever. I just wanted to post to say that AirBnB has STILL not fixed this issue with their software after YEARS of complaints from the customers and hosts. Completely unacceptable. Somebody else, please, put AirBnB out of business and give us an alternative. A complete garbage company to let a problem such as this persist for years without providing their support team with viable solutions to suggest.

@Emily1054have you managed to access your account again?
You may like to read through other recent posts on this, as should others.

 

@Fraser22 

@Laura_C 

 

Here's another topic on Photo ID issues..

Vince1173
Level 2
Vancouver, Canada

A customer support rep just closed my case without fixing this issue. **bleep** it, too much stress why bother...