How does Vrbo verify guest identity?

Vrbo (formerly HomeAway) uses data such as a guest's email address, date of birth, and physical address to perform basic Vrbo background checks to increase the chance that booked guests are who they claim to be. ID checks are intended to give peace of mind to Vrbo hosts and attach a “paper trail” to the guest.



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When you book a stay or when you become a Host, we may need to verify your personal information, such as your legal name, address, phone number, and other contact details. We may also ask for a photo of your government ID and a selfie. Additionally, certain Experiences require you to verify your identity.

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You can rate your guests when they book your property paying through our sites. When a guest submits a booking request and they've been rated by previous owners, their rating will display within the conversation for the owner. On checkout day, a marketplace feed card will display in your account to review your guest.

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You must indicate the presence of all security cameras or other recording devices in or around a listing, even if they're not turned on or hooked up. Undisclosed security cameras or other recording devices are never permitted. You must also always disclose if an active recording is taking place.

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Bookings. If you're a guest booking a place to stay, you'll need to complete identity verification. If you're a guest booking an Experience, you may need to complete identity verification if your Host requires it. This step occurs during checkout and usually takes under a minute to upload your details.

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If we have at least an accurate first name, last name, and date of birth for a Host or guest, we'll perform a background check at the following times (only in the USA and India): Guests: 10 days before the check-in date of their reservation (or later in the case of bookings within 10 days of check-in)

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Vrbo doesn't systematically ask or require ID for guests, such as via photo documents. It does ask for verification of some data, such as your name and email address, and even your physical address.

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After you submit a booking request, the host has 24 hours to accept or decline. If they don't respond, we'll automatically decline the request for you.

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How strict is Vrbo? Vrbo isn't very strict in terms of enforcing ID verification checks for its guests. They don't complete background checks outside the personal information a guest provides. A host can request a government ID to stay at their vacation rental site but this is completely optional.

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Cases such as murder, terrorism, rape, or child molestation may result in permanent removal.

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Does Airbnb allow cameras? Yes, but only in common areas like living rooms and decks. The cameras must be out in the open, too, since hidden cameras aren't allowed.

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Multiple verifications like email and identity in your confirmed information section. At least 50 words about you, why you joined, or anything else you think others would like to know. A profile photo that shows your face so others can recognize you when you arrive as a guest, or host a stay or experience.

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Some hosts may require guests to provide a valid government-issued ID in order to book a property or experience. Airbnb may ask for additional verification to confirm that it is really you who is logging into the platform.

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What we don't allow. Physical intrusions: Hosts, guests, and those affiliated with them or working on their behalf must not access or attempt to access any private spaces without prior permission.

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Go slowly, since a glint from a lens can be pinpoint-small. Make sure to check items that could easily hide a camera, such as smoke detectors, alarm clocks, shower heads, outlets, and the like. Also look for glowing or blinking LEDs that might give away a recording device in operation.

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Before you book, a Host will only be shown your first name and identity verification status. Your full name and profile photo will be shared with the Host after your booking is confirmed.

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Although both VRBO and Airbnb take precautions to guarantee the protection of their visitors, Airbnb poses more potential dangers for guests simply because it allows visitors to remain in shared spaces.

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