July 30, 2025, 8:51 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Excitement for the vacation, but suddenly the landlord wants a copy of your ID? What many don’t know: This reveals highly sensitive information that can have serious consequences if misused. We explain how to safely verify your identity during the booking process while protecting your data.
More and more vacation rentals require proof of identity before arrival—especially on platforms like Airbnb, where online verification is mandatory. While showing an ID or passport at check-in is common, handing over a copy or photo should be carefully considered. According to a report by TECHBOOK, travelers often disclose more than necessary.
Cyberattacks on hotel chains, car rental companies, and booking portals are on the rise. Fraudsters often steal ID data to create false identities. In some countries, just a copy of an ID document is enough to open an account—ideal for money laundering and other crimes. The person whose data is misused bears the consequences in the worst case.
Properly Obscuring an ID Copy for Vacation
If you must send a copy of your ID despite security concerns, it should be edited. Certain data can and should be blacked out to prevent misuse. The Consumer Center of Lower Saxony advises: “Sensitive and unnecessary data can be blacked out. This includes the ID number, place of birth, and date of birth, as these are usually not needed. Eye color, height, nationality, and address can also be blacked out.”
Additionally, the access number (CAN), issuing authority, birth name, signature, and security thread should be obscured—unless explicitly required.
What Can Be Stored
Platforms like Airbnb require an official ID document for verification, but claim to delete it after the check. In Germany, only certain institutions, such as banks or insurance companies, are allowed to store ID copies permanently.
The Federal Ministry of the Interior also clarifies: “ID data not needed for identification can and should be blacked out by the ID holder on the copy. This applies especially to the access number printed on the ID and the document number, unless legal regulations require this information, such as the Money Laundering Act.”
If an unusually large amount of personal data is requested, one should be suspicious.
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Blacking Out on Airbnb Allowed–but with Limitations
Airbnb’s website states for identity verification: “Government-issued IDs, such as passports or driver’s licenses, are official documents containing standardized information like the official name, date of birth, and a photo, which we use to confirm your identity.” For German IDs, the platform explicitly recommends blacking out serial and access numbers.
However, the Consumer Center of Lower Saxony sees a problem: “If you black out other data, the platform does not accept it. Your identity verification fails, and there is a risk of cancellation of booked or reserved accommodations.” Information like place of birth, signature, or physical characteristics is usually not required.
Don’t Forget to Black Out and Add Watermarks to your ID Copy
ID copies can be easily edited on a smartphone or PC. Using image editing programs—such as Paint on Windows or Preview on Mac—users can black out sensitive areas. Equally important: a visible watermark on the copy. This should include information like the purpose of use, date, and recipient of the copy.
Only by combining blacking out and watermarks is the copy clearly marked as such—and it offers the best possible protection against data misuse.