What ID do I need to present at hotel check-in?
In short
- Hotels typically accept any government-issued photo ID at check-in - passport, national ID card, or driver's license.
- For international travel, hotels almost always require a passport that matches the name on your trip1 booking.
- The ID name must match the guest name on your booking, so book under the exact name on the document you'll bring.
What counts as valid ID at hotel check-in
Hotels need to confirm that the person checking in is the person on the booking. They do this with a government-issued photo ID. The most common accepted documents are:
- Passport - accepted at every hotel worldwide, required for international stays.
- National ID card - accepted at hotels in your home country and across the EU.
- Driver's license - widely accepted for domestic stays, often refused for international stays.
- Residence permit - accepted in the country that issued it, alongside a passport for visitors.
The document must be valid (not expired), include your photo, and show your full legal name. School IDs, work badges, and library cards aren't accepted anywhere.
When a passport is required vs. when other ID is fine
A passport is required when you're staying in a country other than your own. Many hotels are legally obliged to log your passport number for foreign guests, and they cannot do this with a driver's license.
A non-passport ID is usually fine when you're staying in your home country. Boutique hotels and large chains alike accept a national ID card or driver's license for domestic guests.
Important: If you're not sure what your hotel accepts, check the hotel's policy on your trip1 confirmation email or this guide on traveling with a national ID before you leave.
Why the name on your ID must match your booking
The guest name on the hotel reservation is the only link the property has between the booking and the person standing at the front desk. If the names don't match, the hotel may refuse check-in - even if your payment is settled.
When you book on trip1, enter the full legal name exactly as it appears on the ID you plan to present. Skip nicknames, initials, and shortened versions. If your passport says "Jonathan", don't book as "Jon".
If you notice a mismatch after paying, contact trip1 support immediately. We can usually update the guest name with the property at no cost if you reach out in time.
Related articles
Hotel check-in ID requirements - FAQ
Most hotels accept a driver's license for domestic stays, but international hotels usually require a passport. Always check the hotel's policy on your trip1 booking page if you plan to use a driver's license abroad.
The hotel can refuse check-in if the names don't match. If you spot the mismatch before arrival, contact trip1 support to update the guest name on your booking.
Almost no hotel accepts a digital ID or a photo of a passport for check-in. Bring the physical document - most local laws require the original to verify identity.
Children usually don't need ID for domestic stays, but they do need a passport for international travel. Bring birth certificates if you're crossing borders with kids.
Not for trip1 bookings paid with crypto. Because the hotel is already paid via CoinGate, the front desk only verifies your ID, not your payment method.
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Our support team is ready to assist you with any questions.