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As Li Zhi said, showing an ID is for the protection of the hotel. Hotels are in a very risky business, that is, letting complete strangers stay in their rooms. Any said stranger could easily steal things, or destroy things.

As for why some hotels copy them: that's so they have proof who was in the room, should any legal need arise. When I worked at a hotel, we always had to look at the ID to take down basic information such as name and address. But, for cash paying customers, we also had to get a copy of their ID. The reason we only did it for cash paying customer was because if they stole or destroyed something, we couldn't just charge them after they left. Whereas, with a credit-card, we could bill after the customer checks out.

As for whether or not it's common practice: depends on the hotel. Most hotels are franchise locations. That's why you will find a lot of differences between how things are managed from hotel to hotel, even if they're the same brand. It's up to the franchise owner to determine policies for things like copying IDs. Because of that, saying things like, "When I stayed at [Hotel] in [Other City], they didn't do [X]" is pointless, because it's a different owner.

I will also re-affirm as others have stated that a passport also works, if you're from out of the country. If you hand them a US passport, they most likely will not take it, as that just seems really sketchy (like you're planning something, and thus don't want to give them your full information).

Touching on the identity theft part, it's all basic or useless information that is kept. For the one I worked at, we kept:

• Name


• Address


• Birthdate


• Issue Date


• ID Number


• Gender

Also, making fake IDs is very difficult, there are several layers of security built in to the ID itself that help to prevent fake copies. I will say that if you're worried about the paper copy (some states issue a paper version before the card version), then it is illegal to copy the ID at its original size. They should blow it up if they copy it.

So, in summary: yes, it's common, but it's also hotel dependent. It may also depend on how you pay whether or not they will take a photocopy of your ID.

I have never been allowed to check into a hotel in the US without showing ID. I assume they record it. There is nothing on a driver's license that wouldn't be available from public records easily except the driver's license number itself, which is useless from an identity-theft point of view.

You can use other forms of ID if you prefer, but the hotel typically wants a recorded proof of who you are (with many rooms being prepaid, this is understandable); and sometimes it's even legally required.

As mentioned, there is nothing on a Driver's License that would not be public information and legally available to anyone, if someone cares to dig for it.

Showing ID is to protect the Hotel/Motel from theft (or perhaps other criminal activity). I have been asked for ID, and very, very rarely has the ID been copied. A passport should do the same job, and that's not an identity theft issue, is it? I don't see the identity theft issue with a driver's license, but perhaps it's widely used in your country. If you're paying by check, then getting ID'd is very common, expect it. And if your bill is going to be many hundreds of dollars, then they're more likely to copy an ID for their files.( Almost all require a credit card (or substantial cash deposit), whether you're paying by check or not. ) I believe you're more likely to be subject to greater scrutiny if you don't have a reservation, are young, or don't have a car. You should call the chains since I don't know if ANY of them have one single policy - I'd guess it depends on the LOCAL manager's experience (and paranoia) as well as the local frequency of problems (for instance a motel in a college town or near a military base). You should ask when you call their 800 number (toll free).

I have checked into every major chain in the US and abroad and never been asked to copy any ID. So, no, this is not policy at the major chains. Independent hoteliers may be different.

I would consider that a very suspicious request and immediately refuse. If it is a major chain, I would call their membership line an report it too.

However, there are legitimate reasons to ask to verity id such as:

• Verify they are giving the room to the right person


• Verify you qualify for certain discounts based on age, residency or other


• Verify you are over 21 in case the room is equipped with a mini-bar

I had to show my ID card at the Bowery Grand Hotel in New York, but they did not copy it.

At the Hotel Antonio in LA, I don't remember whether I had to show my ID. I think I only presented my debit card. They definitely did not make any copies.

In Chicago the hotel (don't remember the name) also required my ID, but did not copy it.

I assume requesting and possibly copying identity documents of guests is to facilitate investigations in case the guest does something they're not supposed to do.

Many lower tier hotels insist on photocopying the driver's license. This is especially true if they have many customers they might suspect of theft, etc. They photocopy everybody's driver's licence. If one can get hold of a social security number in addition to information available on a driver license then he will have just about everything for identity theft.

Hotels that want to photocopy your driver's license are usually lower quality ones that may have customers that are financially not reliable.

For example, I have never been asked to hand over my license for photocopying at Hampton Inn. But sometimes in Ramada. Days Inn, etc. have asked to photocopy the drivers license. They always have an excuse and explanation why they want to photocopy. But I think mostly they are paranoid that someone would turn out to be a criminal and may cause a problem.

Hampton Inn at Cortez will photocopy drivers license and credit card when you check in and offers no reason as to why they do it. They will do that even if your on official federal government business and present a federal ID.