This information page can help you, whether you are a host or co-host, get started in learning about some of the laws and registration requirements that may apply to your experiences on Airbnb.
Please understand that this information page is general, not comprehensive, and is not legal advice. These pages are intended to give you an idea of the types of rules that may apply to your experiences and to help you understand some of the things to consider in relation to your experience.
Different countries, states, and cities have different licensing requirements and rules and it is your responsibility as a host or co-host to make sure you comply with local laws and regulations. These pages are not intended to be an explanation of the specific rules that apply in your jurisdiction, or your particular situation, nor are these pages a substitute for seeking legal advice. If you're unsure about how local laws or this information may apply to you or your experiences, we encourage you to check with official sources or seek legal advice.
Please note that we don’t update this information in real time, so you should confirm that the laws or procedures have not changed recently.*
In many jurisdictions around the world, you will need active, valid insurance, and registration for any vehicle (including both ground transportation vehicles and watercraft) used as part of an experience, regardless of whether you are charging guests for the ride. For ground transportation, the driver will need to hold a valid driver’s license appropriate for the class of vehicle being used. Similarly, providing water transportation may require the operator and crew to have certifications that are appropriate for the vessel being used and the type of service it is providing.
Many jurisdictions also require that you obtain special licenses or permits, including authorizations to operate a motor carrier service, in addition to a valid driver’s license and regardless of whether you charge a fee for the ride. We encourage you to speak to a lawyer to see if your experience may be subject to license or permit requirements.
Keep in mind that in order to transport large groups of people, operate certain kinds of vehicles, serve certain cities, operate water transportation in certain bodies of water, or to use advertising or insignia on your vehicle, you may also need additional licenses or permits, such as a commercial driver’s license with certain required endorsements. It is a good idea to check with your local department of transportation, public utilities, airports, police, and motor vehicles and your lawyer about additional requirements that may apply.
If you want to charge guests for the ride, you may need to get additional licenses or permits for yourself or your drivers, the vehicle(s) being used, or your business. The licenses or permits you need may depend on the type of transportation service you provide, including the vehicles you use (for example, cars, vans, motorcycles, buses, boats, etc.) and the specific places you serve. We encourage you to consult with local authorities and a lawyer for more information.
Many jurisdictions regulate offering transportation for the specific purpose of guided sightseeing tours or otherwise consider transportation for tours to be for-hire transportation. Typically, operating watercraft for hire, including power-propelled boats, charter boats, tour or excursion boats, fishing vessels, and white water rafts requires registration and can require the driver to hold a special license. Regulation may be based on passenger capacity or geography.
Transporting guests may subject hosts to related safety requirements that are often specific to the type of transportation. Ground transportation vehicles are usually subject to the general rules of the road. Operating commercial vehicles in some areas may also require you to take additional safety-related measures like completion of special training courses and maintenance of equipment like fire extinguishers or first aid kits in the vehicle. In addition, operating watercraft may involve additional water-related safety obligations regarding items such as personal flotation.
If you intend to include tour-related transportation as part of your experience, we encourage you to contact your local government or a lawyer to determine what rules apply to you and confirm your experience complies with all relevant requirements in your jurisdiction.
Usually, although many jurisdictions regulate this transaction. It is particularly common to see regulations relating to the leasing or renting of watercraft such as kayaks, paddle boats, canoes, and sailboats.
We also encourage you to consider the safety of your guests, whether they need any special licenses to operate the transportation you will rent to them, and whether there are any other activities in your experience, for example consumption of alcohol, that may be incompatible with leasing or renting means of transportation.
A safe experience involving transportation is one where the vehicle or watercraft is operated in a responsible manner and is roadsafe, including having all required seatbelts, helmets, flotation devices, or other safety equipment as relevant. It is also important to consider the compatibility of the activities in your experience with transportation.
If your experience will involve combining transportation with another activity (for example, providing a guided tour of a city using your car), please take a look at our other information sections such as Tour guiding and travel-related experiences. Consult a lawyer to determine if any special licenses or other rules may apply to your activity.
If you are unsure about anything relating to your experience, we encourage you to check with your local transportation authority directly, or speak to a lawyer, to discuss your experience and confirm your experience complies with local laws including safety, tax, and insurance requirements.
*Please note that Airbnb has no control over the conduct of hosts and co-hosts and disclaims all liability. Failure of hosts or co-hosts to satisfy their responsibilities may result in suspension of activity or removal from the Airbnb website.
Airbnb is not responsible for the reliability or correctness of the information contained in any links to third party sites (including any links to legislation and regulations).