Providing ID in Italy

Oh, yes it is. Almost all the places you may stay in in Europe will ask to see your passport, write down the number or make a copy of it themselves. This is quite normal.

Take a look at the other thread going, but it is a normal and required thing. Was in Italy mid-June and all of our accommodations, including the apartment rental in Rome, asked for a look at our passport (they then either jotted down the info or made a copy). Have fun!

Of course it is. They want to know who you are. Your passport is the only thing that proves who you are and that you are legally in the country. Lots of people will ask to see your passport.

It is very legit and means that your landlord is actually legally renting the apartment. There is a standard legal form that hotels and landlords are supposed to fill out for each renter and it requires a passport number. I actually feel better about renting when I get asked for this information because it usually means the landlord is doing things "by the book".

It's actually the law. The hotels report your presence to the local authorities. Years ago, you would give the hotel your passport when you checked in and they would return it in the morning. The reporting process took longer. Today, with computers at the hotel check-in area, they just record the information they need from your passport and hand it back to you.

Thank you all for taking the time to reply! I am sorry I didn't notice the other thread before I asked