Copy of passport needed by rental owner in Rome? Answer found, thanks

I think the passport thing is unique to Italy, but I do believe it is a legal requirement. It is not the norm in Germany. In 21 weeks of travel there, I have never been asked for my passport, either before or after arrival. I stayed at an apartment in the Allgäu region of Germany two years ago and they never asked to see my passport. That also applies to four nights I have spent in Austria.

It is typical of Italy - required. What I don't understand is why anyone gets upset over this request. Your driver's license contains more information than the passport. The passport numbers are meaningless and date of birth is public record. I suppose if you found your answer you could have deleted the question.

seems to be norm at least in my experience, in my travels..Spain, Portugal, Italy, Austria, Germany, Mexico, I have always been asked for my passport. The check in person makes a copy and returns.

I've also had to provide a copy of my Passport for hotel stays in Greece. This seems to be a normal practice in some parts of Europe.

The owner is asking for a copy of your passport prior to your arrival as oppose to waiting til you arrive in person. Yes that is odd. But then when I rent out my timeshare I always ask for a copy of the renters drivers license up front for numerous reasons.

Yes, for many places there is a legal requirement to register both Hotel guests and any temporary residents. Being the skeptic, I assume it is as much to track potential tax income as security, but it is the requirement.

A variation on this, though the last time it occurred for me was 10 years ago, was many small hotels would ask for a passport to hold for the stay, or at least until the bill was paid, as a security deposit.