09.12.2025 08:50
The KVKK announced that the practice of taking photocopies of identification at hotels is not legal due to increasing complaints. With the decision published in the Official Gazette, it was officially stated that accommodation facilities are only required to record identification number information.
The practice of taking photocopies of identification, which has long been a topic of debate in accommodation facilities, has come back to the agenda due to intense complaints from citizens. The Personal Data Protection Authority (KVKK) announced its decision that it is not legal for hotels to request photocopies of customers' identification. With the decision published in the Official Gazette, it was clearly stated that businesses are only required to record the identification number information.
THE LAW IS CLEAR: THERE IS NO OBLIGATION TO TAKE PHOTOCOPIES
KVKK reminded that under the Law No. 1774 on Notification of Identity, hotels, guesthouses, and similar accommodation facilities are only obliged to record customers' identification numbers and check-in/check-out dates. The institution emphasized that there is no legal basis for taking photocopies of identification or similar reproduction methods.
It was stated in the announcement that businesses must also destroy the photocopies of identification they collected in the past in accordance with the legislation.
CONSIDERED "EXCESSIVE DATA PROCESSING"
The board's decision stated that showing the identification document for verification purposes is sufficient; however, taking a photocopy constitutes "excessive data processing." It was noted that copying sensitive personal data such as religion and blood type, which are found in old identity cards, constitutes a clear violation.
The creation of photocopy records was officially announced to be contrary to the Personal Data Protection Law.
A CONCLUSION HAS BEEN REACHED ON A LONG-DISPUTED ISSUE
With the official decision, the practice of taking photocopies of identification by hotels has been terminated, and standards have been clarified again. From now on, accommodation facilities will only be obliged to see the document for the purpose of verifying identification information; however, they will not be able to request a photocopy of the identification.
With the KVKK's decision, the issue that has been debated in the tourism sector for years has been officially resolved.