Whether you can use tickets with someone else’s name printed on them is a common question for Ticketmaster customers. The short answer is – it depends. There are a few key factors that determine if you can legally use tickets not in your name when attending a concert, show, or event.
Ticket Transfer Policies
The ticket transfer policy for each event will determine if tickets are strictly non-transferable or if they can be given or sold to someone else. This policy is set by the venue or event organizer, not Ticketmaster. When you purchase tickets on Ticketmaster.com, the transfer policy should be clearly stated during checkout.
There are a few common ticket transfer policies:
- Non-transferable – These tickets cannot be used by anyone other than the original ticket purchaser. The name on the ticket must match the ID shown for entry.
- Transferable – The tickets can be transferred to someone else. The new ticket holder’s ID will be required for entry.
- Restricted transfer – Tickets can only be transferred to certain people, such as family or friends. The venue may require notification of the transfer.
- Free transfer – Tickets are fully transferrable to anyone. No notification to the venue is required.
Before passing tickets to someone or buying tickets from a third-party, check the transfer policy. Non-transferable tickets should never be used by anyone except the original purchaser. Doing so risks being denied entry.
Ticket Resale and Scalping Laws
In addition to venue policies, local ticket resale laws may prohibit transferring or reselling tickets entirely. Some states ban ticket scalping, which is reselling tickets for a higher price than face value. Scalping laws vary widely across the US:
- 10 states ban ticket scalping completely
- 12 states allow limited scalping of tickets
- The rest have no anti-scalping restrictions
Before selling or gifting tickets, check your local regulations. Even if the event allows ticket transfers, reselling the tickets for above face value may be illegal.
Digital Tickets and ID Verification
Paperless and mobile tickets have become more common, requiring ID verification for entry. Ticketmaster uses SafeTix – tickets tied directly to the purchaser’s name that must be shown on a valid ID to get into the event.
With SafeTix tickets, the name printed on the ticket must exactly match the attendee’s photo ID. Tickets cannot be transferred to someone else. If buying tickets secondhand, beware of any with the SafeTix label.
Using a Friend’s Ticketmaster Account
Sometimes people buy tickets as a group, with the tickets going into one person’s Ticketmaster account. Can your friend still transfer the tickets to you? This comes down to the transfer policy, as outlined above.
If the tickets are non-transferable, you won’t be able to use your friend’s tickets. Your name must match the Ticketmaster account used to buy the tickets. For transferable tickets, your friend can send them to you via email or the Ticketmaster app. But your ID will be required to enter the event.
Having the ticket buyer with you is not enough – the tickets are still in their name, so their ID has to match. Everyone in the group needs to have the tickets transferred to their own Ticketmaster account.
Can You Change the Name on Tickets?
For the most part, you cannot change the name printed on the ticket. The name is tied to the purchaser’s account and credit card used to buy them. However, for transferable tickets, the name can be changed when the ticket is transferred to someone else.
Some venues may allow you to change the name at the box office for a fee. But this is not very common. It’s better to have the original purchaser transfer the tickets directly to the people attending so that their names are printed correctly.
Using a Fake ID to Match Ticket Name
Trying to use a fake ID to get into an event with tickets in someone else’s name is fraudulent and risky. If caught, you may face legal charges for identity theft or using false identification. Venues are very strict about matching the name on the ticket to the attendee’s government-issued photo ID.
Fake IDs are illegal and security personnel are trained to recognize them. The consequences of getting caught are not worth the risk just to use transferred tickets. Only use tickets that are genuinely in your own name.
Kids Using Parents’ Tickets
For most events, minors can use tickets purchased by their parents or legal guardian. However, the adult who bought the tickets may need to be present to show their matching ID. Some venues may have minimum age requirements for entry, so check policies before transferring tickets to your child.
For air travel, minors without an adult companion typically cannot use e-tickets purchased in a parent’s name. The name must exactly match their government-issued ID, which for children is usually just a passport.
Can You Ticketmaster Tickets at the Venue?
If you end up with extra last minute tickets you can’t use, you may be able to exchange them or sell them back at the box office on the day of the event. But this is entirely at the venue’s discretion. Don’t count on offloading unused tickets – best to only buy what you know you’ll use.
Ticketmaster’s Fan to Fan Ticket Exchange can also be an option to resell tickets you can’t use. Fees apply to sell tickets there. Or you can transfer tickets directly to friends if the event allows it.
Risks of Using Transferred Tickets
While it may be tempting to buy tickets secondhand or use a transferred ticket to save money, there are risks:
- Non-transferable tickets will be rejected, barring your entry
- Tickets may be fraudulent or duplicates that have already been used
- You can be scammed buying tickets from unofficial third-party resellers
- Scalped tickets may exceed local resale value limits
- Your ID won’t match the ticket name, also preventing entry
Always check the transfer policy and applicable laws before using tickets from someone else. When in doubt, it’s much safer to only use tickets with your own name printed on them.
The Bottom Line
Whether you can use Ticketmaster tickets issued to someone else depends on the transfer policy, ticket format, and ID verification requirements. Non-transferable tickets should never be used by anyone but the original buyer. Make sure any transferred tickets have your name printed on them and follow local scalping laws. While convenient, using tickets not in your name does carry risks of being denied entry or even legal penalties in some cases.
