When it comes to transferring tickets on Ticketmaster, one of the most common questions is whether the name on the ticket changes when they are transferred to someone else. The short answer is yes, transferring tickets on Ticketmaster does change the name printed on the ticket. However, there are some important details to understand about how ticket transfers work and the implications of changing the name.
How Transfers Work on Ticketmaster
With most Ticketmaster tickets, the company allows ticket holders to transfer tickets to someone else if they can no longer attend the event. This convenient option enables people to easily sell or give away tickets they have purchased on Ticketmaster rather than letting them go to waste.
To transfer a ticket on Ticketmaster, the original ticket purchaser logs into their Ticketmaster account either online or via the mobile app. There they can select the option to transfer tickets from their order history. The ticket holder enters the recipient’s email address, name, and contact information. The recipient then receives a transfer email and must accept the tickets within a specified period of time or the transfer expires.
Once the transfer is completed, the new ticket holder’s name is printed on the tickets in place of the original purchaser’s name. The tickets are completely reissued in the transferee’s name. Additionally, if the tickets were mobile tickets, they are removed from the seller’s Ticketmaster app and only visible in the recipient’s account.
Why Names Change on Transferred Tickets
There are a few key reasons why Ticketmaster changes the name on tickets when they are transferred:
- To prevent unauthorized resale or scalping – By printing the transferee’s name on the ticket, Ticketmaster can cut down on people reselling tickets through unofficial means. The name on the ticket should match the ID of the person attending the event.
- For security and identification – The name on the ticket allows event staff and security to verify the identity of the ticket holder and prevent counterfeit tickets. Changing the name provides an extra layer of protection.
- To maintain accuracy – Changing the purchaser’s name to the new ticket holder’s name keeps the ticket information current and avoids confusion if an old name remains on the transferred ticket.
Essentially, by replacing the original buyer’s identity with the new ticket holder, Ticketmaster can maintain better controls over who presents a valid ticket at the venue entrance. It reduces the risk of scalpers profiting off resales and provides event organizers with correct attendee information.
Implications of Name Changes on Transferred Tickets
There are some key implications that come with the name change that happens when transferring Ticketmaster tickets:
- ID is required for entry – Since the new ticket holder’s name is printed on the transferred tickets, they must bring valid photo ID that matches that name to gain entry to the event. Tickets are non-transferable on site.
- Original purchaser loses access – Once tickets have been transferred, the original ticket purchaser no longer has access to the tickets in their Ticketmaster account or on their mobile device. Only the recipient can use the transferred tickets.
- Changes are permanent – There is no way to undo a ticket transfer on Ticketmaster. The name change and ticket transfer are permanent moves.
- Benefits also transfer – Any benefits or perks associated with the original ticket order, like VIP amenities, parking passes, etc. are transferred to the new ticket holder.
Essentially, the new ticket holder replaces the original buyer in every way. The original purchaser no longer has any entitlement to use the tickets or access any benefits after completing the transfer. It is an indefinite and irreversible change.
Special Cases
While transferred tickets on Ticketmaster always result in a name change in most cases, there are a few exceptions:
- Mobile ticket transfers – If the ticket transfer is done through Ticketmaster’s mobile ticket transfer option, the name may not physically print on the ticket. But mobile ticket IDs will still change ownership to the recipient.
- Print-at-home tickets – For electronic print-at-home tickets, some may show the original purchaser and the PDF cannot be reissued. However, Ticketmaster’s systems still reflect the recipient as the valid ticket holder.
- Third-party seller platforms – Tickets resold through Ticketmaster’s verified resale marketplace follow different transfer protocols where the name may not always change hands. This is done to accommodate third-party sellers reselling multiple tickets.
Aside from these exceptions, nearly all ticket transfers directly from one Ticketmaster user to another will result in a complete name change and ticket reissue.
Can Names Be Changed Back Afterwards?
Once ticket transfers are completed on Ticketmaster, there is no way to revert the name change back to the original ticket purchaser. The transfer is a permanent, one-way transaction. Ticketmaster’s systems automatically invalidate the seller’s ticket rights and assign all privileges to the recipient.
If the new ticket holder needs to transfer the tickets again to someone else, they may do so by initiating a new ticket transfer. But the original buyer cannot regain ownership of the tickets unless the current holder agrees to transfer them back.
In most cases, Ticketmaster does not facilitate or mediate any disputes between ticket buyers and transferees regarding reversed transfers. Customers engaging in ticket transfers should consider all implications first given the indefinite nature of the transaction.
However, in the event the recipient never claimed the transfer after the seller initiated it, the transfer may expire after the claim window closes. This would allow the original ticket holder to regain access to the unsold tickets.
Tips for Transferring Tickets
To ensure a smooth ticket transfer process on Ticketmaster, keep these tips in mind:
- Double check recipient contact information to avoid errors.
- Inform the recipient to promptly accept the transfer.
- Do not attempt to claim transferred tickets, as all rights are permanently forfeited.
- Only transfer tickets to someone you trust, as transfers cannot be reversed.
- Review all details first, as changes are indefinite once transferred.
- Use Ticketmaster’s official transfer process for security purposes.
Conclusion
In nearly all cases, transferring tickets on Ticketmaster leads to a complete name change and ticket reissue to the recipient. The original ticket purchaser forfeits all access and rights to the tickets permanently. While there are a few exceptions, name changes predominantly occur to maintain security controls and prevent unauthorized resale.
Ticket holders should only proceed with transfers when they are absolutely certain, as there is no way to undo a transfer afterwards. Following Ticketmaster’s official transfer process ensures the most secure handoff. But once completed, transfers are indefinite and new names cannot be changed back to the original buyer without a completely new transfer transaction.
