Transferring non-transferable tickets on Ticketmaster can seem daunting, but it is possible in many cases. The key is understanding why tickets are marked non-transferrable in the first place and then finding workarounds within Ticketmaster’s policies.
Why Are Some Tickets Non-Transferrable?
There are a few main reasons why Ticketmaster tickets may be non-transferrable:
- To prevent scalping – Marking tickets non-transferrable makes it harder for people to resell them at inflated prices.
- Artist or team request – Some performers and sports teams want to make sure tickets stay with the original purchaser.
- Premium seat restrictions – For certain high-demand seats, venues or teams mandate the tickets stay with the buyer.
- Mobile entry requirements – If a venue requires mobile entry, the tickets have to stay connected to the original account.
So in most cases, the non-transferrable designation is there to control ticket distribution, not to prevent you from giving tickets to friends or family.
Can Non-Transferrable Tickets Be Transferred at All?
Even if Ticketmaster says tickets are non-transferrable, there are usually still ways to transfer them. Here are some of the options:
1. Transfer within Your Ticketmaster Account
Many non-transferrable tickets can still be moved between different Ticketmaster user profiles under the same account. So you can transfer tickets to family members or friends if they also have a Ticketmaster account connected to yours.
To do this:
- Make sure the recipient has a Ticketmaster account.
- Log into your Ticketmaster account online and go to My Account.
- Under My Tickets, select the non-transferrable tickets you want to move.
- Use the drop-down menu to change the ticket holder name to the recipient’s profile.
- The recipient will now see the tickets in their My Tickets section.
2. Change the Name on Pickup
For non-transferrable tickets that require physical pickup, you can often change the name for will call pickup. At venues that allow it, the person retrieving the tickets just needs to show an ID matching the new pickup name.
To do this:
- Log into your Ticketmaster account and go to My Tickets.
- Select your non-transferrable tickets and click Manage.
- Change the Ticket Holder name to whoever will pickup the tickets.
- Let them know they’ll need to show valid ID matching that name to retrieve the tickets.
3. Transfer at Box Office with ID
If allowed by the event, you may be able to transfer non-transferrable tickets directly at the box office on the day of the event. The new ticket holder will need to provide valid photo ID.
To do this:
- Call the box office ahead of time to see if transfers are allowed for that event.
- If so, meet the recipient at the box office on the event day.
- Let the box office know you need to transfer tickets into the recipient’s name.
- Both parties provide valid photo ID.
- The box office prints new tickets for the recipient.
4. Go Together and Show Both IDs
For venues that allow mobile entry only and don’t permit transfers, another option is attending together. Have the original ticket holder pull up their tickets on their mobile device and both parties show ID at the gate.
To do this:
- Make sure the event allows mobile entry only.
- Have the original purchaser access their tickets on their smartphone.
- Both the original purchaser and recipient should bring valid photo ID.
- When entering, have the original purchaser show their ID first to match the mobile tickets.
- The recipient then shows their ID as well.
- You explain you are attending together and staff allow you both to enter.
Top Tips for Transferring Non-Transferrable Tickets
Follow these tips when trying to transfer non-transferrable Ticketmaster tickets:
- Act fast – Start the transfer process as soon as possible. Last minute transfers often fail.
- Call ahead – Contact the box office to see what transfer options they allow for the event.
- Review policies – Carefully check the event and ticket policies on any transfer restrictions.
- Only buy what you need – Try not to purchase extra non-transferrable tickets unless you’re sure you can use them.
- Avoid resale – Never try to resell non-transferrable tickets, as this is prohibited.
- Be upfront – Always explain to staff you have non-transferrable tickets that need to be transferred.
- Bring ID – Have valid photo ID ready to show staff for any ticket transfers or pickup.
What If Non-Transferrable Tickets Can’t Be Transferred?
In some cases, there may be no way to successfully transfer non-transferrable Ticketmaster tickets, such as:
- The event has very strict no transfer policies.
- Tickets are tied to the purchaser’s credit card and must be scanned on entry.
- It’s a mobile entry-only event with strict ID checks.
When non-transferrable tickets can’t be moved, here are some options:
- See if Ticketmaster or the initial seller allows refunds or exchanges.
- Resell the tickets via Ticketmaster’s official resale platform, if enabled.
- Give the tickets to someone else who can go in your place and have them reimburse you.
- Try reaching out to the event organizers or box office for a one-time courtesy transfer.
- Sell the tickets at face value to someone you know who can attend.
- Use the tickets yourself and try to recoup losses by reselling any extras you have.
As a last resort, you may have to eat the cost of non-transferrable tickets that can’t be moved. But explore all options before accepting a total loss.
How to Avoid Getting Stuck with Non-Transferrable Tickets
To avoid getting stuck with non-transferrable tickets you can’t use, follow these tips when purchasing:
- Carefully check policies before selecting tickets to see if there are transfer restrictions.
- Only buy tickets for events you’re 100% sure you can attend.
- If buying as a gift, make sure the recipient can definitely go.
- Avoid rebuying tickets just to get better seats unless necessary.
- Sell unwanted tickets as soon as you can while transfers are still possible.
- Only buy from official ticket sellers, not third party resellers.
- Think twice before purchasing tickets just because they are cheap.
Following the above guidance when buying tickets can minimize the chances you end up stuck with non-transferrable tickets you can’t use.
The Bottom Line
While non-transferrable Ticketmaster tickets might seem untouchable, there are usually at least some options to successfully transfer them. Understanding why tickets have transfer restrictions, following venue policies, and utilizing Ticketmaster account tools can often make transfers possible.
The key is acting early, as last minute transfers tend to fail. With some persistence and planning, you can typically find a way to transfer non-transferrable tickets when needed.
