Ticket transfer on Ticketmaster typically becomes available a few days before the event once tickets have been shipped or made available for mobile entry. The exact timing can vary based on the event and ticket type, but ticket transfer is usually enabled around 1-3 days prior to the event date.
What is Ticket Transfer?
Ticket transfer allows the original ticket purchaser to electronically transfer tickets to someone else through their Ticketmaster account. This enables the ticket holder to securely change the name printed on the ticket if they can no longer attend the event.
Rather than having to physically mail or meet up to exchange paper tickets, the ticket purchaser can initiate the transfer online and the recipient just needs to accept the transfer. This makes it easy to securely change who will be attending the event if plans change after buying tickets.
When Can Tickets Be Transferred?
The ability to transfer tickets is not available immediately after purchasing tickets on Ticketmaster. There is a waiting period before transfers can be initiated. This is to prevent fraudulent purchases or transfers right after buying tickets.
Here is an overview of when ticket transfers typically become enabled:
- Mobile Entry Tickets – Day of event
- Hard Stock Tickets – 1-3 days before event once tickets have been shipped
- Instant Download Tickets – 1-3 days before event once available for download
The exact timing depends on the event and can vary. But in most cases, ticket transfers are available within 1-3 days prior to the event date once the delivery method has been completed by Ticketmaster (mobile entry enabled, hard stock shipped, or instant download available).
Mobile Entry Tickets
For mobile entry tickets that are delivered through the Ticketmaster app, transfers are usually not enabled until the day of the event. This prevents fraudulent transfers since mobile entry tickets are not accessible until the event date under the purchaser’s account.
Once mobile entry is activated on the day of the event, ticket transfers can be initiated at that point if needed. Both the sender and recipient will need to have the Ticketmaster app installed to complete the transfer.
Hard Stock Tickets
For events with hard stock paper tickets that are physically mailed out, transfers typically become available 1-3 days before the event date. This timeline coincides with when Ticketmaster prints and ships out the ticket orders via delivery service.
Once the ticket shipment has been processed and tracking shows it is in transit or delivered, the tickets are then enabled for transfer. The purchaser can initiate the transfer and provide the shipping address of the recipient so they receive the tickets in time.
Instant Download Tickets
Instant download tickets are electronic tickets that can be accessed online leading up to the event. Similar to hard stock tickets, transfers are usually enabled 1-3 days before the event once the tickets are available for download.
The purchaser can download the tickets to their account and then initiate the transfer. The recipient will receive the tickets electronically to print out or add to their digital wallet.
Checking Transfer Status
To check when ticket transfers will become available for an upcoming event, log into your Ticketmaster account and navigate to the event order Details page. This will show the Delivery Method such as “Mobile Entry” or shipping details.
There will also be a Ticket Transfer section that will either show:
- “Eligible for Transfer” with a start date – This indicates when transfers will open up, usually 1-3 days before the event once tickets are accessible.
- “Not Eligible for Transfer” – If shown, transfers are not enabled yet. Check back closer to the event date.
The Details page in your account will show the soonest date that transfers can be initiated. You can check back periodically as the event gets closer to see when it changes to “Eligible for Transfer”.
How to Transfer Tickets
Once transfers are enabled for an event in your account, here are the steps to complete a ticket transfer:
- Go to the event Details page and click “Transfer Tickets”
- Select which tickets you want to transfer
- Enter the recipient’s email address or Ticketmaster account
- Add a message (optional)
- Double check details and click “Send Transfer”
- Recipient will receive email to accept transfer
- Once accepted, transfer is complete
Both the sender and recipient need to have a Ticketmaster account to transfer tickets. Make sure to initiate the transfer as soon as it is available to give the recipient time to accept and receive the tickets.
If any issues come up, you will need to contact Ticketmaster Fan Support for assistance with completing the transfer.
Transfer Restrictions
While most events allow ticket transfers, some may have restrictions in place such as:
- No transfers allowed – This is rare but some tickets are restricted to the original purchaser only and cannot be transferred for any reason.
- Maximum number of transfers – Some events limit how many times a single ticket can be transferred to prevent scalping.
- Transfers cut off 24-48 hours prior – Cutoff times may be implemented for when transfers must be completed by before the event starts.
Always check the event details and transfer policy to see if any limitations are in place. Restrictions will be listed on the event page and ticket Details.
Troubleshooting Issues
Some common issues that can come up when trying to transfer tickets on Ticketmaster include:
- No option to transfer: Transfers aren’t enabled yet, check back closer to event.
- Transfer rejected: Recipient needs to have or create Ticketmaster account to accept.
- Transfer stuck pending: Contact support, technical issue with transfer.
- Transfer cut off: Transfers closed 24-48 hours prior to event per policy.
- Error transferring: If any error occurs, contact Fan Support for assistance.
The best way to troubleshoot any problems with ticket transfers is to reach out to Ticketmaster Fan Support. They can look into issues on the back end and help resolve any technical problems.
Selling Tickets
If you are unable to attend an event and don’t have a specific person to transfer tickets to, Ticketmaster provides an official resale marketplace to sell tickets. This is more secure than using secondary ticketing sites.
To sell tickets you can’t use, navigate to the event order Details page and select “Sell Tickets”. You will be redirected to the Ticketmaster resale site to list your tickets for sale.
There are no extra fees since it uses your existing Ticketmaster account. You can choose the resale price and transfer the tickets securely after purchase.
Key Takeaways
- Ticket transfers on Ticketmaster are usually enabled 1-3 days before the event once tickets are accessible.
- Check your Ticketmaster account order Details to see the status and when transfers open up.
- Both sender and recipient need Ticketmaster accounts to transfer tickets.
- Some events may restrict transfers – always check policies first.
- Contact Ticketmaster support if any issues come up with ticket transfers.
- Use the Ticketmaster resale marketplace if you need to sell tickets you can’t use.