Ticketmaster’s verify feature, which allows ticket buyers to verify their identity to prevent ticket scalping and fraud, has undergone some changes in recent years. The verify process is now fully integrated into the Ticketmaster website and mobile app ticket buying experience.
The Background of Ticketmaster Verify
Ticketmaster first introduced its verify program back in 2018 as a pilot effort with some sports teams and venues. It was designed to combat the problem of third-party ticket resellers using bots and other methods to quickly buy up huge quantities of tickets and then resell them at inflated prices.
By requiring ticket buyers to verify their identity and placing ticket limits, Ticketmaster hoped to get more tickets directly into the hands of genuine fans. The verify system required ticket buyers to register ahead of time by providing their name, address, email, and phone number.
During the purchase process for verify-enabled events, buyers would need to enter a code sent to their phone or email. The code verified their identity before the ticket transaction could be completed. This added step helped filter out bad actors trying to scoop up tickets en masse.
The verify program was tested at some major venues and events throughout 2018 and 2019. In late 2019, Ticketmaster announced that verify would be rolled out more broadly in 2020 so that more fans could have fair access to high-demand tickets.
How Verify Works Now
Today, the Ticketmaster verify system is enabled across the vast majority of ticket sales on Ticketmaster and has been fully integrated into the standard ticket buying process.
When you go to purchase tickets for an event that requires identity verification, you will see the verify option prominently displayed. You will be prompted to provide your name, email address, and phone number.
Ticketmaster will send you a verification code via text or email, which you must then enter to complete your ticket transaction. This all takes place seamlessly as you go through the ticket checkout process. There is no separate pre-registration required anymore.
The verification requirements apply to all tickets for the event, regardless of whether you are buying from the primary or resale market. Ticketmaster also enforces ticket purchase limits to prevent mass purchases.
If you are purchasing tickets for yourself plus friends, you can verify up to 3 or 4 extra tickets along with your own verification. But you will not be able to verify large groups of tickets unless you provide the necessary identifying details for each person.
Benefits of the Updated Verify System
Integrating verify directly into the standard Ticketmaster purchase process makes identity verification much simpler and more convenient for fans buying event tickets.
Some key benefits include:
- No separate registration required – Fans don’t have to plan ahead and pre-register their identity anymore
- Works for both primary and resale tickets – Single verification system applies across the board
- Harder for resellers to scam – Ticket limits prevent mass purchases
- More tickets for genuine fans – Less automated bulk buying by bots and scammers
The updated system aims to make the ticket buying experience smoother for buyers who just want to attend an event, not resell the tickets. At the same time, it maintains strong safeguards against scalpers scooping up tickets.
When You’ll Encounter the Verify Process
You will go through the Ticketmaster identity verification process during checkout when buying tickets for events that require it. This is typically for very high demand events where tickets are likely to sell out extremely quickly.
Some examples of events likely to use verification include concerts by major pop stars or bands, playoff and championship sporting events, and exclusive or one-time performances.
The event details page on Ticketmaster will indicate if verification is required for ticket purchases. There will be prominent messaging directing you through the verify steps as soon as you select your tickets.
In most cases you will receive the identity verification code right away via text or email so you can complete your purchase without delay. You want to make sure you have access to the phone number or email you provide when verification is required.
Troubleshooting Verify Issues
Hopefully the identity verification process will be smooth and seamless when you purchase verified tickets on Ticketmaster. But just in case you run into any problems, here is some troubleshooting guidance:
- Make sure you enter your contact information accurately when prompted – Mistyped phone numbers or emails are common issues that can prevent verification code delivery.
- Check your spam folder – In some cases the verification code email ends up routed to spam mistakenly.
- Double check the code you enter – It’s easy to mistake a letter for a number when typing in your code.
- Contact Ticketmaster Customer Support – If you cannot get your verification code or complete the verify process, Ticketmaster has 24/7 customer service agents who can assist you with getting verified.
- Use another verification method – You can choose to get the code by text or email. Switch to the other method if yours is not working properly.
Following these tips should help you work through any hiccups with the identity verification steps. Getting verified ensures your ticket purchase can be completed for the event you want to attend.
Verify on Mobile
The Ticketmaster verification system works seamlessly whether you are buying tickets on the Ticketmaster website or mobile apps. The process is very similar across platforms.
On mobile devices, you enter your contact information and then simply tap the button to have the verification code sent. Once received, you input the code into the app interface to verify your identity.
One advantage on mobile is that you can get the verification code right on your device via text message. This avoids having to switch to your email inbox to retrieve the code.
As long as you have internet connectivity and access to your text messages or email, you should be able to quickly complete identity verification on mobile. Just follow the on-screen prompts as you finalize your ticket transaction.
Does Every Ticket Buyer Need to Verify?
For events that require identity verification, every individual ticket buyer will need to go through the verification process. However, you can purchase tickets for multiple people using just your own verification.
Ticketmaster allows you to verify up to 3 or 4 extra tickets along with your own. But you will need to provide the required contact details for every other person for whom you are buying tickets.
If you are organizing a large group purchase, each member of your party will need to complete their own identity verification with their personal contact information prior to ticket checkout.
The exceptions are for parents verifying tickets for minor children or legal guardians assisting disabled persons with ticket purchases. In those cases, caretakers can verify tickets for their dependents if documentation is provided where requested.
Is My Data Secure?
When providing personal details like your phone number and email for Ticketmaster identity verification, you want assurance that your data is secure.
According to Ticketmaster’s published Privacy Statement and Terms of Use, the company does not sell or share your personal data with third parties for marketing purposes without your consent.
The contact details collected for verify purposes are used solely for sending your one-time verification code by text or email. This data enables your ticket transaction but is not retained or used for unrelated reasons.
Your personal and payment details are protected by secure encryption and firewall technology. Ticketmaster’s servers are housed in access-controlled facilities.
So you can feel confident that your data remains protected when going through the verification process to purchase tickets on Ticketmaster.
Conclusion
Ticketmaster’s verify program has come a long way from its early days as a limited pilot program. It is now a key component in Ticketmaster’s event ticket sales system.
The fully integrated identity verification steps help ensure fair access to high-demand tickets so more fans can purchase tickets directly.
By going through the simple ticket checkout verification, you can reduce the likelihood of having to turn to the secondary resale market where prices are higher.
Just remember to have your contact information handy so you can quickly complete ID verification and score those coveted tickets. Enjoy the show!