Quick Answer
It is sometimes possible to change the name on a concert ticket, but the exact policies and procedures vary between venues and ticket sellers. Generally, changing a ticket name requires contacting the original ticket seller or box office ahead of time and paying a transfer fee. Success is not guaranteed, as many venues have strict no name change policies, especially for high-demand shows. Read on for more details on the concert ticket name change process.
Can You Change the Name on Any Concert Ticket?
Unfortunately, there is no universal policy when it comes to changing names on concert tickets. Every venue and ticket seller has their own rules and restrictions regarding transfers and name changes. Some are fairly flexible, while others have adopted strict no name change policies, especially for popular shows where tickets are likely to be resold at a profit. Generally speaking, the bigger the concert event, the less likely you are to be able to change the name. For high-demand shows that instantly sell out, like major arena concerts or music festivals, the original ticket buyer’s name is usually required at entrance and no changes are allowed. Smaller club shows or less popular events tend to have more relaxed policies. However, there are no guarantees when it comes to changing ticket names. You have to check with the specific venue or ticket seller to find out their policies before purchasing tickets or planning a transfer.
How Do You Change the Name on a Paper Ticket?
For traditional paper tickets, changing the name involves physically altering the ticket. If the old name is pre-printed on the ticket, it must be crossed out and the new name handwritten next to it. Some venues may require this name edit to be accompanied by an official letter or name change form authorized by the original ticket buyer. The box office will then verify the name change and documentation when tickets are presented at entrance. Without proper approval and documentation, hand-edited paper tickets may not be accepted. An alternative is to turn paper tickets back into the box office in exchange for reissued tickets under the new name, though fees often apply. Overall, paper tickets tend to offer less flexibility for name changes.
Can You Change the Name for E-Tickets?
Digital or e-tickets typically offer an easier process for changing names. Rather than physically altering the ticket, you simply log into your ticket account online and update the name. Fees and restrictions still apply, but avoiding the need to modify paper tickets makes the process more straightforward. However, access to the original ticket buyer’s account is required, so name changes for resold e-tickets are limited. Make sure you fully understand the e-ticket name change policy when purchasing tickets secondhand. Some online ticket marketplaces may offer specialized name change services, for an additional fee.
Tips for Changing the Name on Concert Tickets
If you need to change the name on concert tickets, here are some tips to improve your chances of success:
- Contact the box office or ticket seller immediately. Last minute name change requests are less likely to be approved.
- Be prepared to show ID or documentation from the original ticket buyer approving the name change.
- Know the reason for the transfer. Changes due to unforeseen circumstances are more often allowed.
- Accept that a transfer fee will be charged, often $10-$20 per ticket.
- Understand that changes may still be denied based on venue policy.
- If denied, ask about options like reselling tickets through approved channels.
- For high-demand shows, purchase tickets only in the names of those attending.
Can You Change the Name on Airline Tickets?
Changing the name on airline tickets follows a different process than concert tickets. Here are some key points on name changes for airline tickets:
- Most airlines allow name changes for a fee, usually $75-$150 per ticket.
- Name change policies vary by airline, ticket class, and other factors.
- Name changes are generally only allowed before the ticket is issued.
- To change a name, the ticket must be canceled and rebooked under the new name.
- Refunds or future travel credit are issued in the original ticket buyer’s name.
- Any increase in ticket price must also be paid when rebooking.
So changing airline ticket names is possible, but complex and potentially costly. Reselling may be a better option in many cases.
What About Changing Names on Other Event Tickets?
The process for changing names for other types of event tickets, like sports games, theater shows, and music festivals is similar to the concert ticket process:
- Success depends on the specific event’s name change policy.
- Fees usually apply for ticket transfers and name changes.
- Larger events are less likely to allow changes.
- Contact the venue or ticket seller right away for instructions.
- Documentation proving reason for change may be required.
Again, there are no universal rules across all events, so always verify name change policies before purchasing any tickets you may need to transfer.
Can You Change the Name on Ticketmaster Tickets?
As a major ticket retailer, Ticketmaster has a clearly defined policy for handling name changes on tickets purchased through their site:
- Name changes are only allowed for certain events, at Ticketmaster’s discretion.
- Eligible events are clearly labeled during the ticket buying process.
- A transfer can only be made to someone known to the buyer.
- All transfers are subject to a fee per ticket, typically around $20-$30.
- Only the original ticket buyer can initiate a name change transfer.
- Tickets can be transferred electronically up to 48 hours before the event.
- Name changes are reversible if the new attendee cannot go.
So while Ticketmaster does permit name changes in some cases, severe restrictions apply. Transfers cannot be freely made, even if you are willing to pay the fee.
Is It Possible to Change Names for Resale Tickets?
If you purchase concert or event tickets from a ticket resale site or reseller, changing the name can be extremely difficult, bordering on impossible in most cases. This is because:
- Resale sites have no way to authenticate if you are connected to the original ticket buyer.
- Only the original buyer can request a name change under most venue policies.
- Tickets may be non-transferrable, especially for high demand events.
- The unknown origin of resale tickets makes name changes risky for venues.
Your only option may be to relist the tickets for resale yourself and take a loss. This emphasizes the importance of only buying resale tickets in the names of those actually attending the event, if permitted based on the event policies.
Examples of Venues That Allow Name Changes
While most major concert events do not permit transfers, some venues and promoters are more name change friendly. Here are a few examples:
- Red Rocks Amphitheatre (Colorado) – Name changes allowed up to 48 hours before the show for a $20 fee per ticket.
- The Chicago Theatre – Tickets can be transferred to a new buyer for select events through Ticketmaster’s verified resale process.
- AXS Events – Name changes allowed on eligible events with restrictions. $20 fee per ticket.
- Live Nation Venues – Varies by show. Select events permit AXS Ticket Transfer for name changes.
- DICE Concerts – Digital tickets can be transferred to another user through the DICE app up to 48 hours before doors.
These venues demonstrate that more accommodating name change policies are possible. But again, exact policies differ for every event.
Examples of Events Prohibiting Name Changes
On the other hand, many major concerts, festivals, and live events have adopted strict no name change or transfer policies, including:
- Coachella Valley Music Festival – Passes cannot be changed or transferred under any circumstances.
- Lollapalooza – No name changes allowed. Original purchaser must arrive with their entire party.
- Stagecoach Festival – Names cannot be changed or transferred on passes. Photo ID required.
- New York Comic Con – Badges cannot be resold or reassigned. Names will be checked on-site.
- San Diego Comic Con – No transfers permitted. ID must match name on badge for entry.
These policies show that for high-demand events, organizers prioritize security and preventing scalping over accommodation.
What If You Can No Longer Attend an Event?
If you can no longer attend a concert or event that prohibits name changes, you unfortunately have few options:
- Attempt to resell your tickets only through approved resale channels, if available.
- Eat the loss on the ticket purchase.
- Give tickets to someone else with the same name, if allowed.
- Hope policies eventually relax closer to the event date.
But again, for hot shows, organizers rarely bend on no name change rules. Choose events carefully and only buy tickets you are certain you can use.
Should Names Be Added to the TicketMaster Purchase?
When purchasing tickets through Ticketmaster, you typically have the option to submit the name of each concertgoer during checkout. If it seems like the event may allow name changes or transfers, it is smart to add attendee names at purchase, as this allows:
- Easier identification when tickets are accessed digitally via Ticketmaster.
- Name printouts on paper tickets for identification.
- Accurate IDs during entrance checks if required by the event.
- Proper name tracking if name change requests are approved.
However, if no name changes are permitted or you plan to resell extra tickets, adding names may be less important. Ultimately, it depends on the specific event policies.
Conclusion
While changing the name on concert, event, and airline tickets is sometimes possible, policies vary widely. Only the original ticket buyer can initiate name change requests, which are subject to fees and approval. For high-demand events and concerts, names are often non-transferrable to prevent scalping. Before purchasing any tickets, understand the name change rules to avoid problems for yourself or buyers if you need to sell. When possible, only buy tickets in the names of those actually attending.