Changing the name on a ticket is a common request for many ticket buyers. Whether you can’t make an event anymore or want to transfer tickets to a friend, a name change can allow someone else to use your ticket if permitted. Ticketmaster is one of the largest ticket sales and distribution companies, so its policies impact millions of customers each year.
Does Ticketmaster Allow Name Changes on Tickets?
In most cases, yes, Ticketmaster does allow name changes on tickets. However, there are some caveats. Ticketmaster’s official policy is that changes are allowed if permitted by the event organizer or venue. For example, concert promoters and professional sports teams often prohibit transfers to discourage scalping. There may also be limits on how many times a ticket can be transferred.
In general, Ticketmaster will permit a name change if:
- The event allows transfers
- The ticket has not already been transferred the maximum number of times (usually once)
- The event has not yet occurred
So you will need to check the specific event’s transfer policy on the Ticketmaster website before attempting a name change. If transfers are not allowed, you will likely need to speak with the box office directly instead.
Is There a Fee to Change Ticket Name on Ticketmaster?
In most cases, yes, Ticketmaster does charge a fee to change the name on a ticket. This is essentially an administrative fee covering the cost of processing the transfer. According to Ticketmaster’s website, the current fee is $8 per ticket transferred.
This $8 fee applies to standard transfers when the event permits changes. It will be charged to the credit card used to make the original ticket purchase.
However, there are some exceptions where Ticketmaster may waive the transfer fee:
- If the event explicitly prohibits transfers, Ticketmaster does not charge a fee because no transfer can be processed.
- For very high-profile events where transfers are prohibited, such as the Super Bowl, Ticketmaster may waive the fee if you need to change the name due to COVID protocols or other extenuating circumstances.
- If you are unable to attend an event for a covered reason like COVID illness or military deployment, Ticketmaster may waive the fee as well on a case-by-case basis if you contact customer service.
So unless you have a special situation, expect to pay about $8 per ticket to formally change the name through Ticketmaster. The fee allows them to update their records and notify the venue of the change.
How Much Does It Cost to Change Name on Ticketmaster Tickets?
The standard service fee to change the name on a Ticketmaster ticket is currently $8 per ticket transferred. This $8 fee covers the administrative costs for Ticketmaster to process and record the transfer in their system. It applies anytime you move a ticket to a new name through the proper channels.
For example, if you bought 4 tickets to a concert originally under your name, it would cost $32 (4 x $8) to transfer them to a friend’s name instead so they can attend. This per ticket fee structure allows Ticketmaster to cover costs whether you transfer a handful of tickets or a hundred.
In some cases, there is no name change fee:
- If the event does not permit transfers at all
- If you contact customer service and they waive it for extenuating circumstances like COVID illness
- For very high profile events like the Super Bowl where resale is prohibited
But in general, expect to budget around $8 in Ticketmaster fees per ticket to formally change the name and update the ticket records. This is the standard rate for most events and tickets transferred through Ticketmaster directly.
Can You Change the Name on eTickets?
For electronic tickets purchased through Ticketmaster, also known as eTickets, you can request a name change, but the process is a bit different than for traditional printed tickets.
Here is how it works for eTickets:
- If transfers are permitted for the event, start by logging into your Ticketmaster.com account that originally purchased the eTicket.
- Find the eTicket in your account and click on it to pull up details.
- Look for and select the “Transfer Tickets” option.
- Enter the email address of the person you want to transfer the eTicket to.
- Confirm you want to transfer and pay the $8 per ticket transfer fee.
- The recipient will get an email with the transferred eTicket in their name.
So the process is very similar to transferring a printed ticket. You just manage it directly through your Ticketmaster account online or via the mobile app. The $8 fee still applies in most cases as well.
Can You Change the Name for Will Call Tickets?
Will call tickets held at the box office can also be transferred to a new name in many cases. Here is how it works:
- If permitted for the event, log into your Ticketmaster account and find the will call tickets.
- Select to transfer the tickets and enter the recipient’s information.
- Pay the $8 service fee per ticket online.
- Inform the recipient they now need to retrieve the tickets from will call under their name.
- The box office will have the updated name when the new attendee arrives.
So will call tickets can go through the standard Ticketmaster transfer process. The key is communicating with whoever needs to now pick up the tickets to have ID and payment info matching the new name.
However, for very high demand events like concerts, Ticketmaster may require will call tickets to be picked up by the original purchaser first for accountability. So just make sure to check requirements beforehand if doing a ticket name change.
What if Ticket Transfers Are Not Allowed?
In some cases, primarily for very popular concerts and sporting events, the event organizer may prohibit ticket transfers altogether to discourage reselling tickets at a markup.
If an event does not permit ticket transfers, there is no way to formally change the name through Ticketmaster’s systems. The original ticket buyer would need to attend or eat the ticket cost.
For these non-transferrable events, Ticketmaster cannot facilitate a name change. The ticket holder would need to contact the venue or box office directly to inquire about any other options in special circumstances like COVID illness.
But if tickets are marked as non-transferrable at the event level, Ticketmaster has no authority to make changes or bypass that policy. Refunds and exchanges would also be prohibited in most cases.
Can You Change the Name After the Event?
Ticketmaster will not facilitate a name change after an event has already occurred. Their transfer process requires that the event is still upcoming.
Once the event date is passed, there is no need for Ticketmaster to update their records with a new name. Their primary ticket tracking requirements are for who purchased the ticket and who actually redeemed the ticket onsite.
In special cases where the name matters for things like will call pickup auditing, the window to change it will close once doors open for the event. So name changes are only permitted in advance while tickets are still valid.
Key Things to Know About Transferring Tickets
Here are some key things to keep in mind when transferring or changing the name on Ticketmaster tickets:
- Always check the event listing for any transfer restrictions first
- Transfers are $8 per ticket if permitted and done through Ticketmaster
- Both printed and eTickets can be transferred
- Notify will call recipients to retrieve under new name
- No changes allowed after the event date
- Non-transferrable event tickets require box office contact
Following Ticketmaster’s official transfer process ensures the new ticket holder can access the event and provides tracking for accountability. There may be limited exceptions for emergencies, but name changes are generally only allowed in advance with applicable fees.
Conclusion
Changing the name on Ticketmaster tickets is permitted in many cases, but not universally. Check the specific event’s transfer policy, which are set at the discretion of the organizer. If allowed, both printed and electronic tickets can be transferred officially for a $8 fee per ticket.
Communicate with the new ticket holder to share transfer confirmation and any relevant pickup details. Transfers are not possible after the event occurs. Following Ticketmaster’s procedures allows proper tracking and recordkeeping while also generating the revenue needed to maintain their systems and staffing.
With millions of tickets sold, Ticketmaster’s standardized name change process helps facilitate smooth transitions for events nationwide. Look for the transfer option when selling or assigning tickets from your account. Events deemed high risk for scalping may prohibit it, but transferring tickets for friends and family is generally an accessible option.