The main difference between a standard ticket and a verified ticket on Ticketmaster is that a verified ticket provides added security features to help protect against counterfeits. Verified tickets have the ticket holder’s name printed on them and require the purchaser to present ID matching that name for venue entry. Standard tickets do not have these extra verifications.
Standard Tickets
A standard ticket on Ticketmaster is the regular, basic ticket with no added security enhancements. When you purchase standard tickets on Ticketmaster for an event, you will receive your tickets electronically via the Ticketmaster app or website. Standard tickets will display details like the event name, date, section, row, and seat number.
Some key things to know about standard Ticketmaster tickets:
- They can be transferred or resold easily since there are no restrictions tied to the ticket holder’s identity.
- They do not require ID verification or have the ticket holder’s name printed on them.
- Standard tickets carry a basic bar code that is scanned for entry. The bar code confirms it is a valid, authentic ticket.
- Standard tickets purchased through Ticketmaster are protected with a 100% money-back guarantee against fraud.
- If tickets are lost, you would need to work with Ticketmaster for reissuing options.
Standard tickets provide the baseline access needed to attend the event. They allow easy transferability to others and have no extra verifications steps at venue entry beyond bar code scanning. Standard tickets will suit most buyers’ needs for straightforward entry to concerts, games, and shows.
Verified Tickets
Verified tickets on Ticketmaster provide enhanced security features beyond what standard tickets offer. With verified tickets, the purchaser’s name is printed directly on the ticket. The person entering the event must show valid photo ID proving they are the named ticket holder.
Here are some key facts about Ticketmaster’s verified tickets:
- Verified tickets have the name of the purchaser printed on them, so they cannot be freely transferred without updating the name details with Ticketmaster first.
- To enter the venue, the person holding the verified ticket must show valid photo ID matching the name on the ticket.
- Getting a verified ticket requires providing your legal name, address, email, and credit card number when purchasing.
- Verified tickets help prevent counterfeits and minimize unauthorized reselling.
- If a verified ticket is lost or stolen, immediate action is required to reissue the ticket into the correct person’s name.
- There is no price difference between standard and verified Ticketmaster tickets.
Verified tickets add an extra layer of control and security for high-demand events where counterfeit ticket fraud is common. The ID and name print requirements help keep tickets restricted to the original purchaser and their trusted connections. This deters mass reselling of tickets by unauthorized brokers.
When Verified Tickets Make Sense
Getting verified tickets on Ticketmaster is recommended in situations where demand greatly outpaces supply. Top examples where verified tickets are useful include:
- Sold out concerts or shows where counterfeit tickets may be rampant.
- High-stakes games like playoff matches where fans take extreme measures for access.
- In-demand comedy shows with limited seating capacity.
- Music festivals attracting large crowds.
- Special events like New Year’s Eve in Times Square.
Event organizers can choose to require all tickets be issued as verified tickets. Often general admission sections remain standard tickets while seated sections are verified. Verified tickets act as a safeguard against scalpers when scarcity drives a thriving black market. The added security provides peace of mind that you will actually get into the event after buying from Ticketmaster.
When Standard Tickets Suffice
For most everyday events, standard tickets meet attendees’ needs. Standard ticket situations where verified tickets offer negligible benefit include:
- Ongoing sports seasons with ample games and seating.
- Shows that are not sold out and have open inventory.
- Community events with free or inexpensive ticketing.
- Performances by artists with small fan bases.
- Movie theater tickets for non-blockbuster films.
Games, concerts, theater performances, and other events with readily available tickets see little risk for counterfeiting schemes. Standard tickets let you pay, receive your tickets online quickly, and gain entry by having the gate scan your bar code. The added steps of verified tickets are not necessary in low threat environments.
Purchasing Verified Tickets
When you purchase tickets on Ticketmaster’s website or mobile app, you will see verified ticket options for certain events mixed in with standard tickets. Here is the process to purchase verified tickets:
- Select the verified ticket option after picking your desired section and seats.
- Enter your complete legal name when prompted later in the purchase flow.
- Provide valid ID details including type, number, and expiration date.
- Agree to the terms related to verified tickets.
- Finish the transaction by paying with a credit card in your name.
After completing your verified ticket order, you will receive your tickets electronically through Ticketmaster’s systems. Make sure to have your photo ID handy on event day to match the name printed on each ticket. Notify Ticketmaster promptly if any name changes are required or if tickets are lost and need reissuing.
Reselling Verified Tickets
The name printed on a verified ticket prevents freely reselling it or transferring it to others. To resell a verified Ticketmaster ticket, you need to take actions to update the name details printed on it. Options include:
- Ticketmaster Ticket Exchange – You can relist your verified tickets here securely. The site facilitates name change updates.
- Transfer to Friend – You can begin transferring a ticket to someone you know. Their name replaces yours.
- Contact Ticketmaster – Get help from customer service to officially change the name and reissue the ticket.
These options let you resell your verified tickets while properly updating the holder name details. Avoid unauthorized reselling attempts, which leave tickets unusable if the name and ID do not match at entry. Instead take the necessary steps through Ticketmaster for approved transfers.
Cost Comparison
There is no price difference between standard tickets and verified tickets on Ticketmaster. You pay the same advertised price regardless of the ticket type selected during purchase. The only exception would be if an event organizer charges an additional name change fee when transferring a verified ticket from its original purchaser to someone new.
So the more secure verified tickets do not come at a premium cost over standard tickets. Yet they provide enhanced fraud and counterfeit protection for high-demand events with constrained inventory. For most events, the standard ticket type suffices. But verified tickets give added security for sold out, high-interest events with ticket scarcity.
Key Differences Summary
In summary, the main differences between standard and verified Ticketmaster tickets are:
- Standard – Basic bar code ticket with no restrictions. Freely transferable.
- Verified – Ticket holder name printed and ID required for entry. Added security.
- Usage – Verified better for high-demand, sold out events. Standard works for most everyday events.
- Convenience – Standard faster and easier. Verified requires extra entry steps.
- Cost – No pricing difference. Verified provides more security without added cost.
Evaluating your situation will determine if verified tickets are worthwhile or if standard tickets meet your needs. Verified tickets prevent counterfeits and unauthorized reselling, acting as a shield against fraud for hot ticket events. Standard tickets continue to work well for casual events without major security concerns. Keep these key differences in mind when purchasing tickets on Ticketmaster.