There are a few possible reasons why your Ticketmaster ticket may have someone else’s name on it:
You bought the ticket from a reseller
If you purchased the ticket from a ticket reseller site like StubHub, SeatGeek, Vivid Seats, etc., the ticket will show the original purchaser’s name, not yours. This is because the tickets are originally purchased from Ticketmaster by someone else and then resold on a secondary marketplace. The new ticket buyer’s name doesn’t get changed on the actual ticket. This is normal – you’ll still be able to use the ticket to enter the event.
The ticket was transferred to you
If the original Ticketmaster ticket purchaser transferred the ticket to you or gave you the ticket, the name on the ticket will remain the original buyer’s name. Ticketmaster allows tickets to be transferred to a new buyer without changing the name printed on the ticket.
You’re picking up a ticket for someone else
If you purchased a Ticketmaster ticket for someone else (like a gift) or you’re picking up a ticket for a friend, the ticket will show the original purchaser’s name. As long as you have the ticket barcode/QR code, you’ll be able to use the ticket even if it has someone else’s name on it.
There was an error with the ticket order
In some rare cases, there may have been a glitch with the Ticketmaster system and it printed the wrong name on the ticket. If you believe there’s been an error, you should contact Ticketmaster Customer Service and provide the order details. They should be able to confirm if there was a mistake and may be able to reissue the ticket with the correct name.
You received a counterfeit or fake ticket
If you purchased a ticket from a sketchy source, it’s possible you were sold a fake or counterfeit paper ticket. Fake tickets will often have someone else’s name on them. Always be sure to buy from official sources to avoid counterfeits.
What to do if your Ticketmaster ticket has the wrong name
If your Ticketmaster ticket has someone else’s name on it for some reason, don’t panic. Here’s what to do:
- If you purchased from an official source like Ticketmaster.com or the box office, contact customer service to notify them of the error.
- If you bought from a resale marketplace, this is normal – you can still use the ticket.
- If the ticket was transferred or gifted to you, it will show the original buyer’s name but you can still use it.
- If you think the ticket might be counterfeit, reach out to the seller for a refund.
- As long as you have the valid barcoded ticket, you can enter the venue despite the name difference.
In most cases, having another name on your Ticketmaster ticket is not a cause for concern and your ticket will still scan properly at the entrance. Customer service can assist if there appears to be an error with the name on your ticket.
Why Ticketmaster tickets show the original purchaser’s name
All Ticketmaster tickets are printed with the original ticket buyer’s name for a couple key reasons:
To prevent counterfeiting and scalping
Printing the original purchaser’s name helps prevent counterfeiting and illegal ticket scalping. It allows venues to verify identities and ensure the person using the ticket matched the original buyer. This provides some protection against fake tickets.
To facilitate ticket transfers
Keeping the original buyer’s name allows Ticketmaster to easily facilitate legal ticket transfers between buyers. The name doesn’t need to be changed when someone sells or transfers a ticket to another fan. The barcode remains valid regardless of the name change.
To track original purchasers
The name also allows Ticketmaster and event venues to track who originally bought each ticket in their system. This helps combat scalping and also provides records in case there are ever problems with a ticket order that require investigation.
To personalize tickets
Printing the buyer’s name adds a layer of personalization and uniqueness to each ticket. It provides a nice touch for fans attending events and gives the tickets more of a commemorative feel.
Do all Ticketmaster tickets have names printed?
The vast majority of Ticketmaster tickets will have the original purchasing fan’s name printed on the ticket. However, there are certain types of tickets that may not display names, such as:
- Some festival general admission tickets
- VIP/premium tickets that weren’t purchased directly through Ticketmaster
- Third party resale tickets
- Anonymously purchased tickets
- Tickets without reserved seating
In most cases though, Ticketmaster event tickets will clearly display the name of the person who originally purchased the ticket for that specific seat. It’s part of their purchase process and ticketing system.
Can you use a Ticketmaster ticket with someone else’s name?
Yes, you are typically able to use a Ticketmaster ticket even if it has someone else’s name on it. This is because the barcode or QR code on the ticket is what matters most. As long as the barcode scans and comes up valid, you’ll be permitted to enter the event.
Venues want to avoid turning away fans on a technicality if they legitimately obtained their tickets. The name on the ticket won’t override a valid barcode. You likely won’t have any issues using a ticket in someone else’s name, as long as you actually have possession of the legitimate ticket.
Should you transfer Ticketmaster tickets to the new buyer?
When selling or gifting Ticketmaster tickets, it’s recommended to officially transfer tickets to the recipient through Ticketmaster. Here are some benefits of transferring tickets:
- It allows the new ticket holder to add the tickets to their Ticketmaster account.
- Transferred tickets can be easily accessed via the Ticketmaster app.
- It prevents the old owner from voiding transferred tickets.
- The new buyer can view the tickets on their app right away.
While not required, officially transferring tickets provides both buyers protection, convenience and peace of mind. However, it does not change the name printed on the physical ticket.
Can you change the name on a Ticketmaster ticket?
Unfortunately there is no way to completely change the name printed on an existing Ticketmaster ticket. However, there are couple options if you need tickets changed into someone else’s name:
Have the original buyer change the name when originally purchasing.
If buying tickets as a gift for someone, simply enter their name instead of yours when going through the Ticketmaster purchase process online. This will ensure the ticket prints with their name.
Have Ticketmaster reissue new tickets.
In exceptional cases where tickets were purchased under an incorrect name, the original buyer can contact customer service and request the tickets be canceled and reissued under the correct name. Fees may apply.
Use a ticket transfer.
Rather than modifying the name directly, use Ticketmaster’s transfer function to electronically send the tickets to someone else. This will register them as the new ticket owner in Ticketmaster’s systems.
Unfortunately there is no “update name” ability for existing Ticketmaster tickets. But transferring tickets or reissuing under a new name are the closest options available in special circumstances.
Does the name on a Ticketmaster ticket matter?
At most venues, the name listed on a Ticketmaster ticket does not matter and does not need to exactly match the ticket holder’s ID. The barcode is what counts. However there are some exceptions where names may be enforced:
- VIP/Premium Tickets – Higher priced tickets sometimes require name matches. This varies by show.
- International Events – Foreign venues are more likely to check ticket names during entry.
- High Profile Events – Major concerts, championship events and exclusives may check.
- E-Tickets – Names matter more for electronic tickets than for paper tickets.
In general though, Ticketmaster allows leeway on ticket names, using the barcode to confirm validity. The exceptions are special VIP tickets or particularly high-profile events.
Can you print a Ticketmaster ticket under a different name?
Ticketmaster as a company does not allow fans to reprint tickets under alternate names themselves. The name is set at the time of purchase. However, some fans use custom apps or tools to edit and reprint at home.
Reprinting Ticketmaster tickets with a fake name is risky and not recommended. If caught, fans may be denied entry or have their tickets canceled. It also violates Ticketmaster’s policies. Your best option is getting the ticket properly transferred to you or reissued officially if possible.
What if I lost my Ticketmaster ticket and don’t know the original buyer?
If you obtained an original paper Ticketmaster ticket and lost it, you can still gain entry even without the name. Here are some options:
- Purchase a Ticketmaster duplicate ticket – Call customer service and arrange for a replacement using the barcode.
- Have the original buyer transfer it – They can send you the ticket electronically if the event allows this.
- Show your ID – Explain the situation at will call with your ID and they can print your replacements there.
As long as you have the order information, barcode or ticket number, Ticketmaster and the box office can still help gain you entry. The original buyer’s name is not required in order to replace lost hard tickets.
Can you sell a Ticketmaster ticket after transferring it?
Once you complete a ticket transfer via Ticketmaster.com or the app, the tickets are permanently associated with the recipient’s account. The original ticket purchaser can no longer take actions like reselling, posting, or transferring the tickets.
However, the recipient who received the transferred Ticketmaster ticket can choose to post them for resale afterwards. They now have full control. So transferring tickets does not permanently prevent future resales – it only prevents the original buyer from controlling the tickets anymore.
Does Ticketmaster warn buyers about wrong names?
Ticketmaster does try to warn buyers against purchasing tickets with the wrong names printed. For example, their FAQ page cautions that tickets must match the ID of the person entering the event. They also encourage fans to transfer tickets into their name when possible.
However, in practice Ticketmaster does not usually enforce name matches strictly. Their customer service reps will often advise buyers that different names can still work. It’s still recommended to take precautions when buying tickets with incorrect names, but warnings are not absolute.
Conclusions
Having someone else’s name on your Ticketmaster ticket does not automatically make it invalid or dangerous to use. In most cases, you’ll still be able to use the ticket normally as long as you actually possess it. Different names will not cause problems in standard cases.
Situations where a name mismatch causes troubles are rarer, like VIP tickets or entry at international venues. If you’re concerned, you can always contact Ticketmaster customer service for confirmation about your specific event.
To avoid headaches entirely, it’s smartest to properly transfer tickets into your own name electronically if feasible. But at most normal events, the barcode trumps the name print when entering. Don’t panic if you can’t match the name – focus instead on securely obtaining legitimate tickets.
Scenario | Does Name Matter? |
---|---|
Buying resale tickets | No, name does not need to match |
VIP or premium tickets | Sometimes names are enforced |
International events | Foreign venues often check names |
High profile concerts | Major shows may check names |
Sporting events | Name rarely matters for sporting events |
Music festivals | Festivals only use wristbands |
This table summarizes when the name on your Ticketmaster ticket may or may not matter based on the type of event you’re attending. In general, normal tickets will not be checked against IDs, but special cases like VIP access sometimes enforce the name match.
How to safely buy Ticketmaster tickets with different names
If you need to purchase event tickets on Ticketmaster with someone else’s name on them, here are some tips to stay safe:
- Always buy from trusted sellers like Ticketmaster directly or approved resellers.
- Avoid deals that seem suspiciously cheap – this signals scams.
- Legitimate resale sites like StubHub guarantee valid tickets.
- Compare prices across different resale platforms.
- Request the seller transfer tickets to you electronically if possible.
- Pay with a credit card for purchase protection.
- Confirm barcodes and ticket details carefully.
- Wait until receiving tickets to pay if picking up locally.
- Thoroughly inspect tickets in-person before paying cash.
Following smart buying practices like this reduces the already low risks around name mismatches for Ticketmaster tickets. Pay attention and take precautions, but having someone else’s name is typically not a major cause for concern.
Key Takeaways
- Ticketmaster tickets display the original buyer’s name, which often differs from yours.
- You can still use tickets with someone else’s name in most cases.
- The barcode is what matters – names are rarely cross-checked.
- Transferring tickets electronically is best but not required.
- Take basic precautions when buying tickets secondhand.
- Different names on Ticketmaster tickets are not inherently dangerous.
- Enjoy the show and don’t worry about minor name mismatches!