If you purchased a ticket through Ticketmaster and are having issues transferring it to someone else, there are a few potential reasons why:
Restrictions Set By the Event Organizer
Many event organizers, such as concert promoters or professional sports teams, set restrictions on whether tickets can be transferred through Ticketmaster. This is usually done to discourage scalping of highly desirable tickets. The event organizer may prohibit transfers entirely, only allow transfers to certain groups of people (like family and friends), or put limits on how many times a single ticket can be transferred.
Before purchasing tickets, always check the event page on Ticketmaster to see if there are any transfer restrictions noted. If transfers are not allowed, it will specify “No transfers permitted” or something similar.
Examples of Events That Commonly Prohibit Transfers
- Concerts by high-demand artists like Beyonce or Taylor Swift
- Playoff and championship games for pro sports leagues like the Super Bowl or World Series
- Broadway shows like Hamilton that are often sold-out
Identity Verification Requirements
For some events, Ticketmaster requires identity verification for all tickets transfers. This means the original ticket purchaser and the person receiving the transferred ticket may both need to verify their identities.
Verification is typically done by providing your name, address, and credit card number used to make the purchase. This process ensures the tickets are going to real fans and helps prevent scalping.
If you or the recipient did not complete ID verification when required, it can stop the transfer process. Carefully check the transfer page for any notifications about verification.
Events That Often Require ID Verification for Transfers
- Major concerts and festivals like Coachella or Lollapalooza
- Big games like the NBA Finals or Stanley Cup Playoffs
- Hot theater productions like Wicked or The Lion King
Limits Based on Original Purchase Method
Ticketmaster’s transfer policy can vary depending on how you originally purchased the ticket:
Tickets Bought from Ticketmaster Directly
If you purchased tickets directly through a Ticketmaster website or app, there are typically more open transfer options. The main limitations will be any set by the event organizer.
Tickets Bought from a Third-Party Seller
On Ticketmaster, season ticket holders and others with extra tickets can resell them through Ticketmaster’s fan-to-fan resale marketplace. Tickets purchased through these third-party sellers often have tighter transfer restrictions.
In many cases, they cannot be transferred at all after purchase. This is to protect the original seller from lost revenue if the ticket is resold multiple times at a higher price.
Before buying a resale ticket, check the transfer policy closely.
Paper Tickets
If you have a paper ticket rather than an electronic mobile ticket, transfers may not be permitted. Event organizers are moving increasingly to mobile ticketing only.
If you have paper tickets you need to transfer, you’ll need to check with the original point of purchase for their policy.
Technical Issues
In some cases, you may be allowed to transfer tickets but run into technical difficulties actually completing the transfer in your Ticketmaster account.
Some common technical issues include:
- Problems with the Ticketmaster website or mobile app loading and functioning properly.
- Difficulty accessing your Ticketmaster account due to forgotten passwords or login issues.
- Entering recipient contact information incorrectly, such as an inaccurate email address.
- Transfer notifications not being received by the ticket recipient for unknown reasons.
If you’re sure transfers should be permitted based on the event policies, but are having trouble completing the process, try these troubleshooting tips:
- Confirm the event allows transfers by checking directly on the event page in Ticketmaster.
- Double check you entered the recipient’s email address correctly.
- Try accessing Ticketmaster on both desktop and mobile to see if one platform works better.
- Clear browser cookies and cache if the website seems stuck.
- Reset your Ticketmaster password if login is failing.
- Contact Ticketmaster customer service for hands-on assistance.
When Transfers Are Permitted
If none of the previous reasons explain why you can’t transfer, here is a quick overview of when transfers are typically allowed by Ticketmaster:
- Only for electronic tickets, not paper tickets.
- Only when permitted by the event organizer.
- Only before the event starts, not after.
- Only to individuals, not for public resale.
- Only up to any transfer number limits set per ticket.
Review the full transfer policy on Ticketmaster’s website for more nuanced details.
Typical Ticketmaster Transfer Limits
Ticket Type | Maximum Transfers Allowed |
---|---|
Concert tickets | Varies by event, typically 1-5 |
Sports tickets | Usually 1-3 transfers |
Theater tickets | Often no limit |
Alternatives If Transfers Are Not Allowed
If you are unable to complete a transfer due to restrictions, here are some options:
- Sell tickets through Ticketmaster resale – This allows you to recoup costs while preventing scalping.
- Give tickets to someone local – They can use your original payment method to pick up tickets onsite.
- Eat costs – If transfers are fully prohibited, you may have to accept lost money.
Getting Help from Ticketmaster
If you still are uncertain why Ticketmaster isn’t allowing your transfer after reviewing their policy, reach out to their customer service team for personalized help:
- Live chat agents on Ticketmaster.com
- Call 1-800-653-8000 (toll free in U.S. & Canada)
- Contact support via email
- Tweet @Ticketmaster
Be ready to provide your full name, order number, and any other relevant details. Make it clear you have reviewed their transfer policy but are still having trouble.
Key Takeaways
- Event organizers often prohibit transfers, especially for high-demand tickets.
- ID verification requirements can complicate the process.
- Tickets purchased from third-party resellers frequently can’t be transferred.
- Technical issues with Ticketmaster’s website or app may get in the way.
- If allowed, transfers are only permitted in certain circumstances.
- If you can’t transfer, reselling through Ticketmaster or eating the costs may be your only options.
- Customer service can clarify restrictions if you’re still unsure.
Transfers can be a confusing part of buying tickets. By understanding Ticketmaster’s policies and why transfers may be restricted, you can manage your expectations and make alternative plans when needed.
The key is always checking the specifics of transferability before purchasing any tickets you may need to send to someone else later on.
Careful review of the details for your particular event will save you frustration down the line if transfers end up not being allowed.
Ticketmaster tries to strike a balance between giving fans flexibility while also respecting event partners’ desires to limit scalping and resales. This means transfer limits that make sense for high-demand tickets but more flexibility for lower-key events.
While you may not always get the open transferability you want, being informed ahead of time can help you make smarter ticket buying and gifting choices.