Ticketmaster lets you transfer tickets to another person through your account, and the recipient gets their own barcode to enter the venue

When you transfer tickets on Ticketmaster, the tickets move out of your account and into the recipient's account (or email inbox if they don't have one yet). They'll receive a barcode on their phone or printed ticket that works just like yours would have. The transfer is permanent — once sent, you can't undo it, so make sure you're sending to the right person and the right event.

Ticketmaster allows transfers for most events, but some venues or artists restrict them. You'll see whether transfer is allowed when you look at your tickets in your account. If the option isn't there, that event doesn't permit transfers.

Key Takeaways

  • You transfer tickets through your Ticketmaster account under "My Events" or "My Tickets," and the recipient receives them in their email or Ticketmaster account within minutes.
  • The person you're sending to needs either a Ticketmaster account or a valid email address; if they don't have an account, they can create one when they receive the transfer.
  • Transfers are final and cannot be reversed, so confirm the recipient's email address and the correct event before you send.
  • Some events restrict transfers entirely, and a few allow transfers only within a certain window before the event date.
  • The recipient sees the same barcode and seat information you would have seen, and they can print the ticket or use the Ticketmaster app to enter the venue.

Step-by-step: How to send tickets to someone else

Log into your Ticketmaster account on the website or app. Go to "My Events" (on the website) or "My Tickets" (on the app). Find the event you want to transfer tickets from and tap or click on it.

Look for a "Transfer" button or link next to the ticket. Click it. Ticketmaster will ask you how many tickets you want to transfer — you can send all of them or just some. Enter the number and continue.

Enter the recipient's email address. This is the email where they'll receive the transfer notification. If they already have a Ticketmaster account, use the email tied to that account so the tickets go straight into their account. If they don't have an account, they can create one when they click the link in the email.

Review the details — the event, date, number of tickets, and recipient email — then confirm the transfer. Ticketmaster will send a notification to that email address within a few minutes. The recipient clicks the link in the email to accept the tickets.

What the recipient needs to do

The person you're transferring to will receive an email from Ticketmaster with the subject line "You've received tickets" or similar. They click the link in that email to accept the transfer.

If they don't have a Ticketmaster account, they'll be asked to create one during this process. They'll need to provide a name, email, and password. Once they've set up their account or logged in, the tickets appear in their "My Tickets" section.

From there, they can view their barcode (a QR code on their phone or a printable barcode), check the seat numbers, and see any other ticket details. They can also transfer the tickets to someone else if needed, depending on the event's transfer rules.

Events that don't allow transfers

Some venues and artists block ticket transfers for resale protection or other reasons. You'll know when ready when you look at your tickets — if transfer isn't an option, the button won't appear in your account.

If an event restricts transfers, your only option is to bring the person to the venue with you or have them use your account to enter if the venue allows that. Some venues do permit one person to enter with a ticket holder's phone showing the barcode, but policies vary. Check the event details or contact the venue directly if you're unsure.

Transfer windows and timing restrictions

Most events allow transfers at any time after you buy the ticket, even on the day of the event. However, a small number of events have a cutoff — for example, transfers might not be allowed within 48 hours of showtime, or transfers might only be allowed up to a certain date before the event.

When you look at your tickets, Ticketmaster will tell you if there's a important date. If you're cutting it close, transfer as soon as you know you won't be using the ticket, rather than waiting until the last minute.

What happens if the transfer fails or the recipient doesn't accept

If you enter the wrong email address or the recipient's email filters the notification into spam, they might not see the transfer. Ticketmaster typically holds the transfer for a set period (usually several days) before it expires and the tickets return to your account.

If the transfer expires, you'll see a notification in your account and the tickets will reappear in your "My Tickets" section. You can then transfer again to the correct email address. If the recipient accepted the transfer but then lost access to their account, they'll need to contact Ticketmaster support to regain access — you cannot reverse a completed transfer.

Transferring tickets from a mobile ticket or print-at-home ticket

The transfer process is the same whether your ticket is a mobile barcode (on your phone) or a print-at-home ticket (that you printed yourself). You initiate the transfer from your Ticketmaster account, not from the physical ticket or phone screen.

Once the transfer is complete, the original barcode on your phone or printed ticket no longer works. The recipient's barcode is the only valid one. Do not try to use your old barcode or printed ticket at the venue — it will be rejected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer tickets to someone without a Ticketmaster account?

Yes. You enter their email address, and they receive a notification with a link to accept the transfer. They can create a Ticketmaster account during that process if they don't already have one. They don't need an account before you send the transfer.

Can I transfer tickets after the event has started?

Ticketmaster's system allows transfers up until the event starts, but once the event begins, transfers are blocked. If you're trying to transfer on the day of the event, do it before doors open or the show begins.

What if I transferred tickets but the recipient says they never got the email?

Ask them to check their spam or junk folder — Ticketmaster emails sometimes end up there. If it's not there, the email address you entered may have been wrong. Contact Ticketmaster support with the recipient's correct email and the event details, and they can help resend or correct the transfer.

Can the person I transfer to transfer the tickets to someone else?

Usually yes, but it depends on the event. Some events allow unlimited transfers between people, while others restrict transfers to one time only. The recipient will see whether they can transfer when they look at the tickets in their account.

Do I get a refund if I transfer my tickets?

No. Transferring moves the tickets to someone else's account; it does not cancel the purchase or issue a refund. If you need a refund, you would need to contact Ticketmaster support about the original purchase, not about the transfer.