You have bought tickets to an event but now someone else is going in your place -- or you have realised the name on the ticket is wrong. Can you change it? The answer depends on the platform and the event. Here is what you need to know.
This guide covers general practices across UK ticketing platforms. Always check the specific platform and event terms for their name-change policy.
Why names matter on tickets
Not all tickets have names on them. But for many events -- particularly high-demand shows, festivals, and football matches -- tickets are issued in the buyer's name and ID may be checked at the door. This is done to prevent unauthorised resale (touting) and to ensure security.
If the name on your ticket does not match your ID, the venue may refuse entry. This makes name changes an important issue when plans change.
How to change the name -- by platform
Ticketmaster
Ticketmaster allows name changes for some events through their transfer feature. Log into your account, find the order, and look for a "Transfer" button. If transfers are not available for that event, contact their customer service. Some events explicitly block name changes.
See Tickets
See Tickets sometimes allows name changes by contacting their customer service team. This is handled on a case-by-case basis, so there is no guarantee.
AXS
AXS has a transfer feature for many events. You can send your ticket to someone else's AXS account, which effectively changes the name.
Tickts
On Tickts, transferring a ticket to a different person is straightforward. Our transfer feature allows you to send the ticket to another person's email address, generating a new verified ticket in their name. This is the cleanest way to handle a name change -- the old ticket is voided and a fresh one is created.
Other platforms
For smaller platforms, the best approach is to email customer service with your order number and the new attendee's name. Many will accommodate name changes, especially if you contact them well before the event.
What if name changes are not allowed?
Some events and platforms do not permit name changes at all. In this case:
- Attend together -- If you can still go, enter the venue with the other person using your ID, then they can stay while you leave.
- Contact the venue directly -- Sometimes the venue is more flexible than the ticketing platform. Call their box office and explain the situation.
- Check if ID is actually being checked -- For some events, the name on the ticket is there for records but ID is not checked at the door. This is not guaranteed, though, so do not rely on it.
- Request a refund and rebuy -- If the event is not sold out, you could try to get a refund and have the other person buy their own ticket.
Timing matters
The closer to the event, the harder it is to change a name. Most platforms are more accommodating weeks in advance than they are the day before. Do not leave it to the last minute if you know someone else will be using your ticket.
Group bookings
If you bought tickets for a group and one person has changed, you usually only need to change the name on the specific ticket(s) for the person who is no longer attending -- not the entire booking. Check with the platform how they handle individual name changes within a group order.
Keep confirmation of the change
If you successfully change the name on a ticket, make sure you have written confirmation. An email from the platform or a screenshot of the updated ticket is essential. The person attending should have this on their phone in case of any issues at the door.
Summary
Name changes on tickets range from simple to impossible, depending on the platform and event. Check your options early, use official transfer features where available, and contact customer service if you need help. Platforms like Tickts that offer easy transfers make this process painless -- but whatever platform you used, acting quickly gives you the best chance of a smooth change.
