Is It Legal to Resell Tickets?

Selling a ticket you can't use — or buying to resell — sits in a patchwork of state laws and private ticket terms, so 'it depends' is the honest starting point.

State scalping laws vary

Reselling tickets, often called scalping, is fully legal in many states. Others regulate it: some cap the markup over face value, some require resellers to hold a license, and some restrict reselling on or near venue property. A few have specific rules for online resale. Because these differ so much, your state's law is the key reference.

The ticket's own terms

Separate from state law, a ticket is sold under terms and conditions set by the seller or venue. Some tickets are explicitly non-transferable or restrict resale to an official platform. Violating those terms may not be a crime, but it can void the ticket — meaning the buyer could be denied entry.

Online marketplaces

Reselling through established marketplaces is generally allowed, but each platform has its own rules, fees, and buyer protections, and they don't override state law or the original ticket terms. Watch for consumer-protection rules on disclosure and refunds.

This is general information

Ticket-resale law varies by state and changes, and venue terms add another layer. For a specific situation — especially reselling at scale — check your state attorney general's guidance or consult a qualified attorney.

Frequently asked questions