Verified Fan explained
For big tours, you often cannot just show up at the on-sale, you have to register as a Verified Fan first. Here is what that means, and how to give yourself the best shot.
What is Verified Fan?
Verified Fan is a registration-based presale system used by Ticketmaster for high-demand events. Instead of opening the presale to anyone with a code, the seller asks fans to register in advance. It then tries to confirm you are a real person, not a bot or reseller, before deciding who gets access to buy.
How it works, step by step
- Register for the specific event during the sign-up window.
- Get selected (or waitlisted). After registration closes, the system reviews sign-ups. Selected fans are cleared to buy; others may be placed on a waitlist in case more inventory opens.
- Receive your access code and time slot, usually by text or email shortly before the presale.
- Buy during your window, while tickets last.
Why it exists
The goal is to slow down bots and professional resellers and put more tickets in the hands of genuine fans. It is not perfect, but registering in advance and confirming identity makes it harder to grab inventory in bulk.
Being selected is not the same as getting tickets
This is the part that surprises people: a Verified Fan code is access, not a guarantee. It lets you into the presale, but if demand is high, tickets in your price range or section can still sell out during your window. Being selected means you get a fair shot, not a reserved seat.
How to improve your chances
- Register as early as you can, and before the deadline.
- Use one account with accurate information. Multiple sign-ups can hurt, not help.
- Have notifications on so you catch your code and time slot.
- Be signed in and ready at the start of your window, with payment saved.
- Stay flexible on quantity, section, or date if you can.
Verified Fan vs. a regular presale
A regular presale usually just needs a code you already have (from a fan club, card, or venue). Verified Fan adds a registration and selection step up front, and not everyone who registers is chosen. For more on presales in general, see our presales guide.
What if you are not selected?
You are not out of luck. You can watch for other presales, the general on-sale, and any additional inventory the seller releases. The general on-sale is often your next real chance, if you know exactly when it starts.
Where Seats fits
Seats does not run Verified Fan, provide codes, or register you, those steps you do directly with the ticket seller. What Seats does is make sure you never miss the general on-sale: tell us the event and we email you the moment tickets go on sale, so if the presale does not work out, you are ready for the public window. Create a watch as your backup plan.
Related: Ticket presales explained · How ticket on-sales work · Seats FAQ