Yes, ticket scalping is legal in California, but it is tightly regulated under state and local laws. California’s Civil Code § 1740.4 prohibits the resale of tickets at prices exceeding face value unless the seller is the original issuer or holds a valid resale license. Local jurisdictions, such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, impose additional restrictions, including mandatory disclosure of fees and caps on resale prices for certain events. Violations can result in fines up to $1,000 per offense, with enforcement handled by the Attorney General’s Office and local consumer protection agencies.
Key Regulations for Scalping Tickets in California
- Price Caps & Disclosure Requirements: California prohibits resale prices exceeding 10% above face value unless the seller is a licensed broker. Local ordinances in cities like Los Angeles require sellers to display all fees upfront, including service and delivery charges.
- Licensing Mandates: Sellers must obtain a resale license from the California Attorney General’s Office if operating as a commercial broker. Unlicensed individuals face penalties under Business and Professions Code § 17539.5.
- Event-Specific Restrictions: For high-demand events (e.g., concerts, sports), local authorities may impose temporary bans on scalping within a specified radius of venues. The 2026 compliance framework expands enforcement for digital resale platforms, requiring real-time price transparency.
Enforcement has intensified with the rise of secondary ticketing platforms, such as StubHub and SeatGeek, which must comply with California’s transparency laws. Failure to adhere to these regulations risks civil penalties and injunctions. Consult the California Department of Justice’s 2024 guidelines for updates on evolving enforcement priorities.