Did you know California has some of the toughest laws in the country to protect ticket buyers? Whether you're planning to attend iconic events like Coachella 2025, the World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers' home opener, or any of the myriad smaller events that take place across the Golden State every day, understanding your rights can save you from scams. From ensuring refunds for canceled events to requiring transparency from ticket sellers, these seven California ticket laws are designed to protect you.

Note: Every quotation in this article comes directly from the CA Legislative Code. To learn more access: Chapter 21, Section 22500 - 22511

1. Ticket Sellers Must Be Transparent

California law requires ticket sellers to have a “permanent business address” and to include that address in any advertisement or solicitation. This ensures accountability and makes it easier for consumers to verify a seller’s legitimacy.

If a seller violates this rule, the consequences are steep: “A violation of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding six months, or by a fine not exceeding two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500), or by both.”

2. Know Where You’ll Be Sitting

Don’t want to gamble on where your seats are? The law requires ticket sellers to disclose your seat location upfront, stating: “A ticket seller shall, prior to sale, disclose to the purchaser by means of description or a map the location of the seat or seats represented by the ticket or tickets.”

Always check this information before handing over your money.

3. Deposits Are Protected

If you’re asked to pay a deposit for a future event, you have rights. According to the law, “Any partial or full deposit received by a ticket seller on a future event for which tickets are not available shall be refundable except for a service charge of not more than 10 percent until tickets for the event are actually available.”

This protection ensures that your money isn’t tied up indefinitely in the hands of unreliable sellers.

4. Refunds for Canceled or Rescheduled Events

Life happens, and events sometimes get canceled or rescheduled. California law has you covered. Sellers must issue a full refund “within 30 calendar days of the cancellation” of an event. If the event is postponed or rescheduled, you’re entitled to a refund within 30 days of your request.

Even local jurisdictions can step in to protect buyers by requiring ticket sellers to post a bond of up to $50,000 to cover potential refunds.

5. Beware of Scalping Software

Frustrated by bots snapping up tickets? California is too. The law explicitly prohibits “a person to intentionally use or sell software or services to circumvent a security measure, access control system, or other control or measure that is used to ensure an equitable ticket buying process.”

This means any software designed to bypass ticket limits or other security measures is illegal, helping ensure that everyday fans have a fair shot at tickets.

6. What Happens If Sellers Don’t Deliver?

If a ticket seller fails to deliver your tickets as promised, California law holds them accountable. Buyers can claim compensation, including “two times the contracted price of the ticket” and reimbursement for nonrefundable expenses.

So, if a seller doesn’t follow through, they’ll face the financial consequences.

7. Nonprofits and Casual Sellers Are Exempt

The law carves out exceptions for certain types of sellers. For example, these regulations “[do] not apply to any nonprofit charitable tax-exempt organization selling tickets to an event sponsored by the organization.”

Additionally, “any person who sells six tickets or less to any one single event” is exempt, provided the tickets are sold off-site from the event location. However, if you’re buying from a casual seller, take extra precautions to verify the tickets’ legitimacy.