Many times, train tickets are booked well in advance, but due to sudden reasons like illness, office work, family emergencies, or plan changes, the original passenger may not be able to travel. In such situations, people often ask whether a train ticket can be transferred to another person instead of cancelling it.
As per the official rules of Indian Railways and booking guidelines followed by IRCTC, train tickets are generally non-transferable, but limited exceptions are allowed under strict conditions.
This detailed guide explains everything you need to know about train ticket transfer, including rules, eligibility, step-by-step process, documents required, and important restrictions.
⭐ Is Train Ticket Transfer Allowed in India?
In most cases, train tickets cannot be transferred freely. Indian Railways follows strict rules to prevent misuse and ensure passenger safety.
However, ticket transfer is allowed in special cases, but only when:
- The ticket is confirmed
- The transfer is made to a close family member
- The request is submitted at least 24 hours before train departure
- Approval is granted by railway authorities
If any of these conditions are not met, ticket transfer is not permitted.
⭐ Who Can Get a Transferred Train Ticket?
Indian Railways allows ticket transfer only to immediate family members. These include:
- Father
- Mother
- Son
- Daughter
- Brother
- Sister
- Husband or Wife
🚫 Tickets cannot be transferred to friends, cousins, colleagues, neighbours, or distant relatives, even if there is a genuine reason.
⭐ Which Train Tickets Can Be Transferred?
Not all tickets are eligible for transfer. Only specific ticket types are allowed.
| Ticket Type | Transfer Allowed |
|---|---|
| Confirmed (General Quota) | ✅ Yes |
| RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) | ❌ No |
| Waiting List (WL) | ❌ No |
| Tatkal Ticket | ❌ No |
| Premium Tatkal Ticket | ❌ No |
👉 Only confirmed, non-Tatkal tickets are eligible for transfer.
⭐ Can Tatkal or Premium Tatkal Tickets Be Transferred?
❌ No, Tatkal and Premium Tatkal tickets cannot be transferred under any circumstances.
Even if the ticket is confirmed and the transfer is for a close family member, name change or transfer is not allowed for Tatkal bookings. This rule is strict and non-negotiable.
⭐ How to Transfer Train Ticket to Another Person (Step-by-Step Process)
Ticket transfer is an offline-only process. There is no online facility on IRCTC for name change or ticket transfer.
🪜 Step 1: Visit the Railway Reservation Office
Go to the nearest PRS (Passenger Reservation System) counter or railway reservation office.
🪜 Step 2: Submit a Written Application
Write an application mentioning:
- PNR number
- Train number and journey date
- Name of original passenger
- Name of new passenger
- Reason for ticket transfer
🪜 Step 3: Attach Required Documents
You must submit the following documents:
- Original ticket or printout
- Valid photo ID proof of the original passenger
- Valid photo ID proof of the new passenger
- Proof of relationship (Aadhaar, ration card, family certificate, etc.)
🪜 Step 4: Verification by Railway Authorities
Railway officials will verify:
- Identity documents
- Relationship proof
- Ticket status and eligibility
🪜 Step 5: Approval and Name Change
If everything is correct:
- The passenger name is officially changed
- The new passenger becomes the authorised ticket holder
⭐ Time Limit for Ticket Transfer
⏰ The request must be submitted at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure of the train.
- Requests made within 24 hours of departure are rejected
- Ticket transfer is not allowed after chart preparation
⭐ What Happens If Someone Travels Without Approved Transfer?
If a person travels using someone else’s ticket without official approval:
- It is treated as travelling without a valid ticket
- A heavy fine may be imposed
- Passenger can be deboarded from the train
- Ticket amount may be forfeited
⭐ Important Things to Remember
- Ticket transfer is a special permission, not a general right
- Allowed only for confirmed tickets
- Only close family members are eligible
- Tatkal, RAC, and waitlisted tickets cannot be transferred
- No online name change facility exists
- Railway approval is mandatory
🔚 Conclusion
Train ticket transfer in India is not allowed in most cases, but Indian Railways provides a limited facility to transfer confirmed tickets to close family members under strict conditions. The request must be made offline at a reservation office at least 24 hours before departure, along with proper documents.
If your ticket is Tatkal, RAC, or waitlisted, transfer is not possible, and cancellation is the only option.
For more simple, reliable, and step-by-step guides on railway rules and government services, visit Sarkari Bakery.