The U.S. Presidential Inauguration, occurring every four years, marks the peaceful transition of power in America. While the tone is generally a happy one, this year is more tense, with the threat of COVID, memories of riots in the Capitol and through cities last summer, allegations of election fraud, and general political disagreement lingering in the air. Nevertheless, the Inauguration will go on. Use the information to learn about how to secure tickets to the event.
How do I get tickets for the 2021 inaugural ceremony?
Tickets to the inaugural swearing-in ceremony are normally assigned within about a month or two of the inauguration date and may be requested from members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. You may need to reside in the state or district of the senator or congressperson from whose office you are requesting a ticket. When requesting tickets, you may be required to provide the name, address, and other contact information for each person for whom a ticket is requested. The number of tickets given out are limited, and some offices have instituted “lottery” systems as a means of assigning tickets.
Use the two search links below to find your local officials and ask whether any tickets are available, or to have your name put on a waiting list for tickets.
Please note that in the past, a number of offices stopped taking additional names for ticket requests in early December.
How much do tickets cost for the swearing-in ceremony?
U.S. Senate and House offices distribute tickets free of charge.
When will tickets be distributed?
In the past, tickets were distributed about ten days prior to the Inauguration.
If tickets are free, why have I seen that some tickets are for sale?
If someone offers to sell you swearing-in ceremony tickets soon after the election, know that such an offer may be fraudulent. Official tickets are distributed by congressional offices shortly before the inauguration, and there is no charge for these. With that said, the reality is that demand for tickets typically exceeds supply, and not everyone is able to obtain tickets this way.
Do I need tickets to watch the swearing-in ceremony?
No. While tickets are needed to enter certain areas, there are typically non-ticketed viewing areas available as well.
Do I need tickets to watch the Inaugural Parade?
No. Tickets are only required to watch the parade from certain places along the parade route, and these tickets are handled by the Presidential Inaugural Committee. For more information on the parade, please go here.
How do I get tickets for one of the official inaugural balls?
Some events, such as the official inaugural balls, are managed by the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC). Please see the site of the Presidential Inaugural Committee (TBA) for more information.
How much do tickets cost for the official balls?
Please check with the 2021 Presidential Inaugural Committee for ticket prices. The PIC will likely open up a Ticket Inquiries (TBA) form for the public, so you may want to submit your information there.
If I do not receive an official invitation to one of the official balls, can I still get tickets?
Possibly, though the price is likely going to be higher than the original price. More information may be posted here as it becomes available.
How do I get tickets for one of the unofficial inaugural balls?
Tickets for the “unofficial” inaugural balls are normally available through their sponsoring organizations. For the 2013 inauguration, over eighty such galas were held by state societies and other groups at a variety of locations in and around the Washington, D.C. area. In contrast, only two official balls were held to celebrate the inauguration. For the 2016 inauguration dozens of privately-hosted and state society galas were held. Unofficial balls are therefore far more numerous and offer a greater variety of entertainment experiences that guests may enjoy.
How much do tickets cost for the unofficial balls?
The prices vary, but many fall in the $100-$500 range.
Can I order tickets to inaugural events through Presidential-Inauguration.com?
No, since Presidential-Inauguration.com does not handle or sell any tickets. When available, links to ticket sellers and/or sponsoring organizations are included on this site. Please visit those external sites to make any purchases.
Where can I find information about accessibility?
Accessibility information may be obtained from the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services by calling (202) 224-4048.
Where can I get media passes/credentials?
Credentials are available by contacting the Senate departments for Radio/TV, daily print, periodicals and photography.