The Essentials for Comic-Con 2026 Returning Registration

when

is Returning Registration?

Comic-Con 2026 Returning Registration has been set for October 4, 2025! The waiting room opens around 7:30 AM PDT, and the badge sale begins at 9:00 AM PDT.

Keep an eye on our official channels for helpful information leading up to the badge sale: Comic-Con Member ID emails, Facebook, Instagram, X, and Toucan – the official blog of Comic-Con and WonderCon.

WHAT

is Returning Registration?

Comic-Con 2026 Returning Registration is the first of two attendee badge sales. It’s exclusively for those who attended Comic-Con 2025 with a paid attendee badge. The sale uses a virtual waiting room, where a randomization process takes place as the badge sale begins. Individuals will be moved into a 15-minute registration session in random order to purchase badges from the available inventory, until all are sold.

(Please read the “Who is Eligible?” question below.)

WHO

is eligible?

Returning Registration is open to all Comic-Con 2025 paid attendees*. To verify your Returning Registration eligibility:

1. Log in to your Comic-Con Member ID account. 
2. Go to your Account Dashboard. 
3. Look for “Eligibility: ✔ Comic-Con 2026 Returning Registration” under your name, Member ID, and email.

*This includes children who accompanied them with a child badge and have successfully completed the child-to-junior validation process for Comic-Con 2026.

Who is NOT Eligible?

The following member types are not eligible for Returning Registration and will have separate registration dates: 

WHERE

is Returning Registration?

Returning Registration takes place in our Member ID Portal where the Queue-it virtual waiting room will open over an hour before the sale begins at 9:00 AM PDT. If you get the opportunity to purchase badges, you’ll be prompted to log in to your Member ID account to begin your registration session. Hosted by Configio, we’ve worked hard on an improved registration experience for all of our prospective attendees.

Can I Buy Badges for Friends?

Yes! You can purchase badges for up to three people, including or excluding yourself. Everyone you are purchasing for must also be eligible to participate in Returning Registration. You’ll need their Member ID and last name as it appears on their Member ID accounts (including all special characters and punctuation, if applicable).

Check our Toucan blog next week for a special post on badge buying for friends or family.

(Please read the eligibility questions above to determine your friends’ eligibility and encourage them to check their Member ID accounts.)

How do Child Badges Work?

Children (age 12 and under) are free with a paying adult! You may register up to two (2) children per paid adult attendee on-site. We’re proud to offer one of the most generous child badge policies in the industry. So, bring your kiddos and start making memories at our next Comic-Con! Click here for all information on our Child Badge Policy.

Am I Guaranteed a Badge?

Participating in Returning Registration does not guarantee you a badge, regardless of when you enter the waiting room. Due to high demand, there are more eligible attendees than available badges.

Can I Participate in Open Registration?

If you have a valid and confirmed Member ID, then yes, you are eligible to participate in Comic-Con 2026 Open Registration. Your participation in Returning Registration will not impact your eligibility for Open Registration.