Carter, Inyo N.F. will not allow people to transfer their permits. They do that to prevent scalpers from gaming the system. The original permit-holder has to show ID when picking up the actual permits.

What you CAN do, though, is watch the online system for anything showing up. Bookmark that link.

The other alternative is to show up at the Visitor Center and request a walk-in permit. They are very often available, since many hikers with group permits have extra spots that become available when they pick up their permits. And at 2 PM the day before, all the no-shows become available.

The only issue with walk-in permits this year is that you don't get a parking permit, which is required this summer due to road construction and no parking along the road. So you would need to hire a shuttle service to take you up to the trail head.

If you get a reservation via the online system, that gets you a parking permit -- even if you only get ONE slot, there will be plenty of no-shows so you can add more when you pick up.

Good luck!!