The submission process is the same
Identify the card, inspect its condition, check completed sales, choose an eligible service, create the order, and follow the grading company's packing and shipping instructions.
How do you get a sports card graded?
Identify the exact card, inspect it, research realistic outcomes, choose a company and service, document the shipment, then verify the finished holder.
- 01Identify the exact card
- 02Decide why you want it graded
- 03Inspect the condition
- 04Research raw and graded sales
- 05Compare grading companies
- 06Choose the service tier
- 07Create, document, and ship the order
- 08Check the finished card
The complete grading process
Each step removes a different kind of mistake before the card leaves your hands.
- 01
Identify the exact card
Record the year, maker, product, set, card number, player, variation, serial number, and autograph or memorabilia details.
- 02
Decide why you want it graded
Common reasons include authentication, protection, collection organization, easier resale, or access to a vault and marketplace workflow.
- 03
Inspect the condition
Under bright angled light, check centering, corners, edges, and the front and back surfaces. Do not clean or alter the card.
- 04
Research raw and graded sales
Use completed sales for the exact card and realistic grade ranges. Asking prices do not show what buyers actually paid.
- 05
Compare grading companies
Check card eligibility, service price, value limit, turnaround estimate, grading scale, return method, and useful collector tools.
- 06
Choose the service tier
Use a realistic declared value and confirm quantity rules. A lower headline fee may require a larger order or a vault workflow.
- 07
Create, document, and ship the order
Follow the company's current packing instructions. Photograph the cards, save the order, and keep carrier and insurance records.
- 08
Check the finished card
Match the label to the card, inspect the holder, save the certification number, and use the company's official verification tool.
Are you ready to submit?
Check each item before you pay. Your progress stays in this page and clears when you reload.
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Use the next tool for the next question
Keep identity, value, grading costs and possible sale outcomes, and submission logistics as separate checks.
What card is this?Use the card identifierWhat is it worth?Build a completed-sales rangeShould I grade it?Test condition, purpose, and likely outcomesWhat costs should I include?Understand the complete grading billWhich service costs fit?Compare dated company service snapshotsRaw or graded?Test the break-even sale priceWhich grading company fits?Compare service features and current terms
How to get a baseball card graded
Record the baseball-card details
Write down the year, maker, set, card number, player, variation, serial number, size, and any autograph or memorabilia feature. Vintage issues, reprints, and short prints can look similar.
Check both sides under angled light
Look at centering, corners, edges, print quality, creases, stains, gloss, scratches, and surface wear. Do not clean, press, trim, recolor, or otherwise alter the card.
Use the company's official card rules
Confirm that the company accepts the card's year, dimensions, material, autograph type, and declared value. Use the exact service and holder instructions shown on the official submission page.
Questions people ask before grading
How do I get my sports cards graded?
Identify the exact card, inspect its condition, compare recent raw and graded sales, choose a grading company and eligible service, create the order, then package and ship the card according to the company's current instructions. Save photos, tracking, and the order record.
How much does it cost to get a card graded?
The full cost can include the grading fee, shipping to the company, return shipping, insurance, membership requirements, add-ons, and possible higher-value service charges. Use the linked card grading cost guide and comparison tool, then verify the live company price before submitting.
Where can I get a baseball card graded?
Major grading companies accept eligible baseball cards through direct mail. Some also publish official events, submission centers, dealers, or partner routes. A nearby shop may prepare or forward an order, but the grading normally happens at the grading company's facility.
How do you grade baseball cards?
A third-party grading company authenticates an eligible baseball card when applicable, evaluates its condition under that company's standards, assigns a grade when eligible, and usually seals it in a labeled holder. Before submitting, identify the exact year, set, card number, variation, size, and autograph details, then follow the company's current order and packing instructions.
Should I clean a card before grading?
Do not alter, recolor, trim, press, or use chemicals on a card. Grading companies publish rules for altered cards, and an attempted improvement can make a card ineligible for a numerical grade. When unsure, leave the card as it is.
Does grading guarantee that a card will be worth more?
No. Grading does not guarantee a particular grade, sale price, buyer, turnaround date, or profit. Compare the complete submission cost with recent completed sales for the exact card and several realistic grade outcomes.
Verify the current instructions
Service details change. Open the company you plan to use before creating, packing, or shipping an order.
- PSA submission center Official order and submission instructions
- CGC Cards submission guide Official card submission steps
- SGC services and pricing Official service, fee, and timing table