The first step to getting baseball cards graded is to decide which third-party grading company you want to use to authenticate and encase your cards. The three largest and most reputable companies are Beckett Grading Services (BGS), Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), and Hockey Card Grading (HCG). Each company has its own stringent grading criteria and standards.

Once you’ve chosen a company, you’ll need to purchase the appropriate submission service for the number of cards you want to grade. Most companies offer different tiers of service based on turnaround time and cost. Standard service is usually the most affordable but can take 4-6 months to receive your cards back. Expedited options are available for faster returns within a few months.

When preparing your cards for submission, you’ll need to make sure they are in the best possible condition without any flaws, scratches, bends or stains that could negatively impact the grade. Gently wipe the surface with a microfiber cloth to clean any dirt or fingerprints. Trim off any excess white border around the image if it overhangs using a paper trimmer.

The grading companies will provide plastic submission holders or envelopes for you to securely encase each individual card. Take care when inserting the card to avoid any accidental damage. The holder should fit snugly around the edges but not too tightly that it could potentially warp or stress the card over time.

Once encased, you’ll need to fill out a submission form listing details for each card like the player, year, set and any other relevant information. The form also asks for your payment and return shipping information. Carefully pack the encased cards and completed forms snugly into a shipping box with ample packing material like air bags or bubble wrap to prevent shifting and potential damage during transport.

Send your submission package to the grading company using a trackable carrier like USPS Priority Mail or UPS/FedEx for domestic shipments within the United States. For international customers, some extra documentation may be required through commercial carriers. Keep proof of shipment in case any issues arise during transit.

Upon receiving your cards at their authentication facility, the trained graders will examine each one under special lighting and magnification equipment to analyze for centering, corners, edges, surface and any flaws using their established numerical criteria scales. Higher numbers indicate mint condition copies near pristine.

After completing the extensive grading process, your cards will be professionally sealed inside plastic slabs encasements clearly displaying the assigned numerical grade, your identification and security authentication holograms and labels. The slabs protect against damage while also aiding researchers and future buyers in verifying the authenticity and integrity of the grading.

Your now certified graded cards will be promptly returned within the originally estimated timeframe indicated by your submission tier. Carefully inspect everything upon receipt for any potential shipping issues before confirming delivery. While fairly rare, re-submission options exist should you have any grading concerns to be re-reviewed.

With your cards now certified and encapsulated for protection, their collectible value is enhanced for both your personal enjoyment of high quality preserved pieces or potential future resale on the secondary market where grades factor heavily into established price guides. Proper encapsulation also secures authentic rarities for generations as part of history preserved.

Using a reputable third-party grading service is the best way to independently authenticate vintage baseball cards and maximize their collectible value long-term. Just be sure to carefully select the company, properly prepare cards in the best condition, fill out submission forms completely and promptly receive the certified and slab encased collectibles back afterwards as verified investments.