The first step is to carefully select the cards you want to submit to PSA for grading. Choose high value cards in gem mint condition or cards of noteworthy players/versions that could potentially grade extremely well. Make sure to inspect each card closely under good lighting for any flaws before submitting.
Once you have selected your cards, you will need to purchase plastic sleeves and submission sheets from PSA. The standard size sleeves are 3.5 x 2 inches. Place each card you want to grade inside an individual plastic sleeve for protection. Then, list each card on the corresponding line of the PSA submission sheet, including details like the set, player, and year. Be very careful when filling out the submission sheet to avoid any errors.
After sleeving and logging your cards, it is time to package them securely for shipping. Place the submission sheet on top of the sleeved cards inside a rigid PSA submission holder available from their site. The holder is designed with cutouts for the standard size sleeves to keep everything neatly organized. You can submit between 1-100 cards per holder.
Once the cards and submission sheet are inside the holder, close it tightly. Wrap the entire holder package very securely with shipping tape to avoid any shifting during transit which could damage corners. PSA also recommends including 2-3 inches of additional cardboard on each end of the holder for extra protection.
Purchase shipping materials like a rigid mailing box, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts/air bags from your local post office or shipping supply retailer. The box needs to be large enough to accommodate your submission holder with ample room on all sides to cushion it securely. Line the bottom and sides of the box with bubble wrap. Place the submission holder in the center and surround completely with packing materials like peanuts or air bags to fill any empty space.
Seal the mailing box securely with strong packing tape, wrapping it completely around several times. Fill out the custom label provided by PSA with your account information, service level selected, and total value of the submission. Firmly attach the label to the outside of the package.
Now it’s time for payment. PSA accepts credit cards, PayPal, checks, and money orders. The minimum fee ranges between $10-20 depending on service level selected with additional charges per card. For standard service, expect to pay $20 plus $10 per card. Rush options cost significantly more. Once payment is processed, PSA will provide you with a mailing address and tracking number.
Take your sealed, labeled, and paid package to the Post Office and ship it with delivery confirmation. Give PSA 2-4 weeks to process standard submissions before checking the status online. They will grade each card, encase it securely in a plastic holder with the grade label affixed, and return it along with the original submission sheet.
Upon receipt of your package back from PSA, inspect everything to ensure all cards were returned and grades assigned correctly. Retain the submitted cards in your collection or sell graded cards on the secondary market. Future submissions can now be done under your established PSA account for faster processing. Detailed record keeping is important with a valuable collection.
Carefully select cards to submit, sleeve and log them, securely package for shipping, purchase correct materials from PSA, include payment per their process, and ship with tracking to get baseball cards authenticated and graded by the industry leader PSA. With care taken at every step, collectors can substantially increase card values through third party certification of condition and authenticity from a respected authority like Professional Sports Authenticator.
