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PSA Cert Number Verifier

Enter any PSA certification number to verify its format, identify the grading era, and get tips on spotting fake slabs. Links directly to PSA for official verification.

1Enter Certification Number

Find the cert number on the PSA label — it is the 8-digit number below the barcode.

3Red Flags — How to Spot a Fake Slab

HIGH
Cert number not found on PSA website
Every legitimate PSA-graded card has a cert number in their database at psacard.com/cert. If the number returns no results, the slab is fake.
HIGH
Label font or color looks wrong
PSA has changed label designs over the years, but each era has specific fonts, colors, and layouts. Compare against known authentic examples from the same era.
HIGH
Cert number format does not match
PSA cert numbers are 8 digits (or 8+ for recent). Numbers like "PSA-12345" or "1234567890" (10 digits) are not valid PSA formats.
HIGH
QR code does not scan or links to wrong page
Modern PSA labels have QR codes that link directly to the cert page. If the QR code leads nowhere or to a different card, the slab is fake.
MEDIUM
Case feels lightweight or flimsy
Authentic PSA slabs have a specific weight and rigidity. Counterfeit cases often feel lighter or more flexible than genuine ones.
MEDIUM
Hologram looks flat or does not shift colors
PSA holograms should show iridescent color shifts when tilted. Flat, non-shifting holograms indicate counterfeiting.
HIGH
Grade on slab does not match cert lookup
If the slab says PSA 10 but the cert lookup shows PSA 9, the label has been swapped. This is a common fraud technique.
HIGH
Card description on label does not match card
The year, set, player, and card number on the label must exactly match the card inside. Any mismatch means the card was swapped after grading.

PSA Cert Number Ranges by Era

Other Grading Companies

BGS (Beckett)
Format: 0012345678 (10 digits)
Beckett certs are 10 digits. Sub-grades (centering, corners, edges, surface) are on the label.
Verify: beckett.com/grading/card-lookup
CGC (Cards)
Format: 4012345001 (10 digits)
CGC uses 10-digit numbers starting with category prefix. Originally a comic grading company.
Verify: cgccards.com/certlookup/
SGC
Format: 1234567 (7 digits)
SGC certs are typically 7 digits. Known for tuxedo-style black labels and vintage card expertise.
Verify: gosgc.com/card-lookup

Related Tools

Authentication Checker→Condition Self-Grader→Cross-Grade Converter→Population Report→Submission Planner→

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I find the PSA certification number on a slab?

The PSA cert number is the 8-digit number located on the front label of the slab, typically below the barcode. It is also printed on the back of newer PSA slabs. You can enter this number at psacard.com/cert to verify the card details.

How can I tell if a PSA slab is fake?

Check these things: (1) Verify the cert number at psacard.com — if it does not exist, it is fake. (2) Compare the label font and colors to known authentic examples. (3) Check the hologram shifts colors when tilted. (4) Scan the QR code — it should link to the correct cert page. (5) The case should feel solid and rigid, not lightweight or flimsy.

What do PSA cert number ranges tell you?

PSA cert numbers are assigned sequentially, so the number tells you approximately when the card was graded. Numbers under 10 million are from the 1990s (early PSA). Numbers 10-30 million are from the 2000s. Numbers 30-60 million are from 2009-2019. Numbers above 60 million are from the COVID boom era (2020+). This helps verify that the label era matches the cert range.

Can I verify BGS, CGC, or SGC cert numbers too?

Yes, each grading company has their own verification website. BGS uses 10-digit numbers (verify at beckett.com). CGC Cards uses 10-digit numbers (verify at cgccards.com). SGC uses 7-digit numbers (verify at gosgc.com). The cert format differs between companies, so the number length alone can tell you which company graded the card.

What is a PSA label swap and how do I detect it?

A label swap is when someone replaces the label on a PSA slab with a different label showing a higher grade. To detect this: verify the cert number online and compare the grade shown on the website with the grade on the physical label. If they do not match, the label has been swapped. Also check that the card description (year, set, player, card number) matches exactly.

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