How to Verify PSA, CGC and BGS Pokémon Cards

Verifying a PSA, CGC, or BGS Pokémon card means two things: reading the certification number printed on the label, and confirming that number returns a matching record on the grading company's own official website. Doing both takes only a couple of minutes and is the most reliable way to confirm a slab is genuine before you buy or trade for it.

Where the cert number sits on each label

Placement varies slightly by company, though all three print the number in a consistent, legible spot rather than hiding it.

• PSA labels display the certification number along with a barcode, generally positioned toward the bottom of the label.
• CGC labels show the cert number alongside a barcode as well, typically near the bottom edge of the label in a similar layout.
• BGS labels include the cert number near the barcode, and BGS labels additionally show the subgrades that make up the overall grade.

If you are still deciding which grading company's approach suits your goals, our comparison guide on PSA vs. CGC vs. BGS for Pokémon buyers covers the differences in more depth.

Using each grader's official lookup

Once you have the cert number, enter it into the grading company's own verification tool rather than relying on a third-party site. The official tools are:

• PSA's cert verification, available at psacard.com.
• CGC's cert lookup, available at cgccards.com.
• Beckett's (BGS) cert lookup, available at beckett.com.

Each of these sites can change its exact process or fees over time, so treat them as the authoritative source rather than relying on a screenshot or a secondhand description of how the lookup works.

Matching the record to the card in hand

A cert number returning "some" result is not enough on its own. Check that every detail in the official record matches the physical card:

• The set name and year.
• The card number within that set.
• The assigned grade, and for BGS, the subgrades if shown.
• Any variety details, such as holo, reverse holo, or a specific print run, where applicable.

If even one of these details is off, do not assume it is a minor clerical issue. Pause the transaction and ask the seller directly, or walk away if the discrepancy cannot be explained.

Holder security and signs of tampering

Grading companies build tamper-resistant features into their holders as part of the sealing process, generally intended to make it difficult to open and reseal a holder without visible evidence. As a buyer, look for a holder that sits flush and even with no visible gaps, cracks, or cloudy patches near the seams, and treat any holder that looks like it has been reopened as a reason to slow down and verify more carefully, not less.

What to do when the lookup doesn't match

If the certification number does not return a record, or the record does not match the card, the safest response is to stop the transaction. This can sometimes result from a simple typo when looking up the number, so it is worth double-checking your entry once, but a persistent mismatch should not be brushed aside. Ask the seller for clarification, and if none is forthcoming, decline the purchase.

Buying cards that are easy to verify

We list graded cards individually with the certification number visible in the listing photo, so you can run this exact verification process before you buy. Browse our graded cards collection or the broader Pokémon card selection, or read our grading overview for more on how the process works. If you are new to graded cards altogether, our first graded card buying guide is a good starting point.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly do I find the cert number on a graded Pokémon card?

It is printed directly on the label inside the holder, usually near the bottom or side of the label depending on the grading company, typically alongside a barcode.

Do PSA, CGC, and BGS all offer a way to look up a cert number online?

Yes, each company provides its own official verification tool on its website where you can enter a cert number and see the recorded details for that submission.

What if the grading company's lookup shows different details than the card I'm looking at?

Treat that as a serious warning sign. A mismatch in set, card number, grade, or variety between the official record and the physical card means you should not proceed with the purchase until it's resolved.

Can a holder be opened and resealed without leaving any trace?

Grading companies design their holders with tamper-resistant features specifically to make undetected reholdering difficult, but no verification method is complete without also confirming the cert number against the official database.

A quick verification habit — read the label, check the official lookup, compare every detail — protects you regardless of who you're buying from. It takes a few minutes and gives you a clear answer either way.