TAG Card Grading Guide: Complete Submission Process

TAG Card Grading Guide Last Updated: March 2026

Table Of Contents

What Is TAG Card Grading?
TAG Card Grading Standards and Scale
TAG Card Grading Service Levels, Pricing, and Turnaround
How to Submit Cards to TAG Step by Step
Preparing Your Cards for TAG Card Grading
TAG Kit vs Graders Choice Submission Kit
Packaging and Shipping for TAG Card Grading
TAG Intake Timeline After Delivery
Complete TAG Card Grading Submission Checklist
Common TAG Card Grading Submission Mistakes
Why This Matters to Collectors
What Collectors Should Do Next
Prep and Submit with Structure
TAG Card Grading FAQ
Final Thoughts
More Card Grading Guides for Collectors

TAG card grading has quickly become one of the most talked about grading options in the modern collectibles market. Known for its technology-driven grading process and transparent reports, TAG has attracted collectors who value consistency and data-backed evaluation.

Whether you are grading sports cards, Pokémon cards, or other trading cards, understanding the full TAG submission process is essential.

This guide covers everything from start to finish:

TAG grading standards and scale
Service levels, pricing structure, and turnaround
Step by step submission process
TAG kit and packaging guidance
Shipping instructions
Intake timeline after delivery
Complete TAG submission checklist
Common mistakes to avoid
Frequently asked questions

If you are preparing to submit cards to TAG, this guide is designed to eliminate uncertainty and help collectors submit with confidence.

What Is TAG Card Grading?

Technical Authentication & Grading, commonly known as TAG, is a third party grading company that uses automated technology and computer vision to analyze trading cards.

Instead of relying solely on human graders, TAG combines imaging systems, software analysis, and algorithmic scoring to evaluate cards and produce detailed grading reports.

TAG is known for:

Technology driven grading
Transparent grading reports
Detailed defect identification
Modern slab design

Many collectors choose TAG when prioritizing grading transparency and data driven analysis.

TAG Card Grading Standards and Scale

TAG card grading uses a 1 to 10 scale similar to other grading companies, but with additional precision through detailed scoring reports.

Cards are evaluated across the same core grading categories used throughout the hobby:

Centering
Corners
Edges
Surface

Because TAG uses imaging technology to measure defects, collectors receive detailed breakdowns explaining how a final grade was determined.

TAG 10 – Gem Mint

Virtually flawless card with strong centering, sharp corners, clean edges, and minimal surface defects.

TAG 9 – Mint

Minor imperfections may exist such as slight centering variance or very small surface flaws.

TAG 8 – Near Mint Mint

Small but visible issues may appear under inspection, including slight corner wear or light surface marks.

TAG 7 – Near Mint

Visible wear including edge issues, centering variance, or surface scratching.

TAG 6 and Below

Increasing levels of structural wear including corner damage, edge whitening, surface defects, and noticeable centering issues.

Before submitting cards, collectors should evaluate:

Front and back centering
Corner sharpness
Edge whitening
Surface scratches or print lines
Staining or discoloration

Understanding grading standards ahead of submission helps set realistic expectations.

For collectors who want to explore the full breakdown of TAG’s grading scale, including detailed grade definitions and scoring methodology, TAG provides an official overview here:
https://taggrading.com/pages/scale

Collectors who want to understand how individual defects contribute to final grades can review TAG’s official grading rubric, which explains how centering, corners, edges, and surface condition are evaluated:
https://taggrading.com/pages/rubric

TAG Card Grading Service Levels, Pricing, and Turnaround

TAG card grading typically offers simplified service tiers compared to traditional grading companies.

Pricing structures generally depend on:

Submission tier
Declared card value
Processing priority

TAG periodically adjusts service levels as demand changes, so collectors should always confirm current pricing when beginning a submission.

Tier	Price per Card	Turnaround Time	Max Insured Value
Bulk	$19	45+ business days	$200
Basic	$22	30 business days	$300
Standard	$39	15 business days	$500
Express	$59	5–10 business days	$1,000
Priority	$149	2–3 business days	$2,500
Walkthrough	$299	Same-day grading	$5,000

Declared value may affect eligibility for certain tiers and determines insurance coverage during the grading process.

Turnaround times also fluctuate depending on submission volume and operational capacity.

Because grading tiers and pricing can change over time, collectors should always confirm the most current service levels and pricing directly with TAG here:
https://taggrading.com/pages/pricing

How to Submit Cards to TAG Step by Step

1. Create a TAG Account

Create a collector account and begin a new grading submission.

2. Select Your Submission Tier

Choose the service level based on card value and desired turnaround time.

3. Enter Card Details

Accurately input card information including:

Year
Set
Player or character
Card number
Declared value

Accurate card entry helps avoid delays during processing.

4. Complete Checkout and Generate Submission

After checkout, TAG will provide submission instructions and documentation for your order.

Preparing Your Cards for TAG Card Grading

Proper preparation before shipping is one of the most important parts of the grading process.

Cards should be:

Placed in penny sleeves
Inserted into semi rigid holders
Free from loose debris or dust
Arranged in the correct submission order

Collectors should avoid submitting cards in top loaders unless specifically instructed.

Because the submission stage involves direct card handling, it is also the stage where accidental damage most often occurs.

Collectors who follow a structured prep process reduce the risk of corner damage, surface scratches, and shifting during transit.

TAG Kit vs Graders Choice Submission Kit

TAG offers its own submission kit to help collectors prepare and ship cards. While optional, it is recommended for collectors who want an all in one packaging solution.

Collectors may also choose third party grading preparation systems.

Below is a structural comparison.

Feature	TAG Submission Kit	Graders Choice Submission Kit
Cost per kit	$49.95	$24.95
Included tools	Shipping box, penny sleeves, semi-rigids, deck box	Penny sleeves, semi-rigids, microfiber cloth, foam, self-seal shipping box, card armor box, PSA barcode
Compatible with other graders	No (TAG only)	Yes (PSA, CGC, BGS, SGC, TAG, more)
Shipping included to grader	Yes	Yes ($10 add-on)
Shipping insurance included	$1,000	$100 with add-on (option to increase up to $5,000)

Collectors submitting across multiple grading companies often prefer tools that support multiple submission workflows.

Packaging and Shipping for TAG Card Grading

Internal Protection

Cards should be:

Stacked in submission order
Secured with light bands or team bags
Protected on both sides with cardboard
Placed in a sturdy inner container

Outer Box

The inner container should be placed inside a larger shipping box with void space filled to prevent movement.

Carrier Options

Common shipping carriers include:

USPS
UPS
FedEx

Always follow the shipping instructions provided during the submission process and use the most current address listed by TAG.

Add tracking and appropriate insurance for the declared value of your submission.

TAG Intake Timeline After Delivery

Once your package arrives at TAG:

The package is received and scanned
The order appears in your TAG dashboard
Cards move into the grading queue
Imaging and analysis are performed
Encapsulation occurs
Final quality control is completed
Cards are returned to the collector

Dashboard updates may take time to appear depending on intake volume.

Complete TAG Card Grading Submission Checklist

Documentation

TAG account created
Service tier selected
Declared values confirmed
Submission completed online

Card Preparation

Card inspected carefully
Penny sleeve applied
Semi rigid holder used
Debris removed
Cards arranged in correct order

Packaging

Card stack secured
Protective layers added
Inner box sealed
Outer box padded
No movement inside the package

Shipping

Correct shipping address used
Carrier label attached
Tracking confirmed
Insurance added if needed

Common TAG Card Grading Submission Mistakes

Collectors occasionally run into avoidable submission issues.

Common mistakes include:

Using top loaders instead of semi rigid holders
Incorrect card order
Loose packaging inside the shipping box
Submitting cards with dust or debris inside holders
Entering incorrect card details during submission

Small preparation mistakes can slow down intake or increase risk during shipping.

Why This Matters to Collectors

The submission stage is one of the most vulnerable moments in the entire grading process.

Collectors must:

Handle raw cards
Insert them into sleeves and holders
Package them for shipment
Send them through shipping carriers

Mistakes made during this stage can lead to preventable surface scratches, corner damage, or edge wear before the cards ever reach the grading facility.

Preparation plays a direct role in protecting card condition and preserving long term value.

What Collectors Should Do Next

Collectors preparing their first TAG submission should focus on three priorities:

Understand grading expectations before submitting
Enter card details carefully during the submission process
Use a structured preparation and packaging process

Following a clear checklist helps reduce avoidable mistakes and keeps submissions organized.

Prep and Submit with Structure

The most vulnerable moment in the grading journey is the submission stage. This is when collectors handle their cards directly and prepare them for shipment.

The Graders Choice Submission Kit was designed as a structured prep and submit system for collectors preparing cards for grading.

Instead of assembling random supplies, the kit provides tools designed specifically for grading preparation, including sleeves, semi-rigid holders, protective foam, microfiber cloth, and a structured shipping setup.

Prep and submit with structure.

Learn more about the complete card grading submission system here:
https://graderschoice.com/product/card-grading-submission-kit/

The goal is simple: help collectors prep and submit with confidence.

TAG Card Grading FAQ

Does TAG use AI to grade cards?

TAG describes its grading technology as machine learning rather than traditional AI.

TAG’s multi-patented grading system uses high-resolution image capture and machine learning software to analyze cards for defects, damage, and imperfections. The system evaluates centering, corners, edges, and surface condition without relying on traditional human-only grading.

TAG’s technology can also detect extremely small defects that may not be visible to the naked eye. These observations help create a digital fingerprint for each graded card.

Does TAG grade vintage cards?

TAG currently grades modern trading cards manufactured from 1989 to the present.

Cards must also meet TAG’s eligibility requirements before they can be submitted for grading. Collectors submitting cards should confirm eligibility guidelines before preparing a submission.

How do TAG slabs compare in size to PSA, BGS, and CGC?

For cards up to 50pt thickness, a standard TAG slab measures approximately 5.25 inches by 3.125 inches, making it closest in size to CGC slabs.

TAG holders are made from optical-grade acrylic with UV protection and feature rounded edges designed for comfortable handling. They fit in most standard graded card sleeves.

Does TAG offer an authenticity guarantee?

TAG outlines its authenticity policies within its official Terms of Service.
Collectors can review the Authenticity Guarantee section for details regarding authentication and grading policies.

For additional questions and the most current policies, collectors can review TAG’s full FAQ and help documentation here: https://help.taggrading.com/en

Collectors can review the most current list of eligible cards and submission requirements here:
https://taggrading.com/pages/currently-grading

Final Thoughts

TAG card grading represents a modern approach to grading that combines automated imaging, software analysis, and detailed reports.

For collectors interested in grading transparency and technology driven evaluation, TAG has become an increasingly popular option.

A successful TAG submission requires:

Accurate documentation
Proper card preparation
Correct holder selection
Secure packaging
Reliable shipping

Collectors who follow a structured submission process reduce risk and protect their cards during the most vulnerable stage of grading.

More Card Grading Guides for Collectors

If you are researching different grading companies, these guides walk through the full submission process for the most widely used grading services.

Comparing grading companies can help collectors decide where to submit based on grading standards, turnaround expectations, and market demand.

TAG Card Grading Guide: Complete Submission Process, Pricing, and Checklist