The short version
- Sleeve each card, then a semi-rigid holder. CGC: "place each card into a protective sleeve," then "place each card in a semi-rigid sleeve. The sleeve you choose must be sturdy enough to allow us to remove the card safely."
- Stack them in packing-slip order between two pieces of cardboard larger than the cards: "please place the cards in the order in which they appear on the submission form packing slip."
- Rubber-band it gently. "just tight enough to hold the cardboard pieces together" because "if packed too tightly, the cards inside may get damaged."
- Box it with padding and the slip. "Pack in a sturdy cardboard box," protect the bundle with "bubble wrap, Styrofoam pellets or other shipping/packing material," put the packing slip(s) in, and "use packing tape to completely seal the outside of the box."
- Mark the tier on every side if you use one: "WK" for WalkThrough or "EX" for Express, "in large, bold letters." With mixed tiers, mark the fastest one. "Incorrectly marked packages will experience delays."
- Ship it tracked, and insure it yourself. See the next section: until CGC has it, it's on you.
Sources: CGC Cards, "Shipping Cards to CGC".
Who carries the risk on the way there
You do. CGC's terms, section 7: "Customer assumes all risk of loss or damage to collectibles until collectibles are received and inspected by Company." Its shipping page adds that the shipping option you pick at checkout "refers to the return shipping from CGC Cards to you. You are responsible for safely shipping your cards to CGC."
So for the trip there, buy a tracked service and insurance for what the cards are worth. CGC doesn't say which carrier to use; that part is our advice, not CGC's. For the trip back, CGC's terms (section 17) say it "will generally ship via FedEx with insurance coverage," up to US$100,000 per package for domestic shipments, capped at the limit of the return service you chose.
Source: CGC Cards terms (revised April 14, 2026).
The address
Use the address printed on your CGC packing slip. CGC's shipping page lists 6802 Energy Court, FL 34240. CGC's January 6, 2026 notice gives the same street and ZIP, and warns that "submissions addressed to our former P.O. boxes are now being returned to sender." The two pages name the city differently (Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch), which is why the packing slip is the one to trust.
Source: CGC, "Send All Submissions to Our Physical Address" (January 6, 2026).
Questions
Do I need toploaders to send cards to CGC?
CGC asks for each card in a protective sleeve and then a semi-rigid sleeve sturdy enough for them to remove the card safely. Its shipping page doesn't mention toploaders.
Who is responsible if my cards are lost on the way to CGC?
You are. CGC's terms (section 7) say the customer assumes all risk of loss or damage until the cards are received and inspected by CGC. Ship with tracking and your own insurance.
Where do I ship cards to CGC?
Use the address on your CGC packing slip. CGC's shipping page lists 6802 Energy Court, FL 34240, and its January 6, 2026 notice says submissions sent to its old P.O. boxes are returned to sender.
Shipping the graded cards on to a buyer?
A graded slab sold on TCGplayer is usually over $49.99, so it needs a tracked label, and over $250 it needs signature confirmation too. TCG Speed Shipper turns your TCGplayer export into labels in one PDF, free for 15 labels a month. More: the TCGplayer shipping guide.
TCG Speed Shipper is independent and not affiliated with CGC, Certified Collectibles Group or TCGplayer. CGC's rules change; check its own pages before you ship.