Photograph the complete label
Keep the grade and the smaller authentication number in the same sharp image. On many current labels, the number appears near the lower-right portion of the front label.
Expect more than one format
Current black labels may show a compact numeric code. Older green and white labels can use a longer hyphenated format. Preserve leading zeros and punctuation when entering it manually.
Avoid the common mix-up
The large number is the card’s grade. It is not the certification. Fill the frame with the label, keep it upright, and reduce glare before taking the photo.
After the number is read
The certification result should be reviewed with the card description and grade before adding it to a collection. If reliable lookup is unavailable, official verification should take priority over a visual guess.