Most local stores do not grade cards themselves. Some act as submission partners: they review the card, prepare the order, group customer cards, ship to a grading company, and receive the return. Search the PSA grading and submission shop directory and open each listing to verify that grading service is actually stated. Call before visiting because submission dates, accepted companies, minimum quantities, and the staff member handling intake can change.
Ask for a written receipt that identifies every card and service level, plus the full fee, insurance arrangement, estimated—not guaranteed—timeline, and procedure for damage or loss. Confirm whether the shop is only advising you or becomes responsible for the card during transit. If no suitable local service is listed, direct submission may be possible, but you will handle account setup, packaging, declarations, and shipping yourself. The grading explainer helps compare those paths. Never hand over valuable cards based only on a verbal promise, and remember that a dealer’s pre-screen is an opinion rather than a grade guarantee.