I’ve been holding on to this hat forever!! Finally got the opportunity to get it signed NBA legend Alex English.. Courtesy of Powers Sports!
What Is Witness Authentication at an Autograph Signing?
Learn how witness authentication works at autograph signings, why it's important, and how PSA, Beckett, and JSA verify autographed memorabilia.
If you're participating in an autograph signing, you'll often have the option to add witness authentication to your order.
For many collectors, it's one of the most important parts of the signing process.
Witness authentication provides independent verification that your memorabilia was actually signed by the athlete during the autograph signing.
Here's exactly how it works.
What Is Witness Authentication?
Witness authentication means a representative from an authentication company is physically present at the autograph signing while the athlete signs your memorabilia.
Because the autograph is witnessed in person, there is no need for the authentication company to examine the signature afterward.
They personally observe the signing as it happens.
Who Performs Witness Authentication?
The three most widely recognized authentication companies that regularly attend autograph signings are:
- PSA
- Beckett Authentication Services (BAS)
- James Spence Authentication (JSA)
Depending on the signing, one of these companies may witness the event and authenticate every eligible item.
How Witness Authentication Works at an Autograph Signing
The process is straightforward.
- Your memorabilia is prepared for the signing.
- The athlete signs your item.
- An authentication representative watches the signing.
- A witness authentication sticker or hologram is placed directly on your memorabilia.
- Your item receives a unique certification number.
This certification connects your memorabilia to an official authentication record.
Why Does the Sticker Go on the Item?
For witness authentication to be valid, the authentication sticker or hologram must be attached directly to the signed memorabilia.
This permanently links the authentication record to that specific item.
If you're sending your own memorabilia, you can usually indicate where you'd prefer the authentication sticker to be placed.
How to Verify Your Witness Authentication
After the signing, you can verify your authentication online.
Simply enter your certification number on the authentication company's website.
Some companies, such as Beckett, also include a QR code that takes you directly to the verification page.
Depending on the company, you'll often see information such as:
- Athlete's name
- Authentication number
- Date of the signing
- Description of the item
Is Witness Authentication Required?
No.
Authentication is optional for many autograph signings.
However, many collectors choose it because it provides independent documentation that the autograph was witnessed by a professional authentication company.
Witness Authentication at Powers Sports Memorabilia
Most of our autograph signings offer witness authentication through PSA, Beckett Authentication Services (BAS), or James Spence Authentication (JSA).
If you purchase Our Item, witness authentication is typically included.
If you're sending Your Item, you can add witness authentication during checkout whenever it's available for that signing.
After the signing, your memorabilia will include the authentication sticker or hologram along with a certification number that can be verified online.
Final Thoughts
Witness authentication is one of the most trusted ways to document an autograph obtained during an autograph signing.
Because an authentication representative personally observes the athlete signing your memorabilia, collectors can have added confidence that the autograph is genuine.
If witness authentication is available for your signing, it's an excellent option for collectors who want independent verification and an online authentication record.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is witness authentication at an autograph signing?
Witness authentication means an authentication company representative personally observes the athlete signing your memorabilia before applying an official authentication sticker or hologram.
Who provides witness authentication?
The three most widely recognized companies are PSA, Beckett Authentication Services (BAS), and James Spence Authentication (JSA).
Can I choose where the authentication sticker is placed?
In many cases, yes. If you're sending your own memorabilia, you can usually indicate your preferred sticker location before the signing.
Is witness authentication included with every signing?
Not always. Some autograph signings include it automatically, while others offer it as an optional add-on.
Can I verify my authentication online?
Yes. Every witness-authenticated item includes a certification number that can be verified through the authentication company's website.
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Customer Reviews
Overall rating: 4.9 / 5 from 4942 reviews.
Again, PSM did a great job!
Nice autograph by Roger Clemens himself. Thank you Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Nice autograph by Cal Ripken Jr. Thank you Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Nice autograph. Thank you Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Another perfect autograph on my 3000 hit baseball. Always a great experience! Thanks again.
I've had this card since the age of 12. Never had the opportunity until now to get his RC signed. Thanks Matt for making this happen!!
Once again, Matt and his team delivered a smooth, professional experience in obtaining a Dustin Pedroia autograph (with authentication) to a book already containing a number of Red Sox greats’ signatures. I recommend Powers Spirts Memorabilia highly.
Great experience. Card was just as described. Excited to have this added to the collection.
Frank Thomas 1990 Topps Signed Baseball Rookie Card #414B Auto Graded Beckett 10
The COA was placed exactly where I wanted it and it turned out great. Always an easy experience.
An excellent experience with the team. The ball turned out perfectly. Easy to ship the ball in and it returned after signing without an issue.
Great place to do business with. Thank you!
Fernando Tatis Jr 2019 Topps Baseball Rookie Card RC #410 Graded PSA 9 MINT
😍 such a nice autograph! Thank you!
Thank you for another awesome autograph!
Mr. Powers delivered on my request for this Cal Ripken jr. autograph. It was a nice size clean and perfect signature better than I expected. Mr. Powers team is quick to respond with any concerns you may have and keeps you posted on your item. I will absolutely be getting more signatures through them to finish my collection. I highly recommend Powers Sports to anyone that has any doubts. I use to do send ins with Steiner sports until he sold, to me Powers picked up where they left off and I couldnt be happier. Thank you
Great experience as usual! I’ll definitely be getting more autographs in the future!!
As good as it gets
Smooth transaction
The process was smooth and easy as always.
Awesome!
The color match ink auto looks great! Thanks!
A fantastic addition to the set. Bosh's autograph really pops on this one. Thanks!
This might be the only autograph of this card that has his whole auto on it. Great addition to the collection!
The COA wasn't close to where I asked for it to be placed. I'm not sure how this was missed but it was a bummer when I saw that.
This came back amazing! The autograph was very clean! Thanks!
This completes my set of sketch cards. It's been fun doing this.
This was just the COA. Thanks!
It's awesome to get this one back! Another added to the Collection.
Great job by Powers Sports once again! They were able to secure a great signature from Andy Reid on my trading card, using the exact type pen and the exact location that I requested. Accuracy and quality are their top priority!
I submitted 2 cards to get them signed by Patrick Ewing himself. Thanks Matt Powers and his team for this signing event.
Nice addition of Barry Bonds to my PC!
Great card and great place to do business with. Thank you!
Ronald Acuna Jr 2018 Topps Living Baseball Rookie Card RC #19 Graded PSA 10
Loved it all.
Great experience as usual, highly recommend Powers
Great job by Matt and his team as usual
Matt and his team did it again. Highly recommend Powers to anyone looking for high end autographs
Matt and his team always do their best for their clients. Couldn’t be happier
Awesome experience as usual, I love my Jagr autograph!
Awesome experience as usual!
Great experience! I had never gotten any autographs through a signing like this before and I had a number of questions. Someone called me right back & couldn’t have been nicer. The customer service was outstanding every step of the way & I couldn’t be happier with the Reggie Jackson autographed ticket.
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