1. Search for the valid mailing address for the person/athlete you want to autograph your item.
2. (Optional) Write a polite letter/note requesting their autograph.
3. Include the item you want signed (card, photo, index card, etc.).
4. Include a fee where applicable ($5, $10, etc.) often included as cash.
5. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) for the return mailing.
6. Mail everything to the name/address from the search.
7. Wait for a response.

If the person chooses to sign your card/item, they'll return the item using the self-addressed stamped envelope you provided.

Many TTM autograph requests do not require payment, as some athletes and celebrities sign for free. However, some signers request a fee or charitable donation before they will sign your item. If a fee is required, the signer will often specify the amount and preferred payment method. Common forms of payment include cash or money orders, and they are sent at your own risk. When it doubt, it's never a bad idea to include a minimum fee of $5 for their time. Always try to verify whether a signer charges a fee before sending your request.

A SASE, or Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope, is an envelope that already has your address and return postage on it. Including a SASE makes it easier for the athlete or celebrity to return your signed item because they do not need to provide their own envelope or postage. Most TTM collectors consider a SASE an essential part of a successful autograph request.

There is no standard fee for TTM autographs. Many athletes, celebrities, authors, and public figures sign for free, while others charge a fee or request a charitable donation. Fees can range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars depending on the person's popularity, achievements, and signing habits. Because fees can change over time, collectors should always research current information before sending a request. Including a fee, even a minimal fee of just $5 will greatly increase your chances of getting your item signed and returned back to you.

Response times can vary greatly from one TTM signer to another. Some autograph requests are returned within a few days or weeks, while others may take several months...or even years. Many collectors consider a response within one to three months to be fairly typical. Patience is an important part of the TTM autograph hobby.

No, there is never a guarantee that you will receive a response. Some athletes and celebrities simply do not answer autograph requests, while others may be too busy or no longer sign through the mail. Mail can also be lost, and some items may never be returned. Collectors should always understand that every request carries some level of risk.

Some of the best items to send for TTM autographs include trading cards, photographs, index cards, postcards, and team-issued promotional cards. These items are generally inexpensive, easy to sign, and simple to mail. Many collectors prefer sending items that have personal meaning while avoiding anything that would be difficult or expensive to replace.

Yes, absolutely! Sports cards are among the most popular items sent for TTM autographs. Many collectors enjoy obtaining signatures on player cards because they create attractive collectibles. However, it is generally recommended that you avoid sending valuable, rare, or irreplaceable cards since there is always a possibility that the item may be lost or not returned.

Most collectors recommend sending just one or two items per request. Sending a small number of items shows respect for the signer's time and often improves your chances of receiving a response. While some signers may be willing to sign more items, sending too many can reduce the likelihood of success and may be viewed as excessive.

Your request letter should be polite, respectful, personal, and brief. Introduce yourself, explain that you are a fan or autograph collector, and kindly ask if the person would be willing to sign the enclosed item. Thank them for their time and accomplishments before closing the letter. A simple and sincere request is usually more effective than a long or complicated message.

Yes, you can request personalization when sending a TTM autograph request. A personalization is when the signer adds your name or a short message along with their signature. Common examples include "To John," "HOF 2022," or "#22", etc. While many signers are happy to personalize autographs, there is no guarantee that they will do so.

RTS stands for "Return to Sender." This postal marking usually means that the autograph request could not be delivered to the address you used. An RTS response often indicates that the address is no longer valid, the recipient has moved, or the mail could not otherwise be delivered.

An autopen is a machine that reproduces a person's signature using a mechanical device. Public figures who receive large volumes of mail sometimes use autopens to answer requests efficiently. Although autopen signatures may look authentic, many collectors prefer hand-signed autographs because they were personally signed by the individual.

It can be difficult to determine whether a signature was created by an autopen. However, autopen signatures often appear identical across multiple items, with no variation in size, shape, or pen pressure. Hand-signed autographs usually show small differences from one signature to another. Comparing examples from other collectors can sometimes help identify potential autopen signatures.

Many TTM autographs are genuine signatures that were personally signed by the athlete or celebrity. However, there are situations where assistants, secretaries, clubhouse staff, or autopen machines may be used instead. While most collectors consider a successful TTM autograph to be authentic unless there is evidence otherwise, it is not always possible to know with complete certainty who signed an item.

Click on the TTM Search here, to find the TTM mailing address for your athlete. As players move around the league, and move home addresses, we try our best to have the most current mailing address available for each person. If you encounter any mailing address that is no longer valid, please post a comment at the bottom of each athlete's TTM listing.

The most important rule of TTM collecting is to be respectful and patient. Athletes and celebrities are not obligated to sign autographs, and every response should be viewed as a generous gesture. Treating recipients with courtesy, following their signing policies, and maintaining realistic expectations will help make the hobby more enjoyable and rewarding.