How to Get a Certified Copy of My High School Diploma

It's easy for a high school diploma to become lost during a move or damaged over time. Even if you care tediously for your diploma, something may happen that damages or destroys your current copy. Getting a new copy of your diploma is a relatively simple process, although it may take a few weeks to receive your new diploma. While each state has different policies regarding its diploma issuance, the Louisiana State Department of Education warns that getting a copy of your diploma may take several weeks because each diploma must be signed individually.

Things You'll Need

• Phone number of your high school

Instructions

Getting a Copy of Your High School Diploma

1. Call the high school you graduated from and ask to speak with the records department.

2. Ask the person you speak with how you can acquire a copy of your high school diploma. Some schools require you to fill out a request form and fax it in. Other schools take requests over the phone.

3. Pay the replacement fee. Most schools charge a fee to send you a duplicate copy of your diploma. This can typically be paid over the phone, but if your high school does not accept credit cards, you will need to mail a check.

4. Wait for your diploma to arrive. Typically, a duplicate diploma can be mailed to you within a few weeks. If you need the copy immediately, ask about expedited shipping options or whether the school will allow you to pick up the diploma in person when it is ready.

References

• Louisiana Department of Education: High School Duplicate Transcripts and Reissued Diplomas

Resources

• California Department of Education: FAQ
• Galt Technology Inc.: High School Directory