How Do I Get a Copy of My Highschool Diploma?

Getting a copy of a high school diploma is a fairly easy process.

A high school diploma is awarded after successfully fulfilling the course requirements at your high school. Upon graduation, you may need to show proof of a diploma for college enrollment or a job. If you're unable to locate your diploma, there are ways to get a copy.

Instructions

1. Contact your high school's guidance department. You should call first to make sure the school has a copy. Depending on how long ago you graduated, your school may only keep records on-site for so long. Guidance counselors can, however, provide copies of high school transcripts.

2. Stop by your old high school. Sometimes this is quicker because if there is a copy of your high school diploma you can get it then.

3. Email your school. It may take a little while longer to receive a response. However, if obtaining a copy of your high school diploma isn't urgent, email is a good way to get in contact with your high school.

4. Contact the board of education in the county where you attended high school and ask for the student records office. If the school does not have your diploma, you may have to contact the board. Some boards require you to fill out forms while others require a small fee to obtain a copy of your high school diploma.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you do not wait until the last minute to contact the school if you need the high school diploma urgently. The school needs time to process your request.

• Be sure that it is a high school diploma and not a high school transcript that is needed. There is a huge difference. A high school transcript highlights courses taken and grade point average.

References

• California Department of Education
• Delta Bravo: Getting access to Your Child's Report Cards and School Records