Did you know that 90% of the population has a high school diploma? This means more people can head to college to receive their undergraduate diplomas.
After graduation, it is possible to lose track of that very important piece of paper, but you can get it back.
Read on to learn about the ins and outs of getting a replacement diploma.
Your Diploma Is Valuable
You know your diploma is valuable, but you have lost it anyway. Before diving into how to get a duplicate diploma, you should understand that it needs to be preserved. As soon as you get the next one in the mail, protect it with your life.
No one is judging you for losing your diploma. It is easy for a piece of paper to get lost in an office or home. It is also possible that you lost it in a natural disaster.
Although it is possible to lose your high school diploma or undergraduate diploma in a flood or fire, it is rare. The most common reasons people need to replace a diploma is because of improper storage or simply being careless.
Not placing your diploma in a nice frame and leaving it in the original packaging can cause irreversible damage. The original envelope could eat away at the delicate diploma. Preservation is key when you get your duplicate diploma.
Contact the Registrar Office
You can try to get a replacement diploma at the college or university you attended by calling the registrar’s office. This office has the responsibility of maintaining student records. A huge responsibility of the registrar’s office is to fulfill requests for diploma copies or replacements.
It is easy to get in contact with them. All you need to do is search for a contact page on your alma mater’s website.
Expect a Fee
Some rules come with requesting a new diploma. For one, you will be the only person who can request a new one.
Requirements will vary depending on the school. For example, some may require you to submit a written request with a copy of your driver’s license.
What most schools have in common is that they charge a fee. These fees can only be around $25 or up to $150. The charge will depend on the school and the type of degree.
Written Requests
Written requests are required if the school is FERPA compliant. The process helps avoid fraud and identity theft.
Typically, a written request needs your personal information like your birth date and social security number. You also may have to disclose why you need a replacement. For the diploma to be sent, you will have to provide your current mailing address.
Some universities go as far as needing a notarized statement proving you lost the diploma. It is also important to include the name of the college, graduation date, and the degree or degrees earned.
Getting a Duplicate Diploma
The easiest way to receive a duplicate diploma is to contact the registrar’s office. However, if this is not a valid option for you, there are other ways. No matter how you get your diploma back, be sure to keep it preserved so you don’t need to go through the process again.
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