How to Get a Copy of Your High School Diploma In 3 Simple Steps
Your high school diploma is something that you might not think about, but in some cases, you may need to show it as proof of your education.
If you're not sure how to get a copy of your high school diploma, there are a few simple things you can do to get your hands on this important document.
Read on to discover three simple steps that will get you a copy of your high school diploma so you can return it to your records and use it whenever you need to.
Why do You Need a Copy of Your Diploma?
Even if you graduated years ago, you may still need to provide a copy of your high school diploma as proof that you graduated. This shows potential employers that you obtained the skills and knowledge needed to get the job done.
The diploma indicates the school you graduated from, the year, and it may also include your GPA and other honors you received. In addition to some employers, many colleges and technical schools need to see a copy of your high school diploma.
While some colleges only need your high school transcript, others may require an actual copy of the diploma before they'll accept you. This is up to each individual school, but it's good to have the copy before you apply for college just in case you need it.
A few jobs may also request a copy of your diploma. This document allows the employer to confirm that you did, in fact, graduate where and when you said you did as stated on your application.
Of course, you may just want to know how to get a copy of your high school diploma so you can hold onto it for sentimental reasons. You might also want to frame the diploma and hang it on the wall for display.
1. For How to Get a Copy of Your High School Diploma: Contact the School
The easiest way to try and obtain a copy of your diploma is to contact your high school directly. If you have their phone number or a valid email address, contact them and let them know you're a graduate.
Ask the person you speak to if it's possible for you to get a copy of the diploma mailed to you. Some schools may charge a small fee to research and send you the diploma, but it's worth it if you can't find the original.
If you don't know who to talk to, call the school's main office and they should be able to direct you to the right contact. You may be asked to show a copy of your ID just so the school can verify your information.
Never give anyone your social security number or other confidential information, especially over the phone. If you happen to still live near your old high school, it might be best to come in and pay a personal visit to the main office.
Once the school confirms your identity and finds the diploma, you may pay a fee and have to wait. Look for your diploma in the mail and then make sure you keep it securely on file.
2. Researching Records
If it's been a long time since you graduated or your school has closed down, you still might be able to obtain a copy of your diploma. Start by contacting the local education department or school district to see if they have a records division.
Even if your high school no longer exists, your diploma should be kept on record somewhere. The state education department is a good place to start or contact the district office if you attended a public high school.
Do a search of the school district by the state you graduated from to find a good contact phone number or website. Another way to search is by looking into the National Center for Education Statistics website, which may have a directory of contacts you can try.
If you happened to go to a private high school that no longer exists, try your state's Department of Education. They should keep all records for high schools and can at least get you in touch with someone who can help.
Provide your contacts with as much information as possible including your name, the year you graduated, and the name of the high school. This should be enough for them to pull up your information and find your diploma.
3. Buy a Diploma
If you're having no luck, you can try to purchase your diploma or transcript. This method means that you'll be purchasing a fake diploma, so proceed with caution.
For those who simply want to get a copy of their high school diploma for display, this method should work out fine. However, if you need a copy for a job or for college registration, be aware that this could be considered fraud.
When you purchase your high school diploma, it should look as authentic as the original. Frame it and hang it on your wall or put it away for safekeeping if you're looking for a copy for sentimental value.
Get Your Diploma Copy Today
Whether it's a new job or a sentimental keepsake, it's important to know how to get a copy of your high school diploma. Start by contacting the school and go from there before you decide to purchase one.
When you do your research, it should be fairly easy to obtain an authentic copy.
If you need to buy a diploma or other document, make sure you visit our website to learn more today!