If you need to know how to get an unofficial transcript from college, here's the good news: at most schools, you can pull one up yourself through your student portal without filling out a formal request. An unofficial transcript is a copy of your academic record that you view, save, and share on your own. It's usually enough for personal reference, a job application that asks about your coursework, transfer planning, or a meeting with an academic advisor.
Current students can typically find it in a few clicks. Former students sometimes have an extra step, because portal access can end after you leave, and some schools handle alumni requests through the registrar instead.
This guide walks you through the process step by step, explains when an unofficial copy is fine and when it isn't, and covers what to do if you're locked out. If you're also thinking about a display copy of your diploma for your home or office, you can browse our USA college diploma replacement. Those are replacement and display pieces, not records issued by your school.
How to Get an Unofficial Transcript From College
To get an unofficial transcript from college, log into your school's student portal, open the academic records or transcripts section, and download or print the unofficial transcript. If you no longer have portal access, contact your college's registrar or alumni services office and ask how former students can get a copy.
Here's the process in more detail.
Step 1: Log Into Your Student Portal
Your student portal is the online account where you register for classes, check financial aid, and see grades. Schools call it different things: student center, self-service, student hub, or a branded name. It's often the same single sign-on you use for your school email or learning management system.
If your school uses two-factor authentication, keep your phone nearby. Can't find the portal at all? Search your college's name plus "registrar transcript." The registrar's website usually links straight to it.
Step 2: Navigate to Academic Records
Once you're in, look for a menu labeled "Academics," "Student Records," "Grades," or "Transcripts." The document itself might be called "Unofficial Transcript," "Academic History," or "Academic Record."
One thing to watch for: a degree audit is not the same as a transcript. A degree audit shows your progress toward graduation requirements. A transcript lists the courses you took and the grades you earned, term by term. If you're asked for a transcript, send the transcript. For a section-by-section explanation of what one contains, see our guide to what a college transcript is.
Step 3: Download or Print Your Transcript
Most portals offer the unofficial transcript as a PDF or as a web page you can print. If it opens as a web page, use your browser's "Print to PDF" option so you have a clean file. Landscape orientation sometimes keeps wide tables from getting cut off.
Give the file a clear name, like "Lastname_Unofficial_Transcript_2026.pdf." It sounds minor, but it saves you from digging through a downloads folder later. Many schools mark the document "unofficial" in a header or watermark. That's normal, and you shouldn't try to remove it.
Step 4: If You No Longer Have Portal Access
Graduated a while ago? Your account may have been deactivated. Policies differ, so start with your school's registrar page. Some colleges keep alumni access to records, some will email an unofficial copy after verifying your identity, and some only issue official transcripts to former students, which may come with a fee set by the school.
When you reach out, have these details ready:
- Your full name while enrolled (and any former names)
- Student ID number, if you have it
- Dates of attendance or graduation year
- Date of birth
- A current email address and phone number
Step 5: Verify the Information
Before you use the document, read it line by line. Check your name, student ID, courses, grades, credit totals, GPA, transfer credits, and any degree posted. If something's wrong, contact the registrar right away. Only your school can correct your academic record.
What's the Difference Between an Unofficial and Official Transcript?
An official transcript is issued and certified by your college and sent directly to the recipient, usually through a secure electronic service or in a sealed envelope. An unofficial transcript carries the same academic information but isn't certified, so you can view and share it yourself.
| Unofficial transcript | Official transcript | |
|---|---|---|
| Who gets it | You | The recipient, sent by the school or its ordering service |
| Certification | Not certified | Certified by the school (seal, signature, or secure PDF) |
| How you get it | Student portal or registrar | Formal request through the registrar or its ordering partner |
| Cost | Set by your school | Set by your school |
| Best for | Planning, advising, early applications | Admissions, licensing, formal verification |
For a deeper look at how these records relate to your diploma, read our guide on diploma vs. transcript.
When an Unofficial Transcript Is Accepted
Unofficial transcripts are often accepted for advising appointments, internship applications, scholarship screening, and early rounds of job applications. Some graduate programs also let you upload an unofficial copy when you first apply and ask for the official version only if you're admitted. Always read the instructions, since every organization sets its own rules.
When You'll Need an Official Transcript Instead
Expect to need an official transcript for final admission or transfer decisions, professional licensing, many government or military applications, and formal employment verification. Many employers and background-check services confirm degrees directly with the school or through a verification service. In these cases, nothing but the official record from your college will do.
Common Situations Where You'll Need an Unofficial Transcript
Personal Academic Planning
Your transcript is the fastest way to see where you stand. It shows how many credits you've earned, how your GPA has moved over time, and which courses you still need to repeat or replace. Pair it with your degree audit when planning next semester.
Internship or Preliminary Job Applications
Many internship postings ask for an unofficial transcript to confirm your major and recent coursework. Early-stage job applications sometimes do too. If you advance, the employer may then ask for an official copy or verify your degree directly.
Transfer Research and Advising
Thinking about switching schools? Admissions counselors and advisors at the new school can use your unofficial transcript to give you an early sense of which credits might transfer. The final credit evaluation usually happens once they receive your official transcript.
What If You Can't Access Your Transcript?
Recovering Your Student Account
Start with the password reset link on your portal's login page. If that doesn't work, contact your school's IT help desk. Many schools have a separate process for alumni or inactive accounts, so mention that you're a former student.
Contacting the Registrar's Office
The registrar is the official keeper of student records. Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), eligible students have the right to inspect and review their education records.1 Email or call the registrar, explain that you need an unofficial copy, and ask what identification they need.
If you see a hold on your account, ask the registrar or the bursar what it's for. Holds are often tied to unpaid balances.
Alternative Options for Former Students
Many colleges handle transcript orders through the National Student Clearinghouse. Its service sends your request to the school, and the school decides the delivery options and cost.2 This route is mainly for official transcripts, but it's often where alumni end up when portal access is gone.
If your college has closed, its records are usually transferred to another institution or a state agency. Your state's higher education agency is a good place to start asking.
Tips Before Sharing Your Transcript
Review for Accuracy
Double-check every course, grade, and date before you send the file. A small error caught now is much easier to fix than one an employer or admissions office spots first.
Protect Sensitive Information
Transcripts can include your student ID, date of birth, and address. Share them only through the method the recipient asks for, such as a secure application portal. Don't post your transcript publicly or send it to anyone you can't verify.
Save a Digital Copy for Future Use
Keep a PDF in a secure folder or cloud drive and download a fresh copy after each term. Years from now, when your portal login is long gone, you'll be glad you did.
Getting Your Unofficial Transcript
For most people, getting an unofficial transcript from college is quick: log in, find your academic records, and download the file. If you've lost access, the registrar can point you to the right next step. Before you submit anything, confirm whether the recipient wants an unofficial or an official transcript, because only your school can issue the official one.
Want to learn more about academic records? See our academic transcript request form checklist and our guide to what a college transcript looks like. For a personal-use or display copy, browse our transcripts, records, and diploma supplements. Planning a display diploma too? See how to get a college diploma online and our guide to a custom college diploma. For short answers, visit our transcript FAQs and college and university diploma FAQs. These are novelty and replacement-style documents built from the details you provide. They aren't issued by your college and can't stand in for an official transcript.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an unofficial transcript free?
It depends on your school. Many colleges include unofficial transcripts in the student portal, but fees and policies are set by each institution. Check your registrar's website.
Can I get an unofficial transcript after I graduate?
Usually, yes. If your portal access is still active, download it there. If not, contact the registrar or alumni services and ask how former students can request a copy.
Does an unofficial transcript show my GPA?
In most cases, yes. It typically lists your courses, grades, credits, term GPA, and cumulative GPA.
Can I send an unofficial transcript to an employer?
Yes, if the employer accepts one. For formal verification, many employers contact the school directly or ask for an official transcript.
Can Same Day Diplomas provide my unofficial transcript?
No. Only your college can provide your actual academic record. Same Day Diplomas makes personal-use and display documents based on information you supply. They aren't school records and can't be used for verification.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). https://studentprivacy.ed.gov/ferpa
- National Student Clearinghouse. Solutions for Learners. https://www.studentclearinghouse.org/solutions/learners/
About this guide: Written by the Same Day Diplomas Editorial Team and checked by the Same Day Diplomas Reviewer Team before publication. Read our editorial policy.
Same Day Diplomas makes novelty and replica documents. Our products are not issued by any school, college, university, or testing service and are not a substitute for official records.
