--- title: "Apostille for a Diploma or Transcript: Steps | MCC Solutions" description: "How to get a diploma or transcript ready for use abroad: registrar step, notarization, state apostille and common mistakes." url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/guides/apostille-for-diplomas-and-school-transcripts" --- Guide · Updated October 12, 2026 # Apostille for Diplomas and School Transcripts Students and workers heading overseas often need proof of their education. A diploma is a school-issued paper, so the route to an apostille depends on the school and the state that will certify it. By [Matthew Coleman](/about), MCC Solutions **Quick answer.** For a diploma or transcript apostille, first ask the receiving office whether it needs the diploma, an official transcript or both, whether originals, certified copies or sealed envelopes, and whether the documents and translation must be apostilled. Need this notarized? Sign online from home with no travel fee, or ask for a notary to come to you. The price is shown and confirmed before any work starts, and you can book in about two minutes. [See your price and book](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:9084446373) **Related:** [Who can witness a signing](/notary/guides/who-can-and-cannot-be-a-witness-to-a-signing) · [How much a NJ notary can charge](/notary/guides/how-much-does-a-notary-cost-in-new-jersey) · [What ID you need for a notary](/notary/guides/what-id-do-you-need-for-a-notary) **Free tools:** [Printable notary journal template](/notary/notary-journal-template) · [Does my document need a notary?](/notary/does-my-document-need-a-notary) ✓ New Jersey commissioned notary, no. 50244803, insured for errors and omissions. [See the credentials](/about/credentials) ## Decide what the foreign office wants Some offices want the diploma, some want an official transcript, and some want both. Ask whether they need originals, certified copies or sealed envelopes. Ask whether the documents must be translated and whether the translation must be apostilled too. Need it done for you? [Apostilles for New Jersey diplomas and transcripts](/notary/apostille-services/diplomas-and-transcripts). Getting this list in writing prevents a second round of requests. Foreign universities and licensing boards often prefer to receive transcripts directly from the school. If that is the case, you may not need an apostille on your copy. Ask before you begin. ## Start with the school Contact the registrar or student records office. Many schools will issue a certified copy of a diploma, or a letter confirming the degree, signed by an official. Transcripts are often sent in a sealed envelope. Opening the envelope can ruin its status, so keep it sealed. Ask whether the school offers notarization on site or provides a form for the signer to use. Pay attention to e-transcripts. A digitally signed transcript may be accepted differently from a paper one, so ask the apostille office how to handle it. ## Getting the signature verified An apostille verifies the signature of a notary or public official. For schools, that often means the registrar signs before a notary, and then the state apostille office certifies the notary. In some states, public universities can be certified directly. Rules differ by school and by state, so ask the apostille office. If the school is in a different state than where you live, the apostille comes from that state. Some institutions use outsourced services to produce certified or notarized copies. These can be faster, but there may be an extra fee. Compare options before ordering. ## Translation and order of steps If a translation is needed, ask the destination whether it should be done before or after the apostille. A common method is to translate the apostille as well. Another is to apostille only the original and attach a translator's statement. Follow the foreign office's instructions. A translator's signed statement may also need notarization. Keep a record of who at the school signed the certified copy, since the apostille office may need the signer's name and title to match its records. ## Timing and common mistakes Schools can be slow, especially in graduation season. Start several weeks early. Do not send photocopies of a diploma and expect them to be accepted. Do not remove staples or break seals. Check names carefully. A name change since graduation may need supporting papers, such as a marriage certificate, handled with the same care. If a degree was earned under a previous name, keep proof of the name change, such as a court order or marriage certificate, in the same folder. ## Mistakes that get documents rejected Sending the wrong version is the usual problem: many offices want a registrar-signed copy or a notarized statement rather than a plain photocopy. Others include not checking whether the destination wants a translation, and skipping the step that verifies the registrar's signature. ## Checklist before you book Ask the destination what they accept. Contact the school registrar. Get the right version. Check the apostille office's requirements and timing. ## Common questions **Can I just get my diploma notarized?** A notary cannot certify a copy of a diploma in many states. Ask the school for a certified copy first. **Does a closed school affect the process?** Yes. Records from closed schools are held by a state agency or custodian. Contact the state education department for the process. ## More notary guides - [NJ Birth Certificate Apostille: Steps and Pitfalls](/notary/guides/new-jersey-birth-certificate-apostille-steps) - [Apostille, Authentication, Legalization: What's the Difference?](/notary/guides/apostille-authentication-legalization-whats-the-difference) - [Embassy Legalization Step by Step for U.S. Documents](/notary/guides/embassy-legalization-step-by-step) This guide is general information, not legal advice. Fees and procedures change; check with the office involved or an attorney for your situation. Let us handle it [### Apostille Services We notarize your document and handle the New Jersey apostille for use abroad. State fee and our fee quoted up front. Powers of attorney, affidavits, school records. Apostille services →](/notary/apostille-services)[### Certified Translation A professional translator translates your document and signs a certificate of accuracy, and we can notarize the statement. Priced per page; we confirm first. Certified translation →](/notary/certified-translation)[All guides](/notary/guides) Reach notaries, signing agents and people getting documents notarized or apostilled who read this guide: [advertise here](/advertise#notary). Do it yourself ### College-Bound Documents Kit At 18 your child's medical and school records become theirs. Here's how they can choose to keep you in the loop. [See what's inside ($15)](/toolkits/college-bound-documents-kit) [Free sample](/toolkits/college-bound-documents-kit#free-starter)14-day full refund ## Related - [Study abroad paperwork in one place](/students/study-abroad-documents) - [For schools and registrars: notarized and apostilled diplomas and transcripts](/notary/for-business/schools-and-universities) ## Rather have us handle it? Call the desk. [Book Now](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)