If you need your high school diploma or college records authenticated for another country, here's what to ask your school first.
You've been accepted to a university overseas. Or you're applying for a job, residency, or professional registration in another country.
The receiving organization requests an apostille on your diploma.
There's just one problem.
You don't want to mail your original diploma.
I understand. Some schools don't issue replacement diplomas, and your original may be difficult to replace.
I'm Kerrie L. Smith with Signature Move Notary Services in Indianapolis. I coordinate Indiana diploma and transcript apostilles for international use.
One of the first things I help clients determine is whether the school can prepare a properly certified record for apostille processing.
Can I simply make a color copy of my diploma?
A photocopy alone generally isn't sufficient.
For an Indiana school document that requires notarized certification, the school may need to provide an appropriate certification signed by an authorized school official before a notary.
The Indiana Secretary of State authenticates the appropriate official signature or notarial certificate. It doesn't independently verify graduation.
What should I ask my school?
Start with the registrar, principal, or records office.
Ask:
"Can an authorized school official certify a copy of my diploma for international apostille use and sign the certification before a notary?"
Also ask whether the school can provide an official transcript with the appropriate certification.
Some schools have established procedures. Others may need time to determine what they can provide.
What if my school doesn't keep copies of diplomas?
This happens.
A school may retain academic records without maintaining duplicate copies of the diploma originally issued to you.
In that situation, ask whether the school can certify an appropriate copy based on its records or your original diploma.
Don't assume that sending a scan automatically solves the problem.
The school must be willing and able to provide a certification acceptable for the intended apostille process.
Can I notarize the diploma myself?
A notary cannot simply stamp a diploma to certify that the student graduated.
A notarization must involve an appropriate notarial act and the correct signer.
For school certifications, the notary may need to notarize the authorized school official's signature.
That's different from notarizing the student's signature or making an ordinary photocopy.
What if my diploma is from another state?
The appropriate apostille authority depends on the document's origin and the official signature being authenticated.
For example, an Illinois-issued school record prepared under Illinois procedures may require authentication through Illinois.
Don't assume Indiana can authenticate every document simply because you're currently living here.
What about transcripts?
Diplomas and transcripts may need separate apostilles.
A receiving university may require both, and the preparation requirements can differ.
Before ordering, ask whether the institution needs original records, certified copies, notarized certifications, or translations.
What I recommend before spending money
Send me the following information:
The name and state of your school
Whether you have the original diploma
Whether you already have official transcripts
The destination country
The deadline for submission
With those details, we can discuss the appropriate document preparation and apostille process.
Need an Indiana diploma or transcript apostille?
Signature Move Notary Services coordinates Indiana apostille services, including Secretary of State hand-delivery for eligible documents.
I also assist with certified translation coordination and return shipping when needed.
Let's determine whether your diploma is apostille-ready before you risk mailing an irreplaceable original.
Request Indiana Diploma Apostille Assistance
For official guidance, visit the Indiana Secretary of State Apostille and Authentication page.
Signature Move Notary Services | Indianapolis, Indiana
Document preparation and acceptance depend on the issuing school, authenticating authority, and receiving organization.
