Have you lost your diploma? Whether you left home before graduating and come back to it missing, or have lost it to theft or damage, it’s a horrible thing and feels unfixable. Besides, life is full of situations that require proof of one’s qualifications– from job applications to marriage.
Not being able to present your diploma may result in having to rescind a job offer, postpone a wedding, or refuse government benefits because you lost it.
So what do you do if you can’t locate a lost diploma? Don’t worry, not all is lost. The truth is that your situation might not be as bad as you think. The answer is actually quite simple–if you know where to look. Let’s talk about what you can do to locate your lost diploma.
I Lost My Diploma in the Mail
If you have lost your high school or college diploma, the first place you should check is with your school. The school may have a copy of your diploma on file or any tracking information that might help you.
If your diploma got lost in the mail, your school may have a record of where your diploma was sent. Don’t forget to get any tracking information that you might need. This can be a tracking number, sender’s name, payment receipt number, courier’s name, and contact number, and shipping method.
As soon as you have these details, you may contact the courier and check where your diploma is. If you were given a tracking number, couriers would usually have an online tracking page where you can check it yourself.
I Can’t Find My Degree Anywhere
If you can’t find your diploma anywhere, it might be easier to get a replacement diploma instead. Your school may be able to tell you how to get a new copy. This can usually be done by contacting the registrar’s office at the school you graduated from.
To start with, you will likely need to submit a written request and pay a fee. In some cases, you may need to provide additional documentation, such as a transcript, before your request can be processed.
They will also likely need some basic information from you, such as your name and date of graduation, in order to process your request. If you don’t have this information handy, you can usually find it on your transcripts.
Here is a sample of the process of requesting for a replacement diploma in Harvard.
My School Doesn’t Have a Copy of My Diploma
If the school does not have a copy of your diploma, they may be able to tell you how to order a replacement from the company that produced your original diploma instead. Don’t forget to get the name and contact number of the company. You can call their office or order a reprint online.
If you don’t know where your diploma was issued, you can try searching for the institution online or contacting your state’s Department of Education. Be sure to have your name, date of birth, and other identifying information ready when you make your request.
You may expect a small fee for this request as well so confirm how much it will be.
I Had My Diploma but I Can’t Remember Where It Is
There are a few common places your diploma might be hiding. First, check any filing cabinets or desk drawers where you may have stored it.
If you still can’t find it, try asking your parents or other relatives if they know where it is. You can ask your friends if they remember seeing your diploma, and see if anyone has any old photos of it. With any luck, someone may be able to help you track it down.
This may also be a good opportunity for you to reach out to your old classmates. Try to find out if they have experienced the same thing and get some tips on how they worked around finding their lost diploma or getting a new copy. Their experiences may just make things a little bit easier for you.
I Need a Replacement Diploma Immediately
Schools would offer replacements but they take about 1-2 weeks and they can be quite expensive. A professional diploma replacement service can help you get it replaced quickly and easily.
These services can provide a new diploma or a certified copy of your original diploma. They can also help you get your transcripts and other important documents in order.
If you need a replacement diploma within 3 days or for a cheaper price, you can buy a fake diploma instead. There are many companies that offer fake diplomas, so be sure to do your research before selecting one.
There are also a few things you should keep in mind when purchasing a fake diploma, such as the quality of the diploma and the company’s reputation.
Other Places to Check
There are other places and things to do to find a copy of your lost diploma. You can check the state board of education or the National Student Clearinghouse if they have one.
Your local library may also have a copy of your diploma in their archives. They may have a microfiche machine that you can use to look up old newspapers. This can be a long shot, but it’s worth a try.
You can also try searching online public records databases. If you find your name listed, you may be able to request a copy of your diploma from the court clerk’s office.
Finally, you can check with your employer. They may have a copy of your diploma on file from when you submitted your pre-employment requirements.
Let’s Sum It All Up
A lost diploma is probably one of the last things that you want to worry about after being robbed or after experiencing a natural disaster. However, it is better to get your diploma back as soon as possible in case you’ll need it in the future.
There are a few things you can do to try and locate it. But worse-case scenarios may require you to get a replacement or even buy a fake diploma instead.
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