How to Apostille a High School Diploma (Step-by-Step)
To apostille a high school diploma means to attach a certificate that makes your document legally recognized in another country. People usually need one to study abroad, gain admission to a foreign university, apply for a work visa, or support an immigration or residency application.
This guide walks through the full authentication process — which copy to submit, how to notarize it, and where to file it — plus what changes when your destination country is not part of the Hague Convention.
What Is a High School Diploma Apostille?
A high school diploma apostille is a certificate attached to your diploma that verifies the document’s origin for use in another country. It confirms the authenticity of the signature and seal on the document.
Apostilles are used only between countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. If your destination country is not a member, your diploma will usually need to go through a longer authentication and embassy legalization process instead, which we cover later in this guide.
Because a high school diploma is not a federal document, the apostille process is handled at the state level rather than by the U.S. Department of State. The exact steps depend on the state where the diploma was issued or notarized. In most cases, the Secretary of State issues the apostille, although some states may require an additional certification from the Department of Education or another authority first.
When Is an Apostille Required for a High School Diploma?
You may need an apostille when a foreign institution or government asks for proof that your diploma is authentic. Common situations include:
- enrolling in a foreign university or continuing your education abroad;
- applying for a job or work visa overseas;
- applying for immigration, residency, or citizenship;
- submitting documents for a family or dependent visa.
Before starting the process, confirm the requirements with the institution or authority receiving your diploma. They determine whether the document needs authentication, while the destination country determines whether that process involves an apostille or consular legalization.
How to Apostille a High School Diploma: Step-by-Step
A high school diploma usually needs some preparation before it can be submitted for an apostille. The process starts with choosing the right version of the diploma, followed by any required notarization and state-level authentication.
Step 1: Get the Right Copy of Your Diploma (Original vs. Certified Copy)
Start by checking which version of your diploma your state will accept for apostille purposes. Depending on the state and how the document was issued, you may need the original diploma, a certified copy, or a notarized copy.
If possible, avoid using your only original unless it is specifically required. An apostille is attached to the document, and replacing a lost or damaged diploma can take time. Your school registrar or records office can usually provide another official copy and may also be able to explain how the diploma should be prepared for authentication. If the school has closed, check with the state education authority or the records custodian responsible for that school.
Step 2: Notarize the Diploma and Get Registrar/Superintendent Verification
In many cases, the diploma must be notarized before it can be apostilled. Typically, a registrar or another authorized school official verifies the document and signs it in front of a notary, who then completes the notarial certificate. For a clearer explanation of how notarization differs from an apostille, see our guide to apostille vs. notary.
Depending on the state, you may also need certification from a superintendent, school district, or state education authority before submitting the diploma for an apostille. Check the requirements for the state handling your document before moving on.
Before submitting the document, make sure the notarial certificate is complete and includes:
- the notary’s name and signature;
- the commission expiration date;
- the required stamp or seal;
- the correct acknowledgment or jurat wording.
Step 3: Submit to the State (Secretary of State or Department of Education)
Once the diploma is properly prepared, submit it to the authority responsible for apostilles in the relevant state. In most cases, this is the Secretary of State, although some states require an additional certification from the Department of Education or another state authority first.
Because a high school diploma is handled at the state level, it does not normally go through the U.S. Department of State. If you are unsure which office should authenticate your document, our guide to federal vs. state apostille explains the distinction.
Before sending your documents, check the state’s submission requirements and make sure your package includes:
- the properly prepared or notarized diploma;
- a completed cover sheet or order form;
- the required fees;
- prepaid return shipping, if required.
Requirements and processing steps vary by state. One Source Process provides nationwide apostille coverage and can help prepare and submit academic documents in states such as California and Texas.
Diploma vs. Transcript: Which Should You Apostille?
The answer depends on what the receiving institution requires. In some cases, you may need one document, in others, both:
- the high school diploma confirms that you graduated;
- the transcript provides a record of your courses and grades.
They are separate documents, and you usually need to prepare and apostille each one individually. If your transcript is also required, see our step-by-step guide on how to apostille a school transcript.
Hague vs. Non-Hague Countries: Apostille or Embassy Legalization
For Hague Apostille Convention countries, the state apostille is generally the final authentication step. If the destination is outside the Convention, such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, or Kuwait, the document usually has to continue through additional authorities before it can be used there:
- State authentication of the diploma.
- U.S. Department of State authentication, where required.
- Legalization by the destination country’s embassy or consulate.
You can check the current Hague Convention status of your destination on the official HCCH list. For more details on the legalization route, see our guide to countries that do not accept apostilles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A high school diploma apostille can be delayed or rejected if the document is prepared or submitted incorrectly. Common mistakes include:
- missing required notarization or using an incomplete or incorrect notarial certificate;
- submitting the document to the wrong state authority;
- apostilling your only original when a certified copy would be accepted;
- missing a required school, district, or education authority certification;
- assuming an apostille is enough for a non-Hague country;
- overlooking translation requirements or completing the translation at the wrong stage.
How One Source Process Can Help Apostille Your High School Diploma
Preparing a diploma for use abroad can involve several offices and document checks, and the exact route depends on the state and destination country. One Source Process can take those steps off your plate and make sure the document follows the correct authentication path.
We can coordinate notarization, state submission, and, when needed, U.S. Department of State authentication, embassy or consular legalization, and certified translation. Our apostille and legalization services cover the process from document review through final authentication.
FAQ
Can I apostille a high school diploma myself?
Yes. You can notarize the diploma and submit it to the correct state office yourself.
Do I need to notarize my diploma before getting an apostille?
Often, yes, but requirements vary by state. A diploma may need to be signed by a school official and notarized before it can receive an apostille, while some states follow a different certification process.
Who apostilles a diploma — the state or the federal government?
The state. High school diplomas are handled at the state level, usually by the Secretary of State or another designated state authority.
Should I apostille the original diploma or a certified copy?
Either can work depending on the state, but a certified copy is usually the safer choice, so your original is not tied up or damaged. Confirm which your state accepts.
What if my high school has closed — can I still get an apostille?
Yes. Records from closed schools are usually transferred to another school, district, state agency, or designated records custodian. Check with your state education authority to find out where the records are held.
Can I apostille my diploma from outside the U.S. / from abroad?
Yes. You can usually arrange the process from abroad by sending the required documents to the appropriate state authority or using an apostille service to submit them on your behalf. Check the state’s notarization and submission requirements before sending the diploma.
Do I need to apostille my transcript too, or just the diploma?
It depends on the requesting institution. Some require only the diploma, while others ask for both the diploma and transcript. Each document generally needs to be prepared and apostilled separately.
How do I authenticate a document for a non-Hague country?
You will need full legalization instead of an apostille: state authentication, U.S. Department of State authentication, then legalization at that country’s embassy or consulate.
How long does it take to apostille a high school diploma?
Apostille processing times vary by state, document requirements, and the service level you choose. One Source Process can review your diploma and provide the expected turnaround upfront, with standard, rush, and same-day apostille processing options available for eligible documents and states.
How much does it cost to apostille a diploma?
Apostille costs vary by state, document type, and any additional requirements, such as notarization, authentication, translation, or return shipping. One Source Process can review your order and provide the total expected cost upfront, including any available rush or expedited options.
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Can you apostille parent issued diploma ?
Absolutely! All you need to do is send us your request by going to https://www.onesourceprocess.com/apostillelegalization/. One of our specialists will be prompt to email you your confirmation and quote.
Danny
A former student of mine graduated from a US high school in 2004 and then moved to Mexico. She would like to attend college now but the apostille is required by Mexican colleges. Can she mail the documents or copies from Mexico to get the apostille? How much would it cost and how long would it take? Thank you.
Good afternoon,
We will need to review her documents to see if we can accept copies or if they will have to be shipped to us. Please send us your request by going to https://www.onesourceprocess.com/apostillelegalization/. Our specialists will review your documents to make sure they’re valid for apostille and they will let you know the available processing times and costs.
Danny
I received my High School diploma after finishing High School in the US but am now back in Belgium as i am a citizen. We have my original diploma and documentation but were wondering how long it would take and what the cost would be to get an apostille in order for me to start college here. I got my diploma at Princeton High School in NJ, as the website said we had to go through the state and not federal government.
Hello,
That’s correct. We will need to get your diploma apostilled by NJ State and not the Federal Government. Please send us your request by going to https://www.onesourceprocess.com/apostillelegalization/. Our specialists will review your documents to make sure they’re valid for apostille and they will let you know the process required, available processing times and costs.
Danny
How much is the payment for apostille a diploma ..graduated high school in the Philippines
Good morning,
We can certainly assist. Please send us your request by going to https://www.onesourceprocess.com/apostillelegalization/. Your assigned specialist will review your documents to make sure they’re valid for apostille and they will let you know the process required, available processing times and costs.
Danny
Hi,
I am currently attending school in the Czech Republic and they informed me that the Apostille would need the signature of the head of school as well. Does that sound correct? I am completing this for the process of nostrification and not quite sure how to get what they are requesting
Hello Max,
If the signature of the head of school is required, we will need it signed by the head of school before you provide it to us for apostille. Once you have obtained your document, please send us a copy for review by going to https://www.onesourceprocess.com/apostillelegalization/. Your assigned specialist will thoroughly review your document to make sure it will be accepted for apostille and they will let you know the processing times available and costs.
Danny
If the high school diploma is from the US accredited network of schools based in Texas but the classes were given in person in Honduras? Can the document be motorized in Honduras and Mail to you via DHL? Do you also apostille the transcript (grades).
Hello Veronica,
Your document will need to be notarized in the US in order for it to be valid for a US apostille. We can review your document to determine if a US notary is able to notarize it. We kindly request that you upload a copy of your documents for review through our order form available at https://www.onesourceprocess.com/apostillelegalization/. After submitting your documents, one of our specialists will be assigned to review them and provide you with a quote and review results via email. If you choose to proceed with the service, the specialist will also send you a payment link to start the apostille process.
Thank you,
Danny
I need your help, I moved to argentina and the education department won’t accept a notarized copy of my diploma, they are asking for the orinal to be apostilled, what can I do, because in the secretary of state in Phoenix Arizona, they won’t apostille my orinal diploma
Hello David,
We can assist! To ensure that we can process your documents accurately and promptly, we kindly request that you upload a copy of your documents for review through our order form available at https://www.onesourceprocess.com/apostillelegalization/. After submitting your documents, one of our specialists will be assigned to review them and provide you with a quote and review results via email. If you choose to proceed with the service, the specialist will also send you a payment link to start the apostille process.
Thank you,
Danny