How to Apostille a Diploma or Degree
If you're planning to work, study, or immigrate internationally, your U.S. diploma or degree may need to be apostilled for foreign recognition. This guide covers the apostille process for educational credentials, including university diplomas, college degrees, and professional certifications.
Cost & Timeline
State Fee
$2–$25 per document (state fee varies)
Plus service and shipping fees
Standard Processing
5–10 business days
After document received
Expedited Processing
1–3 business days
Additional fee applies
Diploma apostille processing varies by state. The diploma must be apostilled in the state where the educational institution is located. If the state requires notarization first, a notary must verify the document before it can be submitted. Processing takes 5–10 business days standard, with expedited options in most states.
Who Needs a Diploma Apostille?
- Professionals seeking international employment requiring credential verification
- Students transferring to or enrolling in foreign universities
- Immigrants who need educational credentials authenticated for their new country
- Teachers and academics applying for positions at international institutions
- Healthcare professionals needing credential recognition abroad
- Individuals applying for professional licenses in foreign countries
Required Documents
- Original diploma or certified copy from the institution
- Notarized copy (if required by the state)
- Letter of degree conferral from the registrar (sometimes needed)
- Apostille application and fee
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming the diploma can be apostilled in any state — it must be the state where the institution is located
- Not getting the diploma notarized when the state requires it
- Submitting a photocopy instead of the original or a notarized copy
- Confusing diploma apostille with credential evaluation — these are different processes
- Not checking if the destination country requires both the diploma and transcript to be apostilled
Ready to Get Started?
Submit your documents for apostille processing today. Our team reviews every submission to ensure it meets requirements — avoiding rejections and delays.
Free document review included — we check your documents before processing.
Step-by-Step Process
Verify Your Diploma's Eligibility
Your diploma must be from an accredited U.S. institution. The document needs a verifiable signature from a university official (registrar, dean, or president).
Check Notarization Requirements
Some states require the diploma to be notarized before apostille. A notary public verifies the diploma's authenticity or a copy is certified by the institution.
Submit to the Secretary of State
Send the diploma (or notarized copy) to the Secretary of State in the state where the educational institution is located.
Receive Your Apostilled Diploma
The apostille authenticates your educational credential for use in 120+ Hague Convention countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apostille a diploma from any U.S. university?+
Do I need to send my original diploma?+
What if my university is in a different state than where I live?+
Is a diploma apostille the same as credential evaluation?+
Can I apostille a GED or high school diploma?+
Why Choose 1Apostille
All 50 States
We process apostilles nationwide — every state covered.
Document Review
Free pre-submission review to prevent rejections.
Fast Processing
Standard and expedited options available.
Secure Handling
Your documents are handled with care and confidentiality.
Start Your Diploma Apostille Today
Let our experienced team handle the complete apostille process for you — from document review to Secretary of State submission and secure delivery.