High school diploma apostille
We turn U.S. high school diplomas into documents foreign schools, employers, and immigration officers will accept — starting with the right school-issued or notarized copy and the correct state apostille route.
This page covers high school diplomas only. For high school transcripts, see the transcript apostille page. For college diplomas, see the college diploma page.
What this page covers
A high school diploma apostille is what most foreign schools, immigration officers, and employers require before they will accept a U.S. diploma. Because high schools do not issue diplomas with raised state seals, the diploma is almost always notarized as a true copy first, then apostilled by the Secretary of State where the notary is commissioned. For non-Hague destinations, we coordinate the consular legalization chain.
Common reasons people need this
Foreign secondary schools, IB programs, and undergraduate admissions offices often request an apostilled U.S. high school diploma as part of the enrollment file — especially in Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.
Long-stay visas, family reunification cases, and residency applications routinely require an apostilled high school diploma to confirm education history when other academic records are not available.
Foreign credential evaluators and licensing bodies use an apostilled high school diploma to verify a minimum education requirement for vocational programs, trade licensing, or employment screening abroad.
Some overseas employers, especially in hospitality, retail, and entry-level technical roles, require an apostilled high school diploma as part of the work permit or background check package before issuing a contract.
How it works
Text or email a clear photo of the diploma (front and back), the school name, issuing state, destination country, and your deadline. We confirm in writing whether the diploma can be notarized as a true copy or whether a school-issued certified copy is required.
Most high school diplomas are notarized as true copies in front of a notary. If your destination country requires a school-issued certified copy instead, we tell you exactly which registrar office to contact and how to request it.
We file with the correct Secretary of State (California or other), monitor processing, and return the apostilled diploma by secure courier, mail, or in-person pickup. Same-day rush is available for most California cases.
What will and won't be accepted
Realistic timelines
Before you contact us
High School Diploma Apostille FAQ
Usually yes — the original diploma is notarized as a true copy in front of a notary, then apostilled. If you no longer have the original, your school district can issue a replacement diploma or a school-certified copy. We can guide you to the right office.
Yes. The diploma must be notarized in the state that will apostille it, so we either coordinate notarization with a notary in that state or use a California notary if the diploma is being apostilled through the California Secretary of State.
Yes. GED and HiSET certificates are apostilled the same way as a traditional high school diploma. The issuing state agency (often the Department of Education) provides certified copies which we then apostille.
Older diplomas are fine as long as they are still legible — the school's name, signatures, and any seal must be visible to the notary. If the diploma is damaged or unreadable, your school district can usually issue a replacement.
California diploma apostilles can often be completed in 1–3 business days with in-person filing, and same-day rush is available in most cases. Other states vary, typically 1–6 weeks. Non-Hague destinations requiring consular legalization add several more weeks.
Yes. The apostille is attached to the notarized copy or to a school-issued certified copy — your original diploma stays with you. The apostilled document is returned by secure courier, mail, or in-person pickup.
Other school & academic documents