What to Do if You Lose Your College Diploma

About 60 percent of students require a diploma for their first job after college.

But what if you lose your college diploma in the hustle and bustle of looking for a job?

Sure, you can always use your official transcripts from your college as proof of your credentials. But, you may need to hang your diploma on your wall to give you a sense of achievement every time you look at it. After all, you’ve spent a lot of money and time to get a diploma.

So, what do you do when you lose your college diploma? Read on to find out.

Getting in Touch With the Institution

Contacting the college you attended is one of the most recommended ways of replacing your diploma, though it’s time-consuming.

Here’s the detailed process of how to go about it:

1. Contact the College’s Office Registrar

You can get in touch with the registrar by visiting your institution’s website and inquiring about the replacement.

In most cases, you’ll need to present an affidavit swearing to the loss of the diploma. If you want to replace a damaged one, you may need to present it as proof. You can also provide a copy of the insurance claim if the damage was due to floods or fire in your house.

You’ll then be issued with transcripts of your credentials if you’re in urgent need of them.

2. Write a Replacement Order for Your Lost College Diploma

In efforts to prevent identity theft, most colleges require a written request for the replacement. The replacement form is usually in PDF format on the registrar’s office websites. You’re supposed to print it, fill it by hand, and then mail it to your alma mater’s registrar.

It’s mandatory that you attach your driver’s license, passport, birth certificate, or social security number as proof of identity. Remember to include a notarized copy of the Letter of Appointment of Executor or Power of Attorney that grants you the permission to obtain a diploma replacement.

In most cases, you’ll have to pay for the shipping and printing of your new diploma. The printing fees vary depending on the school and type of diploma.

3. Getting Your New Diploma

Getting your new diploma can take six to ten weeks depending on the institution and the type of diploma.

Once your diploma is ready, it’ll be shipped to you. Keep in mind that the new diploma may not be the exact replica of your old one. It’ll bear the signatures of the school’s current faculty.

Get a Replica Diploma as an Alternative

With a typical college, you’ll need to follow the three steps above. But the terms and conditions may vary depending on your institution. Sometimes, it can take more than three months which can be detrimental to your job search. Some institutions may refuse to replace your diploma altogether for various reasons.

Buying a fake diploma is a viable option, especially if you don’t want to go through the long processes that involve the school’s registrar office. You’re guaranteed of getting the diploma in less than two days.

The process is pretty straightforward. All you’ve to do is search for a reliable online diploma maker and pay the agreed price.

Since diplomas are precise in detail, ensure the site you contact provides a refund policy in case you’re unsatisfied with the final product.

Even better, you don’t have to worry about getting into problems with the law. Getting a replica diploma is legal. Nevertheless, it’s advised not to misuse this service to fake your grades and other credentials.

To ensure compliance with the law, replica diploma makers don’t use the real names of the executives as in the original diploma. Instead, they apply their own household names and signatures that appear authentic.

However, the rest of the critical details such embossed details are crafted just like the original diplomas.

Preserve Your College Diploma

Once you’ve received your diploma replacement, you may want to keep it safe to avoid future damages or misplacement.

You can choose to lock it in a safe drawer with little traffic or have it framed in a glass display. To frame your diploma use the following steps:

Check the Printing Style

Before framing your diploma, check the type of ink used. Framing a diploma printed in normal ink may damage it since this ink tends to stick on the glass screen over time. Ensure your diploma has specialized certificate ink before framing it.

Measure the Size of Your Diploma

Knowing the exact measurements allows you to get the right fit frame for your diploma. If you plan on adding tassels and graduation pictures right next to your diploma, you’ll need to make the necessary adjustments.

Shop Around for Frames

Shopping for ready-made frames is a good way of saving money and time.

It’s easy to get an affordable frame without compromising on the quality. The best place to start shopping for a diploma frame is at your school’s bookstore. If you can’t find a suitable frame design, you can check with your local frame shop.

There are also many online stores that allow you to design your own frames online and have them shipped to your home.

Care and Maintenance

After framing your diploma, it’s best that you hang it away from direct sunlight exposure to prevent it from fading. Moreover, dust your diploma case regularly to prevent the dust buildup which may cause discoloration over time.

If you’re having a party at your home, remember to remove the diploma from the wall to minimize the risk of damage.

Save Yourself the Torment of Losing Your College Diploma

Losing your college diploma shouldn’t give you headaches! Get some peace of mind with replica diplomas. 

If you need a replacement, be sure to contact us with an image of your diploma for quick services.