Diploma Replacement, Translation & Apostille
Undergraduate and graduate students may request duplicate copies (or replacements in case of damage or loss) of their diplomas from the University Registrar. We only accept requests for replacement diplomas from the degree holder. Please allow 4-6 weeks for processing.
We do not require original diplomas to be returned to us, but we ask that you destroy what remains of the original diploma and replace it completely with the new one. If you have at least the signature lines and Georgetown seal portion of your original diploma, you may send them back to us for a new copy without “Exemplum” printed on it. Otherwise, “Exemplum” will appear on the new diploma.
All signatures dating back to 1980 are on file electronically with our printing company. For diplomas before 1980, we have select signatures depending on the signatory’s length of time served at the university. All other signatures will be replaced with the current year’s signatures.
If your name has changed since you graduated and you want your updated name on the diploma, you will need to provide documentation supporting the name change.
All orders are shipped directly from Jostens to the recipient. If your diploma is being shipped directly to you, Jostens will send you an email containing tracking information once the diploma ships.
Apostille
Apostille is a French word which means a certification. It is commonly used in English to refer to the legalisation of a document for international use under the terms of the 1961 Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement for Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents. A document which has been certified with a conformant apostille is accepted for legal use in all the nations that have signed the Hague Convention.
The University Registrar currently makes the following general documents available for the apostille process: transcripts and enrollment/degree certification. If you require this service, please note details for your apostille on your signed documents request form. Given the additional complexity of notarization, please allow one week for processing transcripts and certifications, and up to six weeks for replacement diplomas.
Please note: Georgetown University Staff cannot advise requestors on the international apostille process, nor can staff perform steps in the apostille process beyond production and notarization of the above documents. It is your responsibility to follow the procedures outlined by the Department of State Office of Authentications.
Office of the DC Secretary: Notary Commissions and Authentications Section