To apostille a diploma in Oregon, a school official signs a statement that the diploma is authentic, a notary notarizes that signature, and the Oregon Secretary of State attaches the apostille. The state fee is $10 per document.
A photocopy of your diploma that you notarize yourself will usually be rejected. The step most people miss is the school official’s signature.
Who needs a diploma apostille
- Teachers heading to South Korea, Spain or China
- Students applying to universities abroad
- Professionals applying for a foreign work visa or license
- Anyone whose foreign employer asked for “legalized” degree documents
Step 1: Find out exactly what the country wants
Ask the employer, school or consulate whether they need the diploma, the transcript, or both, whether they accept a copy, and how recent the apostille must be.
Step 2: Get the registrar’s certification
Contact the registrar at your college, university or school district. Ask for a certified copy of your diploma, or a signed statement that the attached diploma is a true record. The Secretary of State requires that a transcript or diploma be signed by a school official and that the official’s signature be notarized.
Step 3: Notarization
The notary notarizes the registrar’s signature, not yours. The certificate must be complete: state, county, date, the official’s name, and the notary’s signature and stamp. An incomplete certificate is a common reason documents are returned.
Step 4: Send it to the Oregon Secretary of State
Submit the original notarized document with the Request for Authentication form and $10 per document, by mail or in person at the Corporation Division, 255 Capitol St. NE, Suite 151, Salem, OR 97310 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm). Documents cannot be authenticated in Portland. When Pac Signing hand-delivers for you, Oregon apostilles typically take 1 to 5 business days. Our Oregon apostille guide covers the details.
Step 5: Translation and embassy steps
If the country is in the Hague Apostille Convention, you are done after the apostille. If it is not, the document also needs legalization at that country’s embassy or consulate. If you need a translation, see whether to translate before or after the apostille.
High school diplomas
The process is the same. The signing official is usually the school registrar, principal or a district records officer. For transcripts, see notarizing academic transcripts.
Diploma from another state?
The apostille comes from the state where the notarization happens. If your registrar signs before a California notary, the California Secretary of State issues the apostille.
How Pac Signing helps
We notarize the registrar’s statement, hand-deliver your documents to the Secretary of State in Salem, and return the apostilled diploma to you. Request an apostille quote. Office notarization is $10 per signature.
FAQ
Can I apostille a copy of my diploma?
Yes, if a school official certifies the copy and that signature is notarized.
Can I notarize my own statement about my diploma?
Some countries accept a notarized copy with your own sworn statement. Many do not. Ask the receiving office first.
How much does a diploma apostille cost in Oregon?
The Oregon Secretary of State charges $10 per apostille. Notary and handling fees are separate.
Do I also need my transcript apostilled?
Often yes, especially for teaching visas. It is a separate document with its own $10 apostille.
Does a diploma apostille expire?
The apostille itself does not expire, but many countries want one issued within the last 6 to 12 months.
Also see whether apostilles expire. Sources: Oregon Secretary of State, how to get an apostille.