How to Replace (and Store) Crucial Documents

How to Get Copies of Your College Diploma

Why you need it: For psychological validation; to prove to skeptical friends and relatives that you really did graduate. Particularly proud (or insecure) grads might even want two copies: one for home and one for the office.

Where to get a new one: Your school’s student-services department. No one else can give you a real copy of your diploma. Ignore websites that claim they can get one for you―their “diplomas” are just novelty items.

What you need to get it: A written, signed request, stating why you need a copy, accompanied by your vitals (most likely your signature, Social Security number, address, year of graduation, and degree), plus a check for the replacement fee, which varies by school (Arizona State University West charges $35; Harvard Business School, $115).

How long it takes: It depends. Some universities process replacement diplomas only at certain times of year―and good luck getting one in May, when schools are busy churning out diplomas for graduation ceremonies. If you avoid such peak times, your request could be processed in a day. Call your school to get an idea of its time frame.