How you get your high school diploma depends on your situation: whether you already graduated and need a physical copy, need proof of graduation for a job or school, or never finished high school and want to earn the credential now. Each path has a different process, and the right one for you comes down to what you actually need and why.
If You Already Graduated
Your first call should be to the high school you attended. The school’s main office or registrar handles diploma reprints, and you’ll typically need to provide your full name (including your name at the time of graduation if it has changed), your date of birth, and your graduation year. Some districts handle this at the school level, while others route requests through a central district office. Fees and turnaround times vary by district, but expect to pay a modest administrative fee and wait a few weeks for processing and mailing.
One important thing to know: most schools do not keep a copy of your actual diploma on file. They keep your transcript, which includes your graduation date. If you need proof of graduation for an employer or a college, ask whether an official transcript showing your completion date would be accepted instead. In many cases it will, and transcripts are often faster and cheaper to obtain than a reprinted diploma.
If Your High School Has Closed
Closed schools create extra steps, but your records still exist somewhere. The standard practice is for a closing school to transfer its student records to a state licensing or education agency. Contact the state education department in the state where the school was located and ask where the records were sent. Some states maintain a searchable database of closed schools and their record custodians.
If the school was a public school, start with the local school district office, which may have absorbed the records when the building closed. For private or charter schools, the state education agency is your best starting point. The U.S. Department of Education does not maintain transcript records for any school, so going federal will not help here.
Getting an Official Transcript
For most practical purposes, an official transcript does the same job as a diploma. It lists every course you completed, your grades, and your graduation date. Employers, colleges, and licensing boards almost always accept an official transcript as proof of graduation.
Many school districts now partner with third-party transcript services that let you order online. You’ll create an account, verify your identity, and pay a processing fee, usually somewhere between $5 and $25. Some districts still handle requests in-house, which may require a written request form or an in-person visit. Processing typically takes one to three weeks, though electronic transcripts can arrive in just a few days.
Earning a Diploma as an Adult
If you never finished high school, you have two main options: earn an adult high school diploma or pass a high school equivalency exam like the GED.
Adult High School Diploma Programs
Many states and school districts offer adult education programs where you complete actual coursework and earn a standard high school diploma. These programs are designed for working adults, with evening and weekend classes, online options, or a combination of both. You’ll take the remaining courses you need to meet graduation requirements, which means the timeline depends on how many credits you already have. Some adults finish in a few months, others in a year or more.
Community colleges, adult education centers, and some school districts run these programs. Tuition is often free or very low cost for residents. Search for “adult high school diploma” along with your city or county name to find local options.
GED and Other Equivalency Exams
The GED is the most widely recognized high school equivalency credential. It consists of four subject tests covering language arts, math, social studies, and science. Once you pass all four, you receive a high school equivalency diploma. In most states, you can take the GED starting at age 16.
The GED is significantly faster than completing a traditional diploma. The test itself takes about seven hours total (spread across the four subjects), and most people spend less than a year preparing, though the timeline depends on your starting knowledge. Preparation resources range from free online study guides to paid prep courses at community colleges. Testing fees vary by state but generally run between $30 and $40 per subject, or roughly $120 to $160 for all four.
The GED is not the only equivalency exam available. Some states offer the HiSET or TASC as alternatives, so check with your state education department to see which tests are accepted where you live. All three are widely recognized by employers and colleges, though a small number of institutions or employers may treat an equivalency credential slightly differently than a traditional diploma. If that distinction matters for a specific opportunity, ask the institution directly before choosing your path.
Which Option Is Right for You
If you just need a piece of paper to show an employer or school that you graduated, start with requesting a transcript. It is the fastest and cheapest route, and it satisfies most requirements. If you want the physical diploma itself for personal reasons, contact your school directly for a reprint.
If you did not finish high school and want to earn the credential now, the choice between an adult diploma program and the GED comes down to time and preference. The GED is faster and works well if you are a strong test-taker. An adult diploma program takes longer but gives you actual classroom instruction and a standard diploma rather than an equivalency credential. Both open the door to college enrollment, better job opportunities, and military eligibility.