Official documents issued in one country and intended to be used in another country
must be authenticated in order to be recognized as valid in the foreign country. If
the foreign country is a member of The Hague Convention, an Apostille is required. If
the foreign country is not a member of The Hague Convention, the Great Seal is normally
required.
Countries that are members of The Hague Convention can be found at this
website.
If a student has accepted employment in a foreign country or is returning home to
a foreign country, he or she may need to have an official transcript and/or diploma
legalized by either an Apostille or the Great Seal. Most foreign countries require
the diploma versus a transcript, so it is important to find out which is required.
Additionally, be sure to obtain the required documentation prior to leaving the state
of Georgia. If someone will be assisting a student with this process, the student
should ensure he or she has provided the individual with a signed letter authorizing
them to assist the student with this process.
To order a diploma for either an Apostille or a Great Seal, a student will first need
to request a replacement diploma and select “Notarization” as the reason in the dropdown
box. Additional details can be provided in the box on the right. The signed, stamped,
and notarized diploma will then be mailed or picked up in the Registrar's Office.
A photo ID will be required for any pick-ups in the Registrar's Office.
If a student needs an Apostille (the intended foreign country is a member of the Hague
Convention), he or she will then obtain this from the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’
Cooperative Authority. Please carefully review the information on their
website and follow the instructions provided.
