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How can you get your high school diploma apostille seal?

You can't directly get an apostille seal *on* your high school diploma. An apostille is a certification added to a document that authenticates the signature and seal of the official who signed it. Your diploma itself isn't what gets apostilled; it's a *certified copy* or a *certificate of completion* issued by your high school that's then apostilled.

Here's the process:

1. Obtain a certified copy of your diploma or a certificate of completion: Contact your high school's registrar or records office. They will provide you with a certified copy of your diploma, officially signed and sealed by the school. This is the crucial first step. A simple photocopy is *not* sufficient.

2. Determine the appropriate state agency: The next step depends on where your high school is located. In the United States, you'll need to contact the appropriate state's Secretary of State office (or equivalent agency). Each state has its own process and may require specific forms or fees. Their website should have clear instructions.

3. Submit the certified copy for apostille: You will send your certified copy of your diploma (or certificate) to the state's Secretary of State office. They will review the document and, if everything is in order, add the apostille seal. Some states may allow you to do this in person, while others require mailing. Check their website for specific instructions and requirements.

4. (If needed) Obtain a Federal Apostille: If you need to use your diploma in a country that is a signatory to the Hague Convention but *not* part of the U.S. system (e.g., some countries may require the U.S. Department of State to authenticate the state-level apostille), you'll then need to send the state-apostilled document to the U.S. Department of State for a further authentication. Again, this will be a separate process with its own fees and procedures. You only need to do this if the country you are sending it to explicitly requires a federal apostille in addition to the state apostille.

In short: The process involves obtaining a certified copy from your school, then getting that certified copy apostilled by the appropriate state and potentially federal authorities. Be prepared for fees at each stage, and allow sufficient time for processing, as these steps can take several weeks or even months. Always check the specific requirements of the agency involved, as rules and procedures may change.

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