How to Apostille a Virginia Diploma / degree certificate (2026 Guide)
To apostille a Virginia diploma / degree certificate, have a copy of the diploma notarized (the registrar's or a notary's signature), or obtain a registrar-certified copy where the state requires it. Then submit it to the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth for $10 per document. Mail processing takes about 5–10 business days. For a non-Hague destination, you also need US Department of State authentication and embassy legalization.
| Government fee | $10 per document |
|---|---|
| Where to send it | Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth |
| Required copy | Have a copy of the diploma notarized (the registrar's or a notary's signature), or obtain a registrar-certified copy where the state requires it. |
| Mail time | 5–10 business days |
| Counter | mail only |
| County pre-cert | Not required for this document |
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Step 1 — Get the right copy
Have a copy of the diploma notarized (the registrar's or a notary's signature), or obtain a registrar-certified copy where the state requires it. In Virginia, virginia vital records come from the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Vital Records.
Step 2 — Submit to the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth
Include a signed cover sheet naming the destination country, payment payable to the authority above, and a prepaid return envelope. Confirm exact requirements on the official page linked in sources. Pay $10 per document by check or money order. There is no counter service, so mail is the only option — plan on 5–10 business days.
Step 3 — Check the destination country
If your document is going to a Hague Apostille Convention member, the apostille is the last step. If the destination is not a member, you continue to the U.S. Department of State — Office of Authentications for authentication and then to that country's embassy for legalization. Confirm with theCountry Checker.
Common rejection reasons
- The notary certified the copy but the school seal is missing where required
- The state requires the registrar's signature, not a self-notarized copy
Who typically needs this
Work and skilled-migration visas.
Teaching English abroad (TEFL/TESOL placements).
Foreign professional licensing.
Frequently asked questions
＋How much does it cost to apostille a diploma / degree certificate in Virginia?
The Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth charges $10 per document. You pay separately for the certified copy and your return envelope.
＋Can I apostille a photocopy of my diploma / degree certificate?
No. Virginia apostilles the certified or properly notarized document, not a plain photocopy. The notary certified the copy but the school seal is missing where required
＋How long does it take?
Mail processing in Virginia runs about 5–10 business days. There is no counter option. A non-Hague destination adds the federal and embassy steps on top.
＋Who usually needs a diploma / degree certificate apostille?
People who work and skilled-migration visas or need it for teaching english abroad (tefl/tesol placements). The apostille lets a foreign authority accept your Virginia diploma / degree certificate.
Other Virginia documents
Sources
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor
Last verified: July 13, 2026 against the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth and the HCCH status table(official page). See how we verify and how often on ourmethodology page.
This is informational, not legal advice. The receiving authority sets the final requirements — confirm with them and the office named above before you send anything.