What to Do When You Lose Your Diploma: A Step-by-Step Guide

Losing a diploma is more common than you think — moving house, flooding, fire, or simply misplacing it over the years. Here is a calm, practical checklist.

1. Search systematically

Check old filing boxes, safety deposit boxes, and your parents' home. Most "lost" diplomas are found within a week of a structured search.

2. Contact your school or university

Most institutions issue official duplicates through the registrar. Processing can take weeks and sometimes requires notarized ID.

3. Order a replacement copy for daily use

While waiting for official paperwork, many people order a high-quality replacement copy for personal record-keeping or display. See our sample showcase for examples.

4. Protect the original going forward

Once recovered or replaced, store documents flat in an acid-free folder away from sunlight.