The first step in requesting your high school transcript is determining where to order it. Start by contacting your high school’s registrar or records office, which typically handles transcript requests. Many schools offer online request options through their website, while others may require in-person or mail-in requests. When you contact the school, ask what information you must provide to get your transcripts.
Before submitting your transcript request, ensure you have all the necessary information to avoid processing delays. Most schools require that you provide the following:
- Personal information, including your full name at the time of attendance, date of birth and the year you graduated
- School information, including the name and location of your high school
- Transcript request form, available online or in person
- Recipient details, including name and contact information for the college or employer where you need the transcript sent
Before contacting the school, have this information ready and let them know whether you need an official or unofficial transcript.
Before finalizing your transcript request, inquire about any required fees and the estimated time for processing. Many schools charge a small fee per transcript, particularly for official copies. These fees can vary by institution and request method, with online services sometimes adding additional processing costs.
Processing times vary from the same day to several weeks, depending on the school, request volume and delivery method. If you have a deadline, it is important to plan ahead and if needed, consider requesting expedited processing if it's available. Plan to make sure your transcript arrives on time for college applications.
Once you have gathered the necessary information, the next step is to choose how you will submit your request. Schools typically offer multiple ways to request transcripts, so select the best method for your needs.
- Online requests: Many schools partner with third-party services like the National Student Clearinghouse or Parchment, allowing a quick and secure online request process. These platforms let you order transcripts, track delivery status and send them directly to colleges or employers.
- Mail or in-person requests: If online requests aren’t available, you may need to mail a request form or visit your high school’s office in person. Check with your school for specific mailing addresses, processing times and any additional steps required. Once you’ve submitted your request, you may wonder if you need to notify your future university that you’ve done so. O’Brien offers, “No, you don’t need to let our office know, but if your university admissions counselor requests this information, please let them know. We are constantly monitoring our inboxes so we will see them quickly and make sure they are processed right away. We will also alert your university counselor right away with updates so that they can share the good news with you.”
Sometimes, requesting high school transcripts isn’t as straightforward as expected. Here’s how to navigate common challenges:
- Closed schools: If your high school has closed, records are often stored with the district office, state Department of Education or third-party services like the National Student Clearinghouse. Check their websites for guidance.
- Lost records: If your school or district no longer has your records, state archive departments may have copies. Contact them to see if your transcripts can be retrieved.
- Urgent requests: If you need your transcript quickly for a deadline, ask if expedited processing is available. Some schools or online services offer rush delivery for an additional fee.
