How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Diploma?
If you've lost or damaged your diploma, the good news is that replacing it usually isn't expensive — and the cost is predictable once you know what kind of credential you're replacing. As a rule of thumb, a replacement diploma runs somewhere between about $15 and $150, depending on whether it's a high school, college, or GED credential and which school or state issues it. This guide breaks down the typical fees by type, what drives the price, and how to order one.
The quick ranges
| Credential | Typical replacement cost | Issued by |
|---|---|---|
| High school diploma | ~$10–$40 (some more) | Your school district |
| College / university diploma | ~$25–$150 | The university registrar |
| GED / high school equivalency | ~$15 (varies by state) | Your state's equivalency office |
These are typical ranges, not fixed prices — every school and state sets its own fee, so always confirm with the issuer before sending payment.
High school diploma: ~$10–$40
A replacement high school diploma is usually the cheapest to get. Most districts charge somewhere in the $10–$40 range, though some charge more, and a few only issue a transcript or verification letter rather than a reprinted diploma. You order it from the school or district records office. For the full process — including what to do if the school has closed — see our guide to how to get a copy of your high school diploma.
College diploma: ~$25–$150
A replacement college diploma typically costs $25 to $150, depending on the university and the type of degree. You request it from the university registrar, and the fee often covers reprinting and shipping. Note two things that can affect the total: some schools place a hold if you have an unpaid balance (which you'll need to clear first), and a few add a small charge for expedited printing. The step-by-step is in how to get a copy of your college diploma.
GED / high school equivalency: ~$15
Because a GED is issued by the state, replacement costs come from the state's equivalency office and tend to be modest — around $15 is common, though it varies. For example, some states charge a few dollars for a transcript and around $10 for a diploma-and-transcript set. If you earned an equivalency credential, order from the state where you tested. (More on the credential itself in is a GED a diploma.)
What drives the price
A few factors explain why two people pay different amounts:
- Who issues it. Districts, universities, and state offices each set their own fees.
- What you actually order. A reprinted diploma usually costs more than a transcript or a verification letter; ordering several copies at once can lower the per-copy cost.
- Speed. Standard processing is included; rush printing or expedited shipping adds to the total.
- Holds. An unpaid balance can block the order until it's cleared — not a fee, but a cost that can delay you.
Processing usually takes a few weeks, so order ahead of any deadline.
Replacing it for the wall vs. for the record
It's worth separating two different needs, because they have different costs and purposes:
- An official replacement (the prices above) comes from the school or state and serves formal purposes — proving your credential where it's required.
- A display copy is for framing. If your school only issues a transcript or letter, or you simply want a clean diploma to hang while the original stays stored, a replica fills that gap. DiplomaCraft makes replica high school diplomas and replica college diplomas recreated from your details and printed on heavyweight acid-free parchment with a metallic gold foil seal; current prices are on each product page and the pricing page. Start from the replacement diploma page.
A replica is a novelty, replacement, and display keepsake. It is not an official credential, it is not issued by a school or state, and it should not be presented for employment, enrollment, licensing, or any government process. For anything official, order an official replacement from the issuer.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to replace a high school diploma?
Usually about $10–$40 from your district, though some charge more and some issue a transcript or letter instead of a reprinted diploma.
How much is a replacement college diploma?
Typically $25–$150 from the university registrar, depending on the school and degree.
How much is a replacement GED?
Often around $15, but it varies by state since the state issues the credential.
Is it cheaper to get a transcript instead?
Often, yes — a transcript or verification letter usually costs less than a reprinted diploma and is accepted as proof of graduation for most purposes.
Why is there a hold on my diploma order?
Many schools won't release a diploma (or transcript) if you have an unpaid balance. Clear it with the bursar's office first.
The bottom line
Replacing a diploma generally costs between about $15 and $150 — roughly $10–$40 for high school, $25–$150 for college, and around $15 for a GED — set by whichever school or state issued it. Confirm the exact fee with the issuer, clear any holds, and order ahead of your deadline.
Sources
- High school equivalency duplicate fees (state examples): New York State Education Department (ACCES); South Carolina Department of Education.
- College replacement-diploma cost ranges reflect published US university registrar fee schedules; see also Church Hill Classics, What to Do if You Lost Your College Diploma.
Fees vary by institution and state; confirm with the issuer before paying.