Alumni who plan to work abroad, apply for visas, or return to their home country may be required to produce documentation certifying the degree(s), diploma(s), or transcripts earned while at Duke. The Office of the University Registrar will produce upon request by former Duke students only affidavits to authenticate any of the following Duke documents:
All three Duke documents contain:
- the degree recipient's name
- the degree(s) earned
- the date(s) of degree conferral
- the official signature of the University Registrar
- the statement that Duke University considers the document to carry weight equal to that of an actual diploma (only on the degree affidavit)
The affidavits are notarized, verifying the authenticity of the university official's signature on the documents.
Duke University cannot provide governmental validations on these documents (e.g. Apostilles, US State Department validations).
After producing the letter of authentication, the document is returned to the requestor or the requestor's personal designee. Depending upon which country requires the document, further validation may be necessary. It is the responsibility of the requestor to determine what level of validation is needed and how to obtain it. Our office is unable to send documents directly to the North Carolina Secretary of State or US Department of State on your behalf, as there are fees and additional requirements involved.
Click here for information regarding the Hague Convention and participating countries.
It may be necessary to have documents validated through the NC Secretary of State. Visit the NC Secretary of State website for more information.
How to Request a Letter of Authentication for Degree, Diploma, or Transcript
Email your request to registrar@duke.edu. Include your full name, year of graduation from Duke, the address where you would like the document mailed, and any specific details or wording required in the document. Your document will be mailed back to you, or your designee.
If you require your diploma authenticated, attach a scanned copy of the diploma to the email. We cannot put an actual stamp on the copy of the diploma. An authentication will be created and attached to the copy of the diploma.
To obtain a notarized transcript and/or verification letter, complete the appropriate transcript form or verification form and indicate specifically that you require a notary signature.