TIDE TIPS - Diploma Replacement

The University of Alabama typically issues only one diploma to each graduate. A graduate of the University may purchase a diploma to replace one that has been lost or destroyed. They may also purchase a duplicate for their home and/or office. The replacement/duplicate will bear the date the degree was awarded.

The signatures of University and University of Alabama System officials may not be the same as those on the original diploma since the signatures of former officials are not maintained on file. As a result, diplomas are reissued in the current format and bear the signatures of current University officers, no exceptions.

Typically the new diploma will be mailed within 2 weeks of receipt of the request, with payment, unless an archival search is required to authenticate information.

Diploma Name Changes

University policy is to maintain educational records under the student's full, legal name. This is normally first name, middle initial and last name. This means that UA will not normally allow a student/alumnus to deviate from this protocol. For students who use their middle name as their "salutatory"name, we will print diplomas using the first initial, middle name, and last name. Nicknames are not allowed.

Note 1: For international students, the name maintained on the educational records will be the same as the one that appears on their passport and U.S. immigration documentation, including the Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant.

Note 2: Some Health's Professional Licensing and Certification Agencies require that the name on an individual's diploma be the same as the one on the professional license or certificate. Upon presentation of appropriate documentation from the Professional Licensing and Certification Agency, UA will change the name of the diploma.

Diploma Replacement/Duplicate Request

The request for diploma replacement must be in the form of a letter signed by the graduate. The cost is $40 for each diploma. Requests should be mailed to:

A student who requests a new diploma based on a change of name must pay the fee. The diploma will state, "Reissued: Name Change" and the effective date.

Please include the year (and term, if possible) of graduation as well as the type of degree earned, student number/CWID, and a return address. If the reason for the replacement is a name change, please return the original diploma and a copy of the legal document showing the name change. Your official university records will be changed to reflect the new name. All replacement diplomas are mailed via the United States Postal Service, usually within two weeks of the receipt of the request.