How to Apostille a Tennessee Diploma / degree certificate (2026 Guide)
To apostille a Tennessee diploma / degree certificate, have a copy of the diploma notarized (the registrar's or a notary's signature), or obtain a registrar-certified copy where the state requires it. Then submit it to the Tennessee Secretary of State, Division of Business Services for $2 per document. Mail processing takes about 1–3 business days; same-day counter available. For a non-Hague destination, you also need US Department of State authentication and embassy legalization.
| Government fee | $2 per document |
|---|---|
| Where to send it | Tennessee Secretary of State, Division of Business Services |
| Required copy | Have a copy of the diploma notarized (the registrar's or a notary's signature), or obtain a registrar-certified copy where the state requires it. |
| Mail time | 1–3 business days |
| Counter | same-day counter available |
| County pre-cert | Not required for this document |
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Step 1 — Get the right copy
Have a copy of the diploma notarized (the registrar's or a notary's signature), or obtain a registrar-certified copy where the state requires it. In Tennessee, tennessee vital records come from the Tennessee Department of Health, Office of Vital Records.
Step 2 — Submit to the Tennessee Secretary of State, Division of Business Services
Include a signed cover sheet naming the destination country, payment payable to the authority above, and a prepaid return envelope. Confirm exact requirements on the official page linked in sources. Pay $2 per document by check or money order. Same-day for documents received by 2pm in Nashville.
Step 3 — Check the destination country
If your document is going to a Hague Apostille Convention member, the apostille is the last step. If the destination is not a member, you continue to the U.S. Department of State — Office of Authentications for authentication and then to that country's embassy for legalization. Confirm with theCountry Checker.
Common rejection reasons
- The notary certified the copy but the school seal is missing where required
- The state requires the registrar's signature, not a self-notarized copy
Who typically needs this
Work and skilled-migration visas.
Teaching English abroad (TEFL/TESOL placements).
Foreign professional licensing.
Frequently asked questions
＋How much does it cost to apostille a diploma / degree certificate in Tennessee?
The Tennessee Secretary of State, Division of Business Services charges $2 per document. You pay separately for the certified copy and your return envelope.
＋Can I apostille a photocopy of my diploma / degree certificate?
No. Tennessee apostilles the certified or properly notarized document, not a plain photocopy. The notary certified the copy but the school seal is missing where required
＋How long does it take?
Mail processing in Tennessee runs about 1–3 business days. A counter option (same-day counter available) can be faster. A non-Hague destination adds the federal and embassy steps on top.
＋Who usually needs a diploma / degree certificate apostille?
People who work and skilled-migration visas or need it for teaching english abroad (tefl/tesol placements). The apostille lets a foreign authority accept your Tennessee diploma / degree certificate.
Other Tennessee documents
Sources
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor
Last verified: July 13, 2026 against the Tennessee Secretary of State, Division of Business Services and the HCCH status table(official page). See how we verify and how often on ourmethodology page.
This is informational, not legal advice. The receiving authority sets the final requirements — confirm with them and the office named above before you send anything.