Diploma Replacement and Shipping Policy

Limited One-Time Replacement

We will issue a single institutional-paid replacement only in cases where the diploma is damaged or lost in transit as described below. 

Damaged Diplomas 

If your diploma arrives damaged, you must provide photographic proof at the time of the request. Photos must include:

  • A clear, well-lit full-image of the diploma showing the damage.
    One close-up photo of each damaged area.
  • A photo that clearly displays the recipient's name as it appears on the diploma.
    E-mail the photographs as attachments with your request for a replacement diploma to: [email protected].

We will issue one replacement diploma upon receipt of acceptable photographic proof of damage to the initial imprint. We will re-order and arrange shipping for the replacement to a domestic U.S. address only. We will not ship replacement diplomas to international addresses under this provision.

Lost in Transit Diplomas 

  • Diplomas sent to U.S. (domestic) addresses:
    • There is a mandatory waiting period of three (3) months from the original mailing date before we will reissue a replacement diploma.
    • After the three-month waiting period, replacement requests must be submitted to: [email protected]. We will process the replacement and absorb the shipping cost for domestic U.S. addresses only.
       
  • Diplomas sent to addresses outside of the U.S. and Canada:
    • If the original diploma shipment to an international address is unsuccessful, a mandatory six-month waiting period from the original mailing date is required before we will reissue a replacement diploma.

    • We will re-order and arrange shipping via USPS for the replacement to a domestic U.S. address only.

       *OR* graduates can use a prepaid international shipping company in lieu of domestic shipping. Students should order the prepaid shipping label directly from approved carriers (FedEx or UPS only) and send the label as an attachment with the re-order request to: [email protected].

  • If the second diploma is lost, the graduate assumes all costs for future replacement and mailing.

 

We will ship replacement diplomas to international addresses only upon receipt of a prepaid shipping label under this policy. 

Ordering a Replacement for Other Reasons

A duplicate or replacement copy of the diploma can be ordered for a $100 fee, plus any associated shipping costs, when you submit an Application for Replacement Diploma. 

Click the link above to complete the replacement diploma request.  

  1. Once you have placed the order and received a confirmation e-mail, you must send an additional e-mail with the subject PARADIGM DIPLOMA REPLACEMENT to [email protected] with the required proof of identification attached.
  2. You need to submit two (2) documents as proof of identification.
  3. Acceptable forms of identification are a passport, birth certificate, driver's license, or other government-issued identification.
  4. Your e-mail must include the required documentation for us to authenticate your identity and approve your order and payment. If we do not receive the documentation within ten business days, your order will be cancelled, and you will not be charged. Any subsequent effort to receive a replacement diploma will require placing a totally new order using the link above. 

  5. IMPORTANT: Replacement diplomas display the signatures of the current Columbia University President and Dean of your School but do show the original date of the conferral. There are no exceptions to this policy.

     

Allow approximately four to five weeks for a non-expedited domestic delivery of the diploma. Delivery times vary based on destination, expedition requests, and shipping options selected. Questions about ordering a replacement diploma should be directed to: [email protected]