How to Send Official Transcripts to a University
September 14, 2026 2026-09-14 20:20How to Send Official Transcripts to a University
How to Send Official Transcripts to a University
Knowing how to send official transcripts to a university is an important part of many college, university, graduate school, transfer, and professional applications. An official transcript provides a formal record of your academic history and allows the receiving institution to review coursework, grades, credits, and other academic information.
Universities do not all accept transcripts in the same way. Some require electronic delivery through an approved transcript service, while others may accept transcripts sent directly by the previous institution or delivered in a sealed official envelope.
Key point: Before sending a transcript, check the receiving university’s current instructions. A transcript that is official in one delivery format may not meet another institution’s requirements.
What Is an Official Transcript?
An official transcript is an academic record issued through an institution’s authorized records process. It typically contains information about a student’s academic history, including courses, grades, credits, and other relevant academic information.
An official transcript may be delivered electronically or physically, depending on the institution and the recipient’s requirements.
For a detailed explanation, read our guide to what an official academic transcript is.
Why Do Universities Require Official Transcripts?
Universities use official transcripts to evaluate an applicant’s academic background and confirm information supplied during the application process.
Official transcripts may be used to:
- Review previous academic performance
- Confirm completed coursework
- Evaluate transfer credits
- Determine admission eligibility
- Confirm prerequisite coursework
- Review graduate-school applicants
- Confirm academic credentials
- Complete institutional records
Depending on the application, a university may require transcripts from every college or university previously attended.
How to Send Official Transcripts to a University
The general process is straightforward, but the exact steps vary by institution.
- Check the receiving university’s transcript requirements.
- Identify every institution that must provide a transcript.
- Request the transcript from each previous institution.
- Select an approved delivery method.
- Enter the receiving university’s information accurately.
- Pay any applicable transcript or delivery fee.
- Keep your order confirmation or tracking information.
- Confirm that the receiving university received the transcript.
Do not assume that sending one transcript is sufficient if the university requires records from multiple institutions.
Where Can You Send an Official Transcript?
The receiving university may provide specific instructions for transcript delivery. These instructions can include:
- A university admissions office
- A graduate admissions office
- A registrar or records office
- A designated electronic transcript service
- A specific institutional email address for secure electronic delivery
- A physical mailing address
- An application portal with transcript instructions
Use the exact destination provided by the university. Sending a transcript to a general office or incorrect address can delay processing.
Electronic vs. Paper Official Transcripts
Official transcripts can commonly be delivered electronically or on paper.
| Electronic Transcript | Paper Transcript |
|---|---|
| Delivered through an approved electronic system | Delivered physically |
| Often faster | May require postal delivery |
| Can provide secure digital delivery | May arrive in a sealed official envelope |
| Availability depends on the institution | May be required by certain recipients |
The receiving university determines which formats it accepts.
How to Send an Electronic Official Transcript
If electronic transcripts are accepted, the process often begins through the registrar or records office of the institution you previously attended.
A typical electronic transcript process includes:
- Log in to your previous institution’s transcript-ordering system.
- Choose the option for an official transcript.
- Search for or enter the receiving university.
- Confirm the recipient information.
- Authorize the release of your academic record if required.
- Pay any applicable fee.
- Submit the request.
- Save the confirmation and delivery information.
Some institutions use specialized electronic transcript services. Follow the instructions provided by your previous institution and the receiving university.
How to Send a Paper Official Transcript
If the university requires a paper transcript, your previous institution may send it directly to the receiving university.
In some cases, the transcript may be provided to you in a sealed envelope. If the receiving institution requires the transcript to remain sealed, do not open the envelope.
Check the university’s instructions before mailing anything yourself.
Important: Never assume that a sealed transcript can be opened and scanned by the applicant. Some institutions require official records to remain in their original delivery format.
Should You Send Transcripts Yourself?
It depends on the receiving institution’s requirements.
Some universities accept official transcripts submitted by the student in a sealed envelope. Others require the previous institution to send the transcript directly.
Electronic transcript systems may also send the record directly to the receiving university.
Always follow the recipient’s specific instructions.
What Information Do You Need to Send a Transcript?
When requesting an official transcript, you may need to provide:
- Your full name
- Previous name, if applicable
- Student identification number
- Date of birth or other identifying information
- Dates of attendance
- Degree or program information
- Receiving institution’s name
- Receiving institution’s address
- Receiving institution’s email address, if required
- Your authorization for release
The exact information varies by institution.
What If Your Name Has Changed?
If your academic records use a previous name, provide the information requested by the transcript service or receiving university.
Name differences can make it harder for a university to match your transcript to your application, particularly when records are being sent from multiple institutions.
Use the name associated with your academic record and provide any required current-name information.
How Long Does It Take to Send an Official Transcript?
Processing time depends on the institution, delivery method, request volume, and whether additional verification is required.
Electronic transcripts may be delivered more quickly than physical transcripts, but students should not assume that electronic delivery means immediate processing by the receiving university.
Additional time may be required for the receiving institution to match, review, and process the transcript.
If your application has a deadline, request your transcripts as early as possible.
How Much Does It Cost to Send an Official Transcript?
Transcript fees vary by institution and delivery method.
Possible charges may include:
- Transcript processing fee
- Electronic delivery fee
- Postal delivery fee
- Expedited delivery fee
- International shipping fee
- Additional processing charges
Check the previous institution’s current transcript-ordering information for the applicable charges.
How to Send Official Transcripts for Graduate School
Graduate programs often have detailed transcript requirements.
A graduate school may require transcripts from:
- All colleges attended
- Universities where degrees were awarded
- Institutions where prerequisite courses were completed
- Institutions attended during a specified period
Some graduate programs allow applicants to submit unofficial transcripts during the initial application and require official transcripts after admission. Others may require official records during the application stage.
Follow the specific instructions of the graduate program.
For related guidance, see how to verify academic credentials for graduate school.
How to Send Transcripts for Transfer Admission
Students transferring to another university may need to submit official transcripts from every previous institution.
The receiving institution may use those transcripts to:
- Evaluate admission eligibility
- Review completed coursework
- Determine transfer credits
- Identify remaining degree requirements
- Confirm academic history
Read our guide on transfer credit evaluation to understand how previous coursework may be reviewed.
How to Send International Transcripts
International applicants may have additional transcript requirements.
A university may require:
- Official transcripts from the issuing institution
- Degree certificates
- Certified translations
- Credential evaluations
- Direct institutional delivery
- Specific electronic submission methods
- Additional authentication or documentation
Requirements vary by institution and country. International applicants should review the receiving university’s current instructions before ordering documents.
Learn more about verifying an international academic credential.
Do Transcripts Need to Be Translated?
Sometimes. If a transcript is written in a language that the receiving university does not accept, the institution may require an official or certified translation.
The receiving university should specify what type of translation it accepts.
Do not assume that a self-translated transcript will satisfy official admissions requirements.
Can You Email an Official Transcript?
Generally, students should not simply scan an official transcript and email it unless the receiving institution explicitly permits that method.
Official electronic transcripts are typically delivered through a secure or institution-approved process.
If an admissions office provides a specific secure email or electronic submission instruction, follow that instruction exactly.
Can You Upload an Official Transcript to an Application Portal?
Some universities allow applicants to upload copies of transcripts during the application process.
However, an uploaded copy may be considered unofficial unless the university specifically accepts it as an official document.
Always check whether the university requires official transcripts before enrollment, after admission, or during the initial application.
How to Know if a Transcript Was Received
Do not assume that a transcript has been processed simply because the previous institution shows that it was delivered.
There are usually two separate stages:
- Delivery: The transcript reaches the receiving university.
- Processing: The university matches and records the transcript in its system.
Processing can take additional time after delivery.
Keep your order confirmation and delivery information until the receiving university confirms that the transcript has been received and processed.
What If the University Says It Did Not Receive Your Transcript?
First, confirm the delivery status with the institution that sent the transcript.
Then check:
- Recipient name
- Recipient address
- Recipient email
- Application identification information
- Delivery date
- Order number
- Electronic delivery status
If the transcript was delivered but cannot be located, contact the receiving university’s admissions or records office and provide the delivery confirmation.
What If You Sent the Transcript to the Wrong University?
Contact the transcript provider and the receiving institution as soon as possible.
Do not assume that a transcript can simply be forwarded from one university to another. Some institutions require transcripts to be delivered directly from the original issuing institution.
If necessary, place a new official transcript order for the correct recipient.
How to Send Multiple Transcripts
If you attended several colleges or universities, create a checklist before ordering transcripts.
| Previous Institution | Transcript Ordered | Delivery Method | Received |
|---|---|---|---|
| Institution 1 | Yes / No | Electronic / Paper | Yes / No |
| Institution 2 | Yes / No | Electronic / Paper | Yes / No |
| Institution 3 | Yes / No | Electronic / Paper | Yes / No |
This simple tracking method can help prevent missing records when an application requires transcripts from multiple institutions.
What Happens After a University Receives Your Transcript?
The receiving university may match the transcript to your application and then review the academic information.
Depending on the purpose of the transcript, the institution may:
- Confirm admission requirements
- Review academic performance
- Evaluate transfer credits
- Check prerequisites
- Confirm previous degrees
- Complete the student’s academic record
The transcript may also be retained as part of the student’s official academic record according to the institution’s policies.
Transcript Submission vs. Transcript Verification
Sending an official transcript and verifying a transcript are related but different activities.
Transcript submission is the process of delivering an academic record to a receiving organization.
Transcript verification is the process of confirming that the academic record is genuine and corresponds to institutional records.
A university may receive an official transcript and later verify or review the information as part of its admissions process.
For more information, see how to verify a university transcript.
Transcript Submission and Credential Verification
A transcript can provide detailed academic information, while a credential verification system may provide confirmation of an academic qualification or record.
These processes serve different purposes and may both be used during academic or professional applications.
Learn more about degree credential verification.
How AUNV Students Can Research Academic Records
The American University of Higher Education provides information about its academic programs, admissions, online learning, and credential verification through its official university resources.
Students and graduates should follow the university’s current instructions when requesting or submitting academic records.
For credential verification, AUNV provides an Online Credential Verification System.
Students researching AUNV can also review the university’s academic programs, admissions information, and university facts.
Important: Transcript submission and credential verification do not guarantee that another university, employer, licensing organization, government agency, or professional body will accept a particular academic credential for every purpose. Each organization may apply its own requirements.
Common Mistakes When Sending Official Transcripts
Sending the Transcript to the Wrong Address
Always copy the recipient information directly from the university’s current instructions.
Sending an Unofficial Copy
A downloaded student copy may not satisfy an official transcript requirement.
Opening a Sealed Transcript
If the institution requires the transcript to remain sealed, opening the envelope may affect whether the document is considered official.
Ignoring Multiple-Institution Requirements
If the university requires transcripts from every institution attended, sending only the transcript from the institution where you earned your degree may be insufficient.
Waiting Until the Deadline
Transcript processing and delivery can take time. Order documents early.
Assuming Delivery Means Processing
A transcript can be delivered but still require additional time for the receiving university to match and process it.
Official Transcript Submission Checklist
- ☐ Read the receiving university’s current transcript requirements
- ☐ Identify every previous institution that must provide records
- ☐ Request official transcripts
- ☐ Confirm the correct recipient
- ☐ Choose an accepted delivery method
- ☐ Provide accurate identification information
- ☐ Pay required fees
- ☐ Save order confirmations
- ☐ Track delivery when possible
- ☐ Confirm receipt with the university
- ☐ Follow up if processing is delayed
Frequently Asked Questions About Sending Official Transcripts
How do I send official transcripts to a university?
Request an official transcript from each previous institution and use the delivery method specified by the receiving university. This may involve electronic delivery, direct institutional mailing, or another approved process.
Can I send an official transcript myself?
Sometimes. Some universities accept sealed official transcripts delivered by the student, while others require the previous institution to send the record directly.
Can I email my transcript to a university?
Only if the university explicitly accepts that method. Official electronic transcripts are normally delivered through an approved or secure process rather than by simply emailing a scanned copy.
Can I upload my transcript to a university application?
Some universities allow transcript uploads for preliminary review. However, an uploaded copy may not be considered official. Check the institution’s requirements.
How long does it take to send an official transcript?
Processing and delivery times vary by institution and delivery method. Electronic delivery may be faster, but the receiving university may still need additional time to process the record.
Do I need transcripts from every college I attended?
Possibly. Many universities require applicants to disclose and provide transcripts from all institutions relevant to the application. Follow the specific university’s instructions.
Do international students need official translations?
Sometimes. If the transcript is not in an accepted language, the receiving institution may require an official or certified translation.
What should I do if the university says it did not receive my transcript?
Check the transcript provider’s delivery status and confirm the recipient information. Then contact the receiving university with the order or delivery confirmation.
What is the difference between an official and unofficial transcript?
An official transcript is issued or delivered through an institution’s authorized process. An unofficial transcript is generally a student-accessible copy that may not satisfy formal submission requirements.
Can official transcripts be sent electronically?
Yes, when the issuing and receiving institutions support approved electronic transcript delivery. The receiving university determines which electronic methods it accepts.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to send official transcripts to a university can make the admissions process more efficient and reduce avoidable delays. The most important step is to follow the receiving institution’s current instructions exactly.
Request official records early, verify recipient information, use an approved delivery method, and keep confirmation of your transcript order until the university confirms receipt and processing.
If you are researching academic records, you can also explore our guides on official academic transcripts, university transcript verification, requesting academic records, and transfer credit evaluation.
Research Your Next Academic Step
Before submitting academic records, review the university’s current admissions and transcript requirements. For information about AUNV academic pathways, visit the university’s academic programs and admissions pages.
