Where to request your GED certificate copy

Your GED certificate is held by the state or testing organization where you passed the exam, not by a central federal office. To get a copy, you contact the GED Testing Service or your state's education department directly — whichever one administered your test. Most states now use the GED Testing Service as their official testing body, but a few still run their own exams, so the first step is knowing which one issued yours.

If you took the GED within the last 10 to 15 years, the GED Testing Service website (gedtestingservice.com) has a transcript request tool where you can order a copy online. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and the state where you tested. If you tested longer ago or through a state-run program, you will need to contact your state's department of education directly.

Most states charge a small fee — typically $5 to $15 per copy — and processing takes one to two weeks by mail. Some states offer rush delivery for an extra charge. A few states allow you to read a digital copy when ready after paying online.

Key Takeaways

  • The GED Testing Service holds records for most states; your state education department holds them if your state ran its own exam program.
  • You can request a transcript online through the GED Testing Service website if you tested in the last 10 to 15 years and have your Social Security number and birth date.
  • Fees range from $5 to $15 per copy, and standard mail delivery takes one to two weeks.
  • If you tested more than 15 years ago or through a state program, contact your state education department by phone or mail to request your records.

Requesting through the GED Testing Service online

Go to gedtestingservice.com and look for the "Order Transcripts" or "Request Transcript" link on the homepage. You will be asked to create an account or log in if you already have one. Enter your Social Security number, date of birth, and the state where you took the test.

The system will search for your record. If it finds your test results, you can choose how many copies you want and where to send them — to yourself, to a school, to an employer, or to another address. You pay by credit card or debit card at that time. The GED Testing Service will mail the copies to the address you provide within 7 to 14 business days.

If the system does not find your record, it may mean you tested through a state program rather than the GED Testing Service. In that case, you will need to contact your state education department instead.

Requesting from your state education department

Each state's process is different. Some states have an online request form on their education department website; others require you to call or mail a request form. Search "[your state] GED transcript request" to find the right office and method for your state.

When you contact them, have ready your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and the year you passed the test. Some states ask for the testing center where you took the exam. You will be asked where to send the copy and may need to pay a fee by check, money order, or credit card depending on the state's process.

Processing times vary by state — some take one week, others take three to four weeks. If you need the copy urgently, ask whether your state offers expedited delivery and what it costs.

What information appears on your GED certificate

Your GED certificate shows your full name, date of birth, the state that issued it, the date you passed, and your test scores in each subject area (reasoning through language arts, mathematical reasoning, science, and social studies). It also displays a unique GED credential number that employers and schools can use to verify your results.

The certificate itself is a physical document, usually printed on cardstock. A transcript is a detailed record of your scores and may be printed or digital. Some schools and employers ask for the certificate; others ask for the transcript. When you order, you can request either or both.

Replacing a lost or damaged certificate

If your original certificate is lost, damaged, or stolen, you order a replacement copy through the same process as a regular transcript request. There is no separate "replacement" procedure — you straightforward order another copy. The replacement will look identical to the original and carry the same credential number.

If your certificate was issued more than 20 years ago, some states may no longer have the original records in their system. In that case, contact your state education department to ask what documentation they can provide instead. Many states will issue a letter confirming you passed the GED, which some employers and schools will accept in place of the certificate itself.

Sending your certificate directly to schools or employers

When you request your transcript through the GED Testing Service or your state, you can have it sent directly to a school or employer instead of to yourself. You will need the recipient's mailing address or, in some cases, a specific department name or contact person.

Many colleges and employers now accept digital transcripts, so ask whether the school or employer has an online portal where you can upload your GED records yourself. This is often faster than waiting for mail delivery. Some schools have a specific email address where you can send a scanned copy of your certificate.

Verifying your GED online

If a school or employer wants to verify that you passed the GED without needing a physical copy, they can use the GED Testing Service's verification tool at gedtestingservice.com. They enter your name, date of birth, and GED credential number, and the system confirms whether the credential is valid.

You can also verify your own records this way. This is useful if you want to check that your information is correct in the system before ordering official copies. The verification tool is free and does not require you to create an account.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to get a copy of my GED certificate?

Fees range from $5 to $15 per copy depending on your state. The GED Testing Service charges around $10 per transcript. Some states charge less; a few charge more. Rush delivery, if available, usually costs an additional $5 to $10.

How long does it take to receive my certificate in the mail?

Standard delivery takes 7 to 14 business days through the GED Testing Service and 1 to 4 weeks through state education departments. Some states offer expedited delivery that arrives in 3 to 5 business days for an extra fee. Digital copies, where available, are usually ready within 24 hours.

What if I don't know which state I tested in?

Call the GED Testing Service at 1-877-EXAM-GED (1-877-392-6433) and provide your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. They can search across all states to locate your record. You can also contact the education department in the state where you lived when you took the test.

Can I get my GED certificate if I tested more than 20 years ago?

Most states keep GED records indefinitely, but some purge records after 20 to 30 years. Contact your state education department to ask whether your records still exist. If they do not, the state may issue a letter confirming you passed, which some employers will accept as proof.

Do I need the original certificate or just a copy?

Most schools and employers accept copies. You only need the original if the institution specifically requests it, which is rare. Copies ordered through the GED Testing Service or your state are official documents and carry the same weight as the original.