Free Transcript Request Form

A transcript request form is a document used by students or former students to get a copy of their academic records from educational institutions such as high schools or colleges. The transcript can be official or unofficial.

Official transcripts are typically sealed in an envelope and stamped with a Registrar’s signature or college seal. Unofficial transcripts may not have an envelope, although the transcript itself should also tell you what type of transcript it is.‌

Businesses or educational institutions can also use these forms to confirm a student or former student’s academic records.

Transcript request forms are also known as:

• Unofficial transcript request form
• Official transcript request form
• High school transcript request
• College transcript request form
• School records request form

Table of Contents

• What is a Transcript Request Form?
• How to Write a Transcript Request
• What to Include in a Transcript Request Form
• Tips for Writing a Transcript Request
• FAQs/Related questions

What is a Transcript Request Form?

A transcript request form is used to request a student or former student’s academic history from an educational institution. It includes details such as their grades, the courses they’ve taken, and whether they have graduated.

In certain situations, you may be required to prove your academic history and enrolment in a school, and you will have to request an official academic transcript. It can be necessary when you are:

• Applying to a new high school or college
• Transferring schools
• Applying to grad or professional school (i.e., law or med school)
• Applying for a job

It’s essential to know whether you need an official or unofficial academic transcript. Depending on the intended use, institutions and employers can accept only one type of academic transcript. Official academic transcripts are contained in an unopened envelope, sent directly to the university or college you’re applying or transferring to, and stamped with a Registrar’s signature or college seal. However, unofficial academic transcripts are primarily for student use only. They are printed on plain paper and don’t have a Registrar’s signature or college seal, which means students can’t use them to transfer or apply to another university or college.

Most universities and colleges require you to pay a fee when submitting a transcript request form. Before submitting your form, check with your university or college’s Registrar to know how much you should pay.

How to Write a Transcript Request

To write a transcript request letter, make sure to include the following information:

• Student’s full name
• Date of birth
• Student ID number
• Dates of attendance
• Courses taken
• GPA
• Grades
• Scholarships
• Distinctions (i.e., Dean’s List)

What to Include in a Transcript Request Form

In addition to including the information above, you should also ensure the following is in your transcript request form:

• Mention you were a student in the institution. Include your student ID number, degree or diploma taken, the dates of attendance, and the graduation date.
• Mention whether you want to request an unofficial or official transcript.
• Attach the payment or proof of payment for the transcript if needed. Check your school’s rules regarding how to pay for a transcript request.
• Explain why you’re requesting the transcript (e.g., for a job that requires it, for a Master’s program, or transferring schools) and mention the company or institution requesting the transcript.
• Mention if the transcript request is urgent. If it is urgent, talk about when the institution should send out the transcript.
• Give a mailing address where the institution can send the transcript. Include contact information if needed or necessary.

Alternatively, you can use our transcript request template or our form builder, which can guide you through the process.

Tips for Writing a Transcript Request

Remember to keep these tips in mind when writing your transcript request letter:

• Keep everything concise and straightforward. The body of your letter should be no more than three paragraphs.
• Contact your school before writing the letter so you know what to include with the request letter. For instance, include a cheque with your transcript request letter if your school requires you to do so. Some schools may also require you to fill in additional forms, so make sure to include those as well if needed.
• If you include other documents in the letter, you should write a sentence referencing your attachments at the end of the letter.
• Write and send your transcript request letter as soon as possible to give your school time to process the request and send the transcript.‌

FAQs/Related questions