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Homepage for Replacing and Certifying Documents > Authenticate Your Document Homepage > Authentication of American Academic Credentials for Use Abroad
U.S. embassies and consulates cannot authenticate diplomas or other documents from universities and other schools in the United States. If you want to present academic credentials from the United States for use abroad, follow the step-by-step guidance on this page for each type of school.
An authentication on a transcript does not certify that the person named on the transcript completed a particular course of study, rather it authenticates the signature and seal of the notary who witnessed the registrar’s affidavit.
Be aware that there are individuals and groups who issue fake academic credentials for a fee. For verifying U.S. academic credentials, the U.S. Department of Education maintains a Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.