What is the Difference Between Official and Unofficial Transcripts?

The main difference between official and unofficial transcripts lies in their purpose, content, and authenticity. Here are the key differences:

Official Transcripts:

• Produced by the registrar's office or counselor, and can be ordered by the student.
• Bear the seal of the university and the signature of the registrar.
• Issued in a specific format (e.g., portrait or landscape).
• Used for transferring to another college or university, or for credential verification.
• Sent directly to the intended institution in a sealed envelope or transmitted electronically through a secure service.

Unofficial Transcripts:

• Accessed directly by the student via the grading or student document portal provided by the school.
• Printed on plain paper and do not have a college seal or registrar's signature.
• Used by students for personal review of their academic record.
• Can be replaced if the original seal of the university envelope is broken or if the transcript has been opened by the student.

In summary, official transcripts are used for formal purposes, such as transferring to another institution or for credential verification, while unofficial transcripts are for personal use and review by the student. Official transcripts are produced by the registrar's office and bear the university seal and registrar's signature, whereas unofficial transcripts are accessed by the student and do not have the same authentication features.

Comparative Table: Official vs Unofficial Transcripts

The table below outlines the differences between official and unofficial transcripts:

When determining which type of transcript to request, it is essential to verify with the educational institution or agency that is requesting your records, as most of the time, an official transcript is required.