I recently realized I need proof of high school education for a job application and I no longer have my original diploma. I am trying to understand the best and fastest way to get a legitimate replacement or alternative. I have heard mixed things about contacting the school directly versus using third party transcript services.
For those who have gone through this, how long did it take to receive a replacement diploma or official transcript from your high school or school district? Were there any fees involved and did you have to verify your identity in person?
If someone did not finish high school, how difficult was it to complete a GED and how long did the process take from start to finish? Is a GED treated the same as a diploma by most employers? How to get a fake high school diploma printed?
Also, are online diploma or education verification services actually accepted by employers or colleges? Which option is the most reliable when you need documents quickly but want to stay fully legal?
Any real experiences would help a lot, especially with timelines and what employers actually accept in practice.