Penn State Mark

Delivery Methods

Electronically by PDF
U.S. Mail
Federal Express

Electronically by PDF

Penn State is proud to offer a secure PDF option for the delivery of official transcripts. This version of the official transcript presents the same information, in the same format, found on the traditional printed documents. Because of the digital nature of PDF, the recipient will notice a significant difference in the delivery of the document.

PDF delivered transcripts are secured by a digital certificate. This certificate insures the recipient of two important details:

  1. The transcript has been prepared and delivered by the Office of the University Registrar, Pennsylvania State University.
  2. The transcript is original and unaltered since prepared by the Registrar's office.

To facilitate this method of delivery the requestor must ensure the following:

  1. Verify with the recipient that they will be willing to receive your transcript as a PDF document.
  2. Recipient must have a copy of Adobe Reader 6.0 or higher installed to open the transcript. (Recipient may download a free copy of this software.)
  3. You must provide a valid e-mail address for yourself and the recipient.
  • E-mail notification will be sent to the requestor and recipient.
  • You will be notified by e-mail when the recipient opens the PDF document. (If the requestor and recipient are different.)
  • This is NOT a Rush Service. There is a three business day or less response for all requests received unless FedEx (next business day delivery) service is requested.
  • Questions/Answers concerning PDF Delivery.

Retrieving a PDF Transcript

To maximize privacy and security, the recipient will receive two e-mail messages with the following sender address and subject:

From: "PSU Transcript Department (No reply Please)"
Subject: "PART 2 OF 2 - PDF Transcript is available for <requestor's last name> "

This first e-mail message will contain a unique URL that should be cut and pasted into your browser. This will open a secure Penn State Web site. The second message will contain a "Penn State Document Number" that will be entered into the Web site.

**NOTE: You will only have access to retrieve each requested document ONE time. If you wish to view the transcript at a later time, the PDF MUST be saved or printed.

The only requirement for downloading the PDF transcript is that the recipient must have a copy of Adobe Reader 6.0 (or higher) on their desktop. If the recipient does not have this application on their desktop, instructions are provided to download a copy of this free software.

After retrieving the certified transcript, a security message will display.

  • Certification VALID - this indicates that the recipient is connected to the internet and that the PDF document is original and unaltered. This is the normal and expected message.
  • Validity of author NOT confirmed - this indicates that the recipient is not connected to the internet. To confirm validity, make a connection to the internet.
  • Certificate INVALID - this indicates that the transcript was NOT issued by the Pennsylvania State University. Please report this fraudulent condition to the Office of the University Registrar, 814-865-5600.
  • If none of these messages appear - the transcript was NOT issued by the Pennsylvania State University. Please report this fraudulent condition to the Office of the University Registrar, 814-865-5600.

**NOTE: You will only have access to retrieve each requested document ONE time. If you wish to view the transcript at a later time, the PDF MUST be saved or printed.

U.S. Mail

  • All requests that do not specify a specific Delivery Method will be mailed by U.S. Mail.
  • Transcripts are mailed in a tamper resistant envelope. The envelope does not include a signature on the outside flap.
  • E-mail notification will be sent to the requestor if e-mail address is provided.

Federal Express Delivery

If you select this option of delivery, it is your responsibility to be aware of, and adhere to the delivery quidelines set down by Federal Express. We are not responsible for the package after it has been picked up by FedEx.

  • Important Notes:
    —FedEx requires a signature upon delivery.
    —If you want the package delivered without a signature you MUST indicate that when you make your request.
    —Will only deliver during normal work hours. Contact 1-800-463-3339 for delivery commitment times in your area.
    —Will only deliver up to 4:30 p.m. (all time zones).
    —Will not deliver to a P.O. Box or to an A.P.O. (military post office) box. If the address provided does not meet FedEx address regulations, the request will be mailed using U.S. Express Mail. Additional fee of $30.00, plus transcript fee.
  • Additional fee of $30.00, plus transcript fee.
  • Requests received by noon (eastern time) will be processed and mailed FedEx for next business day (Monday - Friday) delivery.
  • Requests received after noon will be processed and mailed the following business day.
  • E-mail notification will be sent to the requestor if e-mail address is provided.
  • International Address - Will be mailed via FedEx Air Mail or U.S. Express Air Mail.