Certification of School Records for Students Transferring from MCPS to Another Country

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is committed to supporting families through the international transfer process. If your student is transferring to a school outside the United States, certified and authenticated school records may be required.  Please follow the steps below to complete the process.

Step 1: Request Official School Records

To request original transcripts or school records, please visit your school’s registrar.  Keep in mind that requirements vary by country, so it’s recommended to confirm any specific documentation needed to your local School District or Education Authority.  You only need to visit the current school of your student. That school can print everything you need. 

Records Typically Required: 

• High School:  Official transcript and or Diploma (if applicable)
• Middle School: Progress reports for each grade attended
• Elementary School:  Report cards for each grade attended

Document Requirements:

• Printed in English
• Printed single-sided
• Signed by the Principal or Assistant Principal on each page
• Include the official school seal or stamp on each record 

You may request multiple original copies if required by your destination country.

Step 2: Certification by International Admissions and Enrollment (IAE)

Bring all original documents to: International Admissions and Enrollment (IAE)
4910 Macon Road, Room 147
Rockville, MD 20852
Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (No appointment required)

The IAE Office will:

• Provide a certification signed by the Director of IAE
• Notarize the certification through the MCPS notary public

If Someone Else Is Assisting You

If you are outside the country and authorize someone to drop off or pick up documents on your behalf, notify the IAE Office in advance by email and provide:

• Full name of the authorized person
• Email address
• Phone number

The authorized person must present a valid photo ID when picking up documents.

Step 3: Verification by the Circuit Court

After IAE certification and notarization, take the documents to: Montgomery County Circuit Court – Licensing Department
50 Maryland Avenue, Suite 111
Rockville, MD 20850

 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Phone:  240-777-6490
Fee: $1.00

Additional information

This step verifies the notary’s commission 

Step 4:  Apostille Certification

Next, take the documents to: Maryland Secretary of State
16 Francis Street, First Floor
Jeffrey Building
Annapolis, MD 21401
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM

Phone:  410-974-5521 
Fee: $5.00

An Apostille authenticates the documents for international use. You may request this service by mail. It is recommended to call in advance for instructions.

Note: You may request an Apostille by mail. We recommend calling in advance for instructions. Please see the official website