How to Replace a Lost, Damaged, or Stolen Matric Certificate in South Africa (2025 Guide)

Replacing a lost, damaged, or stolen Matric certificate is straightforward via the Department of Basic Education (DBE) or Umalusi, often online, for certificates issued from 1992 onward. For earlier certificates, contact your Provincial Education Department.

Replace Matric Certificate South Africa 2025

Table of Contents

Am I Eligible for a Replacement?

  • Your original certificate is lost, damaged, or stolen.
  • You completed your Matric (Senior Certificate or National Senior Certificate) in South Africa.
  • For certificates issued before November 1992: Apply via your Provincial Education Department (PED), as they are handled by the relevant assessment body.
  • For certificates from September 1992 onward: Apply via DBE or Umalusi.
  • If you need to combine results from multiple sittings, the process is similar but includes extra steps.

Note: The replacement cancels the original, so if you find it later, it’s invalid.

What Documents Do I Need?

Prepare these (certified copies where required):

  • A sworn affidavit from a police station explaining what happened (lost, damaged, or stolen). Include your details and the certificate’s status.
  • Certified copy of your South African ID, birth certificate, or passport.
  • If damaged: The original certificate (or what’s left of it).
  • Proof of payment (receipt or bank slip).
  • For combination of results: Copies of all previous statements of results.
  • For online: Scanned versions in PDF or image format.

Step-by-Step Process to Apply

You can apply online (easiest) or in person. The process takes 4-6 weeks on average, but can be up to 3 months in busy periods.

1. Online Application (Recommended for 2025)

  1. Visit the e-Government Services portal: www.eservices.gov.za.
  2. Register an account if you don’t have one (use your ID, email, and cell phone for OTP verification).
  3. Log in and select “e-Matric e-Re-Issue” under Education services.
  4. Fill in the form with your details, exam year, and reason (lost/damaged/combination).
  5. Upload scanned documents (affidavit, ID, etc.).
  6. Pay the fee online or via bank (get a reference number).
  7. Submit and track your application using the reference number.

2. In-Person Application

  1. Go to your nearest Provincial Education Department office or district office (e.g., in Gauteng: nearest GDE District Office).
  2. Get the application form there or download it from the DBE website.
  3. Complete the form, attach documents, and pay the fee.
  4. Submit and get a receipt for tracking.

3. For Umalusi (If Your Certificate is from 1992 Onward)

  1. Use the Umalusi online system: www.umalusi-online.org.za.
  2. Create an account, select your qualification, upload affidavit and ID, and choose delivery (collect or courier).
  3. Processing: 1-6 weeks.

Costs and Payment

  • Replacement fee: R170 (valid as of October 2025; may increase in April 2026).
  • Combination of results: R60 (or same as replacement in some cases).
  • Courier delivery (optional): Extra fee (around R100+).
  • Pay via bank deposit/EFT to DBE account (details on form) or online during application.

Tips and What to Expect

  • Processing time: 4-6 weeks normally; up to 3 months if delayed. Track via reference number or call the office.
  • If urgent: Request a Statement of Results (R60 fee) as a temporary proof while waiting.
  • Common issues: Incomplete affidavits or uncertified copies—double-check.
  • Help: Contact DBE at 0800 202 933 or your provincial office (e.g., Gauteng: 0800 000 789). For Umalusi: 012 349 1510.
  • If pre-1992: Contact PED for printing by the assessment body (1-3 weeks).

This should get your replacement sorted efficiently. If your certificate is from another exam body (e.g., IEB), contact them directly. For more, visit www.education.gov.za or www.umalusi.org.za.