Lost your Matric Certificate and not sure what to do next? You’re not alone. The good news is you can get a new one. If your Matric Certificate is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can apply to the Department of Basic Education (DBE) for a replacement Matric Certificate (Re-Issue). The process is straightforward once you know where to apply, what documents you need, and how long it takes.
Is It Possible To Get A Copy Of Your Matric Certificate?
Yes, it is possible to get a new copy of your Matric Certificate from the DBE. You can apply online or at your nearest DBE offices or Provincial Education Department (PED) offices.
You will pay the prescribed fee by postal order at the Post Office, or with cash at DBE / PED office, and submit the proof of payment along with the following documents:
- An affidavit stating what happened to your certificate (i.e. if it is lost or damaged)
- Your original National Senior Certificate (if it is damaged), this is not applicable if it is lost
- Your original identity document (ID) and a certified copy
The fee is currently R170 for a replacement certificate. This fee is valid from 01 April 2025 until 31 March 2026, after which it will be subject to change. You can pay the prescribed fee by postal order, or at the DBE/PED offices. When paying via postal order, you can send it to: Private Bag X895, Pretoria, 0001
You can also choose to apply via the postal service. To do this, you will download the form, fill it in, and post the application along with your proof of payment and the other required documents.
How Long Does It Take To Get Your Matric Certificate?
It will take between four and six weeks from the date of application for your new certificate to be ready for collection. If you would like to apply for jobs while you are waiting, you can also get a Statement of Results. This will cost an additional R60, and will be available to you immediately.
How Much Is To Get A New Matric Certificate If It Was Lost?
For a new Matric Certificate, whether it has been lost or damaged, the fee is currently R170. You can also get a Statement of Results for an additional R60, which will available immediately. These fees are valid from 1 April 2025 until 31 March 2026, after which they will be subject to change.
How Do I Check My South African Matric Certificate?
If you would like to check that your Matric Certificate is valid, you can apply for verification. The cost for this will depend on which agency you choose.
Be sure you go through one of the agencies that have been approved by Umalusi. If you use an agency that has not been approved by Umalusi, the verification will not be legitimate, and the results will not be reliable.
How Do I Fix A Matric Certificate Error?
To apply for a re-issue because of an administrative error, you will also apply for a Replacement Certificate: Re-Issue. You may only apply for this up to one year after your final exam. After this, applications for a re-issue due to errors will not be considered.
You will need the following documents:
- Completed application form
- Certified copies of your Identity Document
- A detailed sworn statement (affidavit) by the candidate
- The original certificate
- Proof of payment
The fee for this is the same as listed above (R170).
Can I Change My ID Number On My Matric Certificate?
Yes, you can. If there has been an error, you can apply for a Replacement Certificate: Re-Issue. If your ID number has changed, for instance if you have changed your gender, you can apply for a Replacement Certificate: Re-Issue. However, you will need additional documents.
The documents you will need are:
- Certified copies of your old and new Identity Documents
- A detailed sworn statement (affidavit) by you
- The original certificate
- The Department of Home Affairs confirming that, based on, Section 27(A) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act, 1992 has been complied with, and that the sex description (and names) of the individual have been amended.
- Completed application form
The fee for this is the same as listed above (R170).
How Do They Combine Matric Results?
To combine your Matric results after completing the Matric Upgrade course, you will apply for a Replacement Certificate: Change of Status. You can apply online or at your nearest DBE offices or Provincial Education Department (PED) offices.
You will pay the prescribed fee by postal order at the Post Office, or with cash at DBE / PED office, and submit your application along with the following documents:
- Your results from all examination sittings
- You must provide your original identity document (ID) as well as a certified copy
- Proof of payment
The fee is currently R170 for a replacement certificate. This fee is valid from 01 April 2025 until 31 March 2026, after which it will be subject to change. You can pay the prescribed fee by postal order, or at the DBE/PED offices. When paying via postal order, you can send it to: Private Bag X895, Pretoria, 0001
You can also choose to apply via the postal service. To do this, you will download the form, fill it in, and post the application along with your proof of payment and the other required documents.
Is It Possible To Combine Two Failed Matric Statements?
No, you cannot consolidate two matric certificates if you fail your exams for the second time. You will only be allowed to combine your results if you pass the second time.
What Level Is A Matric Certificate?
A Matric Certificate is an NQF Levels 4 qualification. There are 10 NQF levels, each equal to a specific educational level.
| NQF Level | Educational Level |
| 1 | Grade 9/ABET Level 4 |
| 2 | Grade 10 |
| 3 | Grade 11 |
| 4 | Matric (Grade 12)/ Matric Equivalent Certificates |
| 5 | Higher Certificate |
| 6 | Diploma/Advanced Certificate |
| 7 | Bachelor’s Degree/Advanced Diploma |
| 8 | Honour’s Degree/Postgraduate Diploma |
| 9 | Master’s Degree |
| 10 | Doctoral Degree (Doctorate Degree) |
Get all Matric-related information at Matric College. We offer Matric Courses and Distance Learning Courses that you can study with or without Matric. It is not too late! Register any time of the year and become financially independent.
People Also Ask
Yes, you can! You do not need a Grade 11 certificate to write matric as an adult. If you are 21 years or older, you can register for the Amended Senior Certificate (Adult Matric).
This programme is designed for adults who did not complete their schooling but still want to get a matric certificate. There are no formal school report requirements—just the ability to read, write, and understand English.
There are three main matric pass types, each leading to a different kind of certificate:
- Bachelor’s Pass – Allows you to apply to study at a university for a degree.
- Diploma Pass – Lets you apply for diploma-level courses at universities of technology or colleges.
- Higher Certificate Pass – Qualifies you for higher certificate courses at colleges.
All three result in the National Senior Certificate (NSC), but the level of achievement determines your options for further study.
The main differences are:
- National Senior Certificate (NSC): This is awarded to learners who completed their Grade 12 at school after 2008. It’s the standard matric for recent school leavers.
- Senior Certificate (Amended): This is for adults (21+) who write matric outside of school, often through distance learning. It is also called Adult Matric and is issued by Umalusi, just like the NSC.
Both certificates are equivalent on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF Level 4) and are officially recognized.
Yes, it is possible to have more than one matric certificate—but not in the way you might think. If you lose your original certificate and apply for a replacement, it is technically a second certificate.
However, Umalusi only recognizes one matric certificate per person, so a reissue is simply a duplicate with a new certificate number. Also, if you upgrade your matric results, you will receive a combined certificate that reflects your best marks across all attempts, not two separate full certificates.
To write an affidavit for a lost matric certificate, follow these steps:
- Visit your local police station.
- Ask for help writing an affidavit for a lost document.
- Include the following in the affidavit:
- Your full name and ID number
- The name of the certificate (e.g. National Senior Certificate)
- Where and when it was lost
- A statement confirming it hasn’t been found or used fraudulently
You’ll sign the affidavit in front of a Commissioner of Oaths. This document is required when applying for a replacement matric certificate through the Department of Basic Education or Umalusi.
Author: Chloe Bydawell
Editor: Sive Ncanywa
Date: September 20, 2022