Don’t stress. A Matric Certificate Replacement is easier than most people think. Every year, thousands of South Africans replace lost, stolen, or damaged certificates without drama.
The replacement process is handled officially through the Department of Basic Education and Umalusi. You can apply either in person at a DBE office or online through the Umalusi application portal. Both options are legitimate and widely used.
Before you apply, you’ll need a few key documents:
- An affidavit explaining what happened to your certificate, signed at a police station before a Commissioner of Oaths
- A certified copy of your ID to confirm your identity
- Proof of payment for the replacement fee
The current cost of a Matric Certificate Replacement is R170, whether you apply online or in person. If you choose courier delivery, an additional fee applies. Keep in mind that fees may change each financial year.
Once these basics are sorted, the rest of the process is straightforward. Below, we take you through the exact steps to get your Matric Certificate Replacement without delays or unnecessary back-and-forth.
To apply online, you will need to create an account, and select which certificate you want to replace. Once you have done this, you will need to upload scanned copies of the above documents. Then, choose whether you want to collect the replacement yourself from the Umalusi offices in Pretoria, or if you would like it couriered to you. Couriering does include an extra fee, which will depend on the courier used.
This guide gives you clear, step-by-step instructions on how to replace a lost or damaged matric certificate in South Africa. We simplify the process, highlight common mistakes to avoid, and show you where and how to apply so you can save time, reduce stress, and get back on track with your studies or career.
It may feel overwhelming now, but you’re already halfway there. Start your replacement process today and put the stress behind you.
Lost Matric Certificate Step-by-Step Replacement Guide
Step 1: Decide Where to Apply
- In person at a DBE office
- Online via the Umalusi portal
Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents
- Affidavit (done at police station)
- Certified copy of ID
- Proof of payment (list fees in a table here)
Step 3: Submit Your Application
- DBE → take docs to provincial office
- Umalusi → upload docs on the portal
Step 4: Wait for Processing
- Average processing time: 6–12 weeks
- Delays possible if records are in archives
Step 5: Collect or Receive Your Certificate
- Collect from DBE office or Umalusi in Pretoria
- Courier delivery available (extra cost)
Mistakes to Avoid When Replacing Your Matric Certificate
Replacing a matric certificate is simple, but many people face delays because of small errors. Avoid these mistakes to save weeks of waiting:
- Not certifying your ID correctly → Copies must be stamped by a Commissioner of Oaths (police station or post office).
- Forgetting the affidavit → Without this sworn statement, your application is incomplete.
- Paying the wrong amount → Fees change yearly; always confirm the latest fee with DBE or Umalusi.
- Missing deadlines → If you need your certificate for university or a job, apply months in advance since processing can take 6–12 weeks.
- Incorrect personal details → Make sure your name and ID number match Home Affairs records.
Province-Specific Guidance
You can apply for a replacement matric certificate at any Provincial Department of Education (PDE) office. While the process is similar across South Africa, each province has its own office that accepts applications:
- Eastern Cape – Apply at the Eastern Cape Department of Education provincial office.
- Free State – Apply at the Free State Department of Education provincial office.
- Gauteng – Apply through the Gauteng Department of Education provincial office or use the e-Reissue online system.
- KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) – Apply at the KZN Department of Education provincial office.
- Limpopo – Apply at the Limpopo Department of Education provincial office.
- Mpumalanga – Apply at the Mpumalanga Department of Education provincial office.
- Northern Cape – Apply at the Northern Cape Department of Education provincial office.
- North West – Apply at the North West Department of Education provincial office.
- Western Cape – Apply online through the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) or at their provincial office.
For the most up-to-date contact details, visit the DBE Certification Services page or the Gov.za replacement services page.”
Lost vs Damaged Matric Certificates
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) and Umalusi issue replacement certificates in cases of both lost and damaged matric certificates. The process is similar, but the documents you need to provide are slightly different:
- Lost Certificate If your certificate was lost, stolen, or misplaced, you must submit an affidavit. This is a sworn statement you make at a police station, explaining what happened to your certificate. The affidavit confirms the truth of your statement and carries legal consequences if it’s false.
- Damaged Certificate If your original certificate has been physically damaged (for example, torn, water-damaged, or faded), you must hand in the damaged certificate with your application. Some provincial offices may also request an affidavit, but it’s not always required.
DBE and Umalusi will not issue a new certificate unless the damaged one is surrendered. If it’s lost, the affidavit acts as proof in place of the original.
How Long Does It Take To Reprint A Lost Matric Certificate?
It can take between four (4) to six (6) weeks to replace your Matric Certificate. However, you must bear in mind that it can take longer if your records are not on the system. This means that your records will have to be retrieved from the archives.
How Do I Find My Matric Certificate Number?
You can find your Matric Certificate number on the right-hand side of the bottom corner of your Matric Certificate. Your Matric Certificate also contains a barcode that matches your Matric Certificate number. This number is specific to every candidate.
Can I Combine My Matric Results?
Yes, you can combine Matric results. Here are the steps that you will need to take to combine your Matric results:
- First register as a user of the www.eservices.gov.za if not already registered
- Log in
- Go to – e-service
- Fill in the necessary details
- Upload the following documents:
- Your results from all examination sittings (if you are applying for the combination of your results)
- Copies of the Matric results that you want combined
- A certified copy of your identity document (ID)
- Proof of payment
Can I Change My ID Number On My Matric Certificate?
Yes, you can change your ID number on your Matric Certificate. Here are the steps that you need to take:
- Go to your nearest Department of Basic Education (DBE) Provincial or District office and fill in the application form
- Attach the following documents:
- Certified copies of old and new Identity Documents
- A detailed sworn statement (affidavit)
- Your original Matric Certificate
- A letter from the Department of Home Affairs confirming that the Department has changed your ID number
- Proof of payment
Don’t let the waiting period discourage you the sooner you apply, the sooner you’ll be holding your new certificate in your hands.
How Can I Check My Matric Results Online?
Here are the ways that you can use to check your Matric results:
- Department of Basic Education Website
- Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD)
- Short Messaging Service (SMS)
- MatricsMate App
Department Of Basic Education Website
Here is how you can check your Matric results online on the Department of Basic Education Website:
- Visit the Department of Basic Education website
- Click on – Exam results
- Enter your examination number
- Fill in your personal details
- Click – Search
- Your Matric results will be displayed
Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD)
Take the following steps to check your Matric results:
- On your phone, dial the USSD code *120*45856#
- Enter your exam number
- Results will then be sent to your phone once they are available
- You will be charged for the USSD
Note: the USSD code is subject to change
Short Messaging Service (SMS)
Take the following steps to check your Matric results:
- Open a new SMS message on your phone
- Fill in your ID Number and Exam Number as the message
- Both numbers must have 13 digits to be accepted
- Send the SMS to this number: 35658
- Your exam number and ID number will be checked
- View your results
Note: You will be charged for the USSD and the code is subject to change
MatricsMate App
Take the following steps to check your Matric results:
- Download the MatricsMate App for free from Google Play and Apple App stores
- Open the App
- Enter the following details:
- ID number
- Exam number
- View your results
Whether you use the DBE site, SMS, USSD, or the MatricsMate App, your results are just a few clicks away. Don’t wait in suspense check your results today and take your next big step forward!
How Much Does It Cost To Do A Matric Rewrite?
To find out the cost of rewriting Matric at Matric College, you will need to contact our Course Experts. There are a lot of factors that can influence the cost of rewriting your Matric especially the amount of subjects that you would like to improve. All these factors will be taken into account before coming up with the cost.
Can I Rewrite My Matric After 10 Years?
Yes, you can rewrite Matric after 10 years. There is no restriction to the number of years prior to the last Matric that you can rewrite. There is also no restriction on the number of times that you can rewrite your Matric.
What Are The 4 Types Of Matric Certificates?
Here are the four (4) types of Matric Certificates:
What Course Can I Do Without Matric?
Here are the courses that you can study without Matric:
- ICB Courses
- Adult Matric course
- Matric Rewrite
- Short Courses
- Salon Management Course
- Nail Care Courses
- Make-up Courses
- Facial Skincare Courses
- Beauty Therapy Course
- First Aid Course
- Crèche Management Courses
- Child Day Care Courses
- Child Psychology Courses
- Tourism Management Courses
- Guest House Management Courses
- Events Management Courses
- Wedding Planning Courses
Choose a course that excites you and take the first step today, your future is waiting, with or without Matric.
How Do I Register With Matric College?
Here are the ways four (4) ways that you can register with Matric College:
- Contacting us on our landline
- Complete a registration form online
- Book a call-me-back
- Contact our Course Experts directly
I am extremely happy with the service I received from Matric College. From the very beginning, their support team has been friendly, professional and always available to assist. They consistently check in on students, which makes you feel valued and supported throughout your academic journey. What impressed me the most is how quickly I received feedback and marks for my assignments, much faster than I expected. The communication is clear and timely, and they make it easy to stay on track with your studies. I honestly wish I had known about Matric College much earlier. It’s a great institution that truly puts students first. I would definitely recommend Matric College to anyone looking to further their education in a flexible and supportive environment. Thank you for making this experience so smooth and rewarding! – Melusi Z
How Do I Check My Qualifications Online?
Checking your results or certificates online is easy. You only need a phone or computer and your ID or exam number. Use the steps in the table below to help you check your marks or qualifications the right way.
| Steps | How To Perform These Steps |
|---|---|
| Visit the right website | Go to the Umalusi or Department of Basic Education website. Make sure it’s the real site so you don’t get tricked. |
| Enter your personal details | Type in your ID number or exam number when asked. Check that the numbers are right before going on. |
| Find the “Results” or “Verify” section | Look on the homepage for a button or link that says “Exam Results” or “Verify Qualifications.” Click on it to open. |
| Follow the steps on the screen | Read what the page tells you to do. The website will guide you through a short form. |
| View or save your results | After you send your info, your results will show. You can write them down, take a screenshot, or download the page. |
It feels great to see your results online, and it helps when you want to study or find a job. Just follow the easy steps above and always use safe, official websites. If you can’t find your results, don’t worry you can ask Umalusi or the Department of Basic Education for help.
Don’t put it off take a few minutes today to check your qualifications online. It’s quick, easy, and could be the key to your next big opportunity.
Whether you are starting fresh or picking up where you left off, finding the right course makes all the difference. Our Adult Matric Readiness Quiz helps you work out whether a Matric course, an accredited course, or a skills course suits your situation best. You’ll also get a free study guide just for completing it.
People Also Ask
If you’ve lost your Matric certificate, don’t worry — you can still get a new one. The first step is to write an affidavit that says what happened. This is a short letter you sign at a police station to say that your certificate is lost and you’re telling the truth.
Steps to write an affidavit for a lost certificate:
- Go to your nearest police station or a Commissioner of Oaths
- Ask for help with writing an affidavit or bring your own
- Say clearly when, where, and how you lost your certificate
- Write your full name, ID number, and contact details
- Sign the letter in front of the police or Commissioner
- They will stamp and date it to show it’s official
Yes, you can write your Matric even if you didn’t finish Grade 11. If you’re 21 or older, you can join the Adult Matric course. This gives you a chance to earn your certificate and build a better future.
A real Matric certificate has a special number, your full results, and the Umalusi logo. You can check if it’s real by asking Umalusi or the Department of Basic Education. If the print is bad or the number doesn’t match their system, it might be fake.
No, you can only have one real Matric certificate. If you lose it and get a new one, the old one is not valid anymore. But you can make certified copies to use when applying for jobs or studies.
Yes, there is! You can still study and find a good job without Matric. There are many courses you can do, and you can even go back and get your Matric later if you want to.
If you wrote Matric years ago, you can still check your results online. Simply visit the Department of Basic Education (DBE) website or the Umalusi website. Enter your ID number or exam number in the results section, and your details should appear.
Yes, Matric College is registered with Umalusi, which is the official council responsible for quality assurance in education in South Africa. This means all qualifications you complete through Matric College are legitimate, recognized, and accredited.
You can verify whether a Matric Certificate is genuine by using the Umalusi verification system. Visit the official Umalusi or DBE website, go to the “Verify Qualifications” section, and enter the certificate number and candidate details.
If the certificate is valid, the system will confirm it. If not, you’ll know immediately.
A standard National Senior Certificate (NSC), also known as a Matric Certificate, is pegged at NQF Level 4 on the National Qualifications Framework. This level confirms that you’ve successfully completed Grade 12 and it determines what further studies or career options you qualify for.
To write an affidavit for a lost matric certificate, visit your nearest police station. A Commissioner of Oaths will help you draft a sworn statement explaining how the certificate was lost, stolen, or damaged. Make sure it includes your full name, ID number, and a clear explanation of the circumstances. Once signed and stamped, this document becomes part of your replacement application.
No, you cannot collect or replace your matric certificate without a valid ID. The Department of Basic Education (DBE) and Umalusi require a certified copy of your South African ID (or passport if you are a foreign national) to prove your identity. If you have lost your ID, apply for a temporary ID at Home Affairs before starting the certificate replacement process.
A good matric score depends on your goals after school. Generally:
- Bachelor’s Degree Pass → qualifies you for university.
- Diploma Pass → qualifies you for diploma courses.
- Higher Certificate Pass → qualifies you for certificate programmes. The higher your percentage and subject marks, the more study and career opportunities you’ll have. In most cases, achieving a Bachelor’s Pass is considered a strong matric result.
Author: Collin Wilbesi
Editor: Sive Ncanywa
Date: August 25, 202