When your matric certificate gets lost or damaged, you can apply for another one at the Department of Basic Education (DBE) or Provincial Education Department (PED). You can also apply for a reissue certificate online, but you must return the damaged one. The process of applying for a new certificate differs from one province to the other. Read on to learn how to apply for a new matric certificate
How to Apply for a New Matric Certificate?
You can only apply for a new matric certificate after twelve months from the date of issuance of the first certificate if there are administrative issues to be corrected. If you lose your certificate or it gets damaged, you can also apply for a replacement at the Department of Basic Education or Provincial Education Department (PED).
In the case of a damaged certificate, administrative errors, or alteration of sex, you must first return the old certificate. You can apply for a new certificate by visiting your local DBE or PED office, where an official will interview you first. Once you apply for a new certificate, the old one becomes invalid. Therefore, you need to get a statement of results you can use while waiting for a new certificate.
To apply for a new matric certificate, you must first pay the required fee at the DBE/PED office or send a postal order to your local post office. You can also pay by cheque. Once you obtain proof of payment, you can visit your DBE or PED office with the following documents.
- Sworn and signed affidavit explaining the reasons for applying for a new certificate
- Certified ID copies (both new and old if you have altered your name or sex)
- Original certificate
- Completed application form
- Letter from the Department of Home Affairs confirming the change of your new details
If you cannot visit the DBE OR PED in person, download the form, complete it, and send it to Private Bag X895, Pretoria, 0001. Be sure to attach all the above requirements when you send the application by post.
How Much Does It Cost to Apply for a New Matric Certificate?
DBE’s certificate fees are valid from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027: R180 for a replacement certificate and an additional R70 for a statement of results. Check the official certification fees before paying.
What Do You Need to Make a New Matric Certificate?
There are many reasons for applying for a new matric certificate. Only in the case of an application f or a lost certificate are you not required to submit an old one. Your application must be accompanied by the following documents:
- Original certificate, if not lost
- Signed affidavit
- Certified copies of old and new ID documents if you have altered your name or sex
- Completed application form
- Confirmation letter from the Home Affairs Department
- Pay the required application form
You can submit your application physically at your nearest DBE or PED. Alternatively, send it to Private Bag X895, Pretoria, 0001, and attach all the necessary documents.
How Long Does It Take To Get My Matric Certificate Online?
If you have applied for a replacement certificate online, you should expect to get it in about six weeks. You need to send your application directly to Umalusi by visiting Umalusi Certificate Replacement (umalusi-online.org.za). Follow the steps below to apply for a new matric certificate online.
- Create an account – you need to register an account which you will use to submit your request and monitor the progress of the application for a new certificate.
- Create a request by choosing the specific certificate you would like to be replaced.
- Your online application must be accompanied by a signed affidavit by the police explaining the circumstances that led to the damage or loss of your certificate. If it was stolen, this information must be in your affidavit.
- A certified copy of your ID is required, and make sure you go to a commissioner of oaths to get one.
- Select the preferred delivery method of your new certificate from the Umalusi office in Pretoria. It can be delivered by courier service to your place of residence for a certain fee.
When you apply for a new matric certificate, it is impossible to get in on the same day. Replacement certificates are normally processed between one and six weeks, depending on the accuracy of your information. Once you place an application for a replacement certificate, the old one is cancelled. Even if you recover the previous certificate reported lost, it will be invalid.
Before you submit your application for a new certificate, ensure you have a genuine reason because the process cannot be reversed. Try to exhaust all avenues and look for the old certificate. Additionally, you must not apply for a new matric certificate in case of an emergency.
You will have to wait for up to six weeks, even when you are due for a job interview, within a few days. Plan first before submitting your application for the replacement of your certificate. The certification process cannot be determined by each applicant’s needs. Therefore, put your house to avoid frustrations in trying to force the impossible.
Losses or damage to matric certificates can be inevitable due to different circumstances we may find ourselves in. However, the good thing is that you can apply for a new certificate if you have a genuine reason for getting one. Be sure to meet all the requirements before submitting your application for a replacement certificate.
