Key Takeaways: Don’t Panic, But Act Fast
- The Timeline: A replacement certificate takes 4 to 6 weeks to issue. If you need it for a job interview tomorrow, apply for a Statement of Results instead—it is issued immediately.
- The Cost (2026): Expect to pay approximately R170.00 for the certificate and R60.00 for a Statement of Results.
- The “Online” Route: You no longer have to stand in queues. You can apply via the e-Government Portal (www.eservices.gov.za) or the Umalusi Online system.
- The Affidavit: You cannot just ask for a new one. You must go to a police station and swear an Affidavit stating exactly how the original was lost or damaged.
- Combining Results: If you rewrote Matric (upgraded subjects), you must apply for a “Combination of Results” to get one single certificate. This is a different form but the same process.
Your Matric Certificate (National Senior Certificate) is the “Passport” to your economic life. Without it, you cannot register at university or sign an employment contract.
Losing it is a crisis, but it is a solvable one.
In the past, you had to travel to Pretoria or your Provincial Department of Education and wait in line for hours. Today, the process is largely digital.
Here is the definitive guide to replacing your lost or damaged Matric certificate in South Africa.
1. The Immediate Fix: Statement of Results vs. Certificate
Before you start the application, you need to know what you are asking for.
The Statement of Results (The “Quick Fix”)
- What is it? A printed document on official Department letterhead listing your subjects and marks.
- Timeframe: Issued immediately (if your records are on the system).
- Use Case: Most employers and universities will accept this temporarily while you wait for your proper certificate.
- Cost: Approx R60.00.
The Umalusi Certificate (The “Real Deal”)
- What is it? The official green/blue certificate with the hologram and watermark.
- Timeframe: 4 – 6 Weeks. (It has to be printed by Umalusi in Pretoria and couriered).
- Use Case: You need this for final graduation or permanent employment.
- Cost: Approx R170.00 (excluding courier fees).
2. Method A: The Online Route (e-Services)
This is the recommended method for anyone with a smartphone and data.
Step 1: Register on e-Government
- Go to www.eservices.gov.za.
- Create a user profile. You will need your ID number and a working email address.
Step 2: Select the Service
- Navigate to “Education & Training” > “Basic Education”.
- Select “Matric Certificate” > “e-Re-Issue”.
Step 3: Upload Documents
You will need to scan and upload PDF versions of:
- Certified Copy of ID: (Must be certified within the last 3 months).
- Affidavit: A sworn statement from the SAPS explaining the loss.
- Proof of Payment: (You will pay via the portal or EFT).
Step 4: Collection
- You can choose to collect the certificate at the nearest Department of Basic Education (DBE) office or have it couriered to you (for an extra fee).
3. Method B: The Umalusi Direct Route
Umalusi is the Council that actually prints the certificates. You can cut out the middleman (the Department) and apply directly to them.
- Website: www.umalusi-online.org.za
- Pros: Often faster (1–2 weeks turnover in some cases).
- Cons: Courier fees can be higher.
- Process: Register an account, select “Replacement Certificate,” and pay via the portal.
4. Method C: The Offline Route (In-Person)
If you struggle with technology, you can still do it the old-fashioned way.
Where to go:
- You do NOT go to your old high school. They cannot help you.
- You must go to the Department of Basic Education (DBE) in Pretoria or your Provincial Education Department (PED) district office.
What to bring:
- The Application Form: Known as the “Re-Issue of Certificate” form (available at the office).
- Affidavit: Get this from the police station before you go to the Department.
- Certified ID Copy.
- Cash/Card: For the administration fee.
5. Combining Results (Matric Upgrade)
This is a very common scenario. You wrote Matric in 2023. You failed Maths. You rewrote Maths in 2024 and passed. Now you have two statements of results.
You need ONE certificate.
The Process:
- You apply for a “Combination of Results” (Replacement: Change of Status).
- Documents Required: You must submit BOTH original Statements of Results (from the first and second sitting) along with your ID.
- Cost: Same as a replacement (~R170.00).
- Result: The Department will merge your credits and issue a single Umalusi Certificate reflecting your best subjects.
6. The Costs (2025/2026 Fee Structure)
Note: Fees are subject to annual increase in April. Always carry a little extra.
| Document | Estimated Cost |
| Replacement Certificate | R170.00 |
| Statement of Results | R60.00 |
| Courier Fee (Optional) | R100.00 – R200.00 |
- Payment Methods: Most offices accept Debit/Credit Cards or Postal Orders. Some accept cash, but card is safer. Online portals use EFT/Card payment gateways.
7. The Affidavit: What Must It Say?
Your application will be rejected if the affidavit is vague.
Template Wording:
“I, [Your Name], ID [Your ID], hereby declare under oath that my National Senior Certificate (Exam Number: XXXXX) was lost during a house move/stolen during a mugging on [Date]. I have searched for it but cannot find it.”
- Damaged Certificates: If you still have the certificate but it is torn or water-damaged, you MUST return the damaged original to the Department. You cannot keep both.
8. Special Cases: Pre-1992 Certificates
- Post-1992: Umalusi holds these records. The process above applies.
- Pre-1992: These records are held by the Department of Basic Education archives. The process is slower. You must apply at the Department, and they will search the paper archives.
Summary: Get It Done Today
Do not wait until you get a job offer to apply. The 6-week wait will cost you the job.
Action Plan:
- Go to SAPS: Get your affidavit and certify your ID today.
- Log on to e-Services: Create your profile and upload the documents.
- Pay the R170: Consider it an investment in your future.