It can be distressing to lose your Matric certificate, particularly if you require it for future education or employment applications. Thankfully, Umalusi and the Department of Basic Education (DBE) in South Africa provide a procedure for replacing a Matric certificate that has been misplaced, stolen, or damaged. This guide will walk you through the steps to obtain a replacement certificate efficiently.
Reasons You May Need a Matric Certificate Replacement
There are several reasons why you may need to replace your Matric certificate:
- Lost or stolen certificate – If your certificate has been misplaced or stolen, you’ll need to apply for a new one.
- Damaged certificate – If your certificate is torn, faded, or destroyed, you can apply for a replacement.
- Changes to personal details – If your name or ID number was recorded incorrectly, you will need a reissue with the correct details.
- Combination of results – If you wrote Matric in multiple sittings and need a single certificate reflecting all your results, you can apply for a combined certificate.
Steps to Apply for a Matric Certificate Replacement
1. Complete the Application Form
You need to fill out the Replacement of Certificate Application Form. This form can be obtained from:
- The Department of Basic Education (DBE) offices
- The Provincial Department of Education
- The Umalusi website (for certificates issued from 1992 onwards)
2. Gather the Required Documents
To ensure a smooth process, have the following documents ready:
- A certified copy of your ID or passport
- An affidavit explaining what happened to your original certificate
- A proof of payment for the replacement fee
- If applying for a correction of details, include supporting documents (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate, or ID document)
3. Pay the Required Fee
The cost of replacing a Matric certificate is R153 (as of 2024). If you need a statement of results while waiting for your new certificate, you’ll need to pay an additional R55.
You can make the payment at:
- The Department of Basic Education offices
- Umalusi’s bank account (proof of payment must be attached to your application)
4. Submit Your Application
You can submit your application in person at your nearest DBE or Provincial Education Department office. If you’re applying through Umalusi, you can email or courier your documents to their office.
5. Processing Time
The processing of a replacement Matric certificate usually takes four to six weeks. If you need your results urgently, you can request a Statement of Results, which is issued within 1-2 days.
Alternative: Using Third-Party Services
If you don’t have time to visit the department in person, some third-party agencies offer Matric certificate replacement services. However, ensure you use a trusted and reputable service to avoid scams.