What Should I Do in Case of a Lost Matric Certificate?

The Matric Certificate is one of the most important documents for any student. It is needed to apply for entry-level jobs and is necessary to get admission into any higher education programme. 

However, there can be instances when this prized document is lost while moving houses, a natural calamity, or simply stolen. Losing a matric certificate can be stressful, as it is a key document that proves your academic achievements. Fortunately, in South Africa, you can apply for a replacement of your matric certificate. People can apply for the replacement in person, online, or by post.

If someone has a lost matric certificate, they need to take immediate steps to report the loss at a police station and begin the process of replacing it.

This article will cover the steps individuals need to take to report the loss of the certificate, as well as all the necessary steps and the costs involved in obtaining a replacement certificate.

What are the Requirements for Applying for a Lost Matric Certificate?

If you have lost your matric certificate, you can apply for a replacement copy in person or online. In addition to the application, you need to submit several documents. In order to avoid delaying the process, they must ensure that all the necessary documents are attached.

Individuals must submit the following documents when applying for a replacement for a lost matric certificate. 

• Affidavit: A sworn written statement mentioning the loss of the matric certificate needs to be prepared in the presence of the Commissioner of Oaths at any police station.
• Certified copy of your ID: The ID needs to be certified by the Commissioner of Oaths or an attorney. This helps to identify the person applying for a matric certificate replacement.
• Proof of Payment: For certain providers, applicants might need to upload payment details or attach proof of payment.

Where Can I Apply for a Reissue of The Matric Certificate?

Three different accredited assessment bodies conduct the matric exam in South Africa. In addition to the NSC, the other two are the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) and The South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI). 

Where people can apply for a matric replacement differs depending on the matric assessment body that administered the examination. Let us examine where people can apply for a matric replacement certificate.

For NSC Matric

• Department of Basic Education (DBE) 
• Provincial Education Department (PDE)
• Umalusi website
• South African e-Services Portal website

For IEB Matric 

• IEB website

For SACAI NSC

• SACAI office

However, if the matric exam was conducted by the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) or the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI), only they can reissue lost certificates.

If you prefer to apply online for the lost matric certificate, Umalusi has been responsible for reissues since 1992. Alternatively, you can apply for the reissue online at the South African e-Services Portal.

In addition to the NSC, private examination conductors such as the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) and The South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI) also set these papers. The certificate awarded is referred to as the IEB NSC and SACAI NSC. Students who appear for the IEB NSC and SACAI NSC can only apply for a replacement certificate through their respective providers.

It is essential to know the difference in the NSC examination one appeared for, because a lost certificate can be applied for from Umalusi or the South African e-Services Portal only if the student appeared for the NSC exam. 

Learn More About the IEB vs NSC Debate Here

What is The Application Process to Replace a Lost Matric Certificate?

Once an individual realises that they have lost their matric certificate, they should take the required steps to have it replaced immediately. However, before a certificate can be reissued, applicants need to make sure they have the following:

• • An affidavit
  • Identification documents
  • Proof of payment

Once these documents are in place, applicants can apply in person at any DBE or PED office. 

1. Fill out the application form
2. Hand in the affidavit stating the certificate was lost
3. Hand in a certified ID copy along with the original for verification
4. Pay the fees in cash or cheque at the DBE or PED office.

Alternatively, individuals can download the form, fill it out correctly, and post it with the required documents and a fee by postal order to the following address: 

Private Bag X895, Pretoria, 0001.

How Do I Apply for a Lost Matric Certificate Online?

Since the matric is an important document, it should be kept secure. However, there are times when documents are damaged or go missing. In such cases, the government has guidelines in place in case of a lost matric certificate, which makes it easy for people to apply for a new one.

If you are wondering, ‘How do I apply for a lost matric certificate online?’ This step-by-step guide will help explain the process.

For NSC Matric

The NSC matric follows the CAPS curriculum and is available in most public schools in South Africa. Individuals who have appeared for this matric can easily apply for a replacement certificate online.

One option is to apply directly on Umalusi.

1. Register at the Umalusi website.
2. Select which certificate you need reissued.
3. Upload scanned copies of required documents.
4. Select if you wish to pick up the certificate in person or have it couriered.

Another option is to apply for the reissue via the South African e-Services Portal by following these simple steps:

1. Open the website
2. Register on the portal
3. Log in to your account
4. Click on ‘e-Service’
5. Click on ‘Education’
6. Click on ‘Basic Education’
7. Click on ‘Reissue’
8. Select the document to be reissued
9. Upload required documents
10. Pay the fees

IEB NSC

The IEB curriculum is based on the CAPS curriculum and is offered at many private schools and some public schools in South Africa. The IEB offers the same subjects as the NSC matric, but the exams are designed differently. 

Applicants who studied at an IEB-registered school need to apply for a replacement through the IEB website.

1. Open the application form on IEB
2. Fill out all the required details
3. Attach all required documents, including proof of payment

SACAI NSC

The SACAI curriculum is also based on the CAPS curriculum and it is offered in online schools and for distance learning programmes. The SACAI NSC is an excellent choice for home schoolers and those residing in remote areas.

Applicants who studied at a SACAI-registered school need to apply for a replacement through the SACAI.

1. Open the application form on SACAI
2. Download the ‘Application for Replacement Certificate’ 
3. Fill out all the required details
4. Include required documents
5. Submit to SACAI

How Long Does It Take to Get a Reissued Matric Certificate?

It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date of the application to reissue a lost matric certificate. Even if you apply in person at the DBE or PED office, you won’t be able to receive a copy on the same day. The process can take longer if the details are not in the system and must be checked from physical archives.

All applicants are allotted a tracking number that they can use to check the status of their application.

For IEB, applications must be received by 25 November 2024 to begin immediate processing. Any applications received after this date will only be processed in January.

Since the process can take some time, individuals should apply for a replacement as soon as they lose or realise that they have lost their matric certificate. If the matric certificate is urgently required for studies or work, the applicant can request the Statement of Results from their local DBE office. It can be processed immediately and used temporarily until the replacement certificate arrives. 

Cost of Reissuing a Lost Matric Certificate

When individuals apply for a matric replacement certificate, they are charged a fee. Those who prefer to apply online can do so via Umalusi or the South African e-Serives Portal. 

Applying for a replacement matric certificate costs R170. This fee is valid from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025. The fee is updated annually, and applicants should always check the updated amount before paying via cheque or postal order. An additional fee will be incurred if applicants want the certificate to be couriered. This fee varies and is dependent on the provider selected. 

The IEB charges R491 to issue a replacement certificate. A courier fee of R170 applies to all addresses within South Africa. If an applicant wants the certificate couriered overseas, they should contact the IEB for the approximate fee. The fee is to be paid to the IEB account and a proof of payment should be attached with the application. 

When making any transactions, it is important to note that information regarding bank account, credit, and debit card details is not shared with anyone. 

How to Check the Status of Your Application?

All submitted applications requesting a lost matric replacement are allotted a reference number. Applicants can use this to follow up on the progress of their request. If the process takes longer than expected, people can contact the concerned department at the numbers and emails below.

Department of Basic Education

Email: certification@dbe.gov.za

Phone: 012 357 4511/13

Umalusi

Email: replacement.Support@umalusi.org.za

Phone: 012 349 1510

Independent Examinations Board

Email: certificates@ieb.co.za

Phone: 011 483 9700

Conclusion

Since the matric certificate is important, losing it might be problematic for most. This is why the DBE has set out clear guidelines for applying for a replacement certificate. If you ever wondered, ‘how do I apply for a lost matric certificate?’, this article should have answered all your questions. If you are working or do not have the time to visit an office for certificate replacement, submitting it online is the fastest and most convenient option.

Students should browse the Regenesys website to learn more about the higher certificate and degree programmes available.

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