HOW-TO

How to Get or Re-issue Your Matric Certificate

Replacing a lost, damaged, or uncollected matric certificate is simple if you follow the official process outlined by the Department of Basic Education.

Step by step

1. Confirm what you actually needA re-issue replaces a lost, stolen, or damaged certificate. If you never received one, or wrote long ago, you may need a re-issue or a combined certificate. If you only need proof of your marks, a Statement of Results may be enough.
2. Gather your documentsYou will typically need a certified copy of your South African ID, your examination number if you have it, and details of the year and centre where you wrote. An affidavit may be required if the original was lost or stolen.
3. Choose how to applyApply in person at any DBE or Provincial Education Department office, download and post the application form with your documents, or use the online e-Matric re-issue service on eservices.gov.za for convenience.
4. Pay the official feeAs of 2026 the replacement fee is around R170 — confirm the current amount on the official portal before paying. Keep your payment reference, and be aware that courier delivery may add a charge.
5. Submit and get a referenceHand in or upload the completed form and documents, pay, and record any reference or tracking number you receive. This lets you follow up if there are delays.
6. Request interim proof if urgentIf a job or study application cannot wait 4 to 6 weeks, ask your local DBE office for a Statement of Results, which can often be issued quickly and used temporarily until the certificate arrives.
7. Collect or receive your certificateOnce processed, collect the certificate from the office or receive it by post or courier. Check the details carefully and store it safely — consider certified copies for future applications so you rarely handle the original.

If you have lost, damaged, or never received your matric certificate, you may need to apply for a replacement. The process of getting or re-issuing your matric certificate is straightforward if you follow the official channels provided by the Department of Basic Education.

This guide will walk you through the steps on how to get or re-issue your matric certificate, including the required documents, fees, and timelines. Whether you apply in person, by post, or online, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the process efficiently.

What is the process for getting a replacement matric certificate?

If you need to replace a lost, damaged, or uncollected matric certificate, you can apply for a replacement through the Department of Basic Education (DBE). The process can be completed in person, by post, or online via the e-Matric re-issue service on the government e-services portal. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

• Choose your application method: You can apply in person at any DBE or Provincial Education Department office, download and post the application form with your documents, or use the online e-Matric re-issue service on eservices.gov.za for convenience.
• Gather necessary documents: You will typically need a certified copy of your South African ID, your examination number if you have it, and details of the year and centre where you wrote. If the original certificate was lost or stolen, you may need to provide an affidavit.
• Pay the replacement fee: As of 2026, the replacement fee is around R170. It is advisable to confirm the current amount on the official portal before making the payment. Keep your payment reference for future reference. Note that courier delivery may incur an additional charge.
• Submit your application: Hand in or upload the completed form and documents, pay the fee, and record any reference or tracking number you receive. This will allow you to follow up in case of delays.
• Request interim proof if needed: If you require proof of your results sooner than the 4 to 6 weeks it typically takes to process the replacement, you can request a Statement of Results from your local DBE office.

Here is a summary of the key details you need to know about the replacement process:

By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth process for obtaining a replacement matric certificate. If you are unsure about any part of the process, it is recommended to contact your local DBE office for further assistance.

How can I apply for a re-issue of my matric certificate?

How can I apply for a re-issue of my matric certificate?

If you need to replace a lost, damaged, or uncollected matric certificate, you can apply for a re-issue through the Department of Basic Education (DBE). There are three primary methods to apply: in person, by post, or online via the e-Matric re-issue service. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the process.

First, gather the necessary documents. You will typically need:

• A certified copy of your South African ID
• Your examination number (if available)
• Details of the year and centre where you wrote your matric exams
• An affidavit if your certificate was lost or stolen

Next, choose your preferred application method:

• In Person: Visit any DBE or Provincial Education Department office. Submit your documents and complete the application form on-site.
• By Post: Download the application form from the official DBE website, fill it out, and mail it with the required documents to the DBE office.
• Online: Use the e-Matric re-issue service on the government e-services portal at eservices.gov.za. This method offers convenience and faster processing.

Payment is required for the re-issue of your matric certificate. As of 2026, the fee is around R170, but it’s advisable to confirm the current amount on the official portal before proceeding. Keep your payment reference number safe, as it will help you track your application. Note that courier delivery may incur an additional charge.

For those who need proof of results sooner than the 4 to 6 weeks it typically takes to process a re-issue, consider requesting a Statement of Results from your local DBE office. This can serve as interim proof while you wait for your matric certificate.

Here is a summary of the key details:

What documents are required to re-issue a matric certificate?

What documents are required to re-issue a matric certificate?

To successfully apply for a re-issue of your matric certificate, you need to gather specific documents to support your application. These documents are crucial for verifying your identity and ensuring the accuracy of the replacement certificate. Here is a detailed list of the required documents:

• Certified copy of your South African ID: This is essential for proving your identity and eligibility to receive a matric certificate.
• Examination number: If you have your examination number, it should be included in your application. This helps in locating your records more efficiently.
• Details of the year and examination centre: Provide the year you wrote your matric exams and the centre where you completed them. This information is vital for retrieving your examination records.
• Affidavit: If your original certificate was lost or stolen, you will need to provide an affidavit. This legal document confirms the circumstances under which your certificate was lost or damaged.
• Proof of payment: Ensure you have evidence of the payment of the replacement fee, which is around R170 as of 2026. Confirm the exact amount on the official government portal before making the payment.

If you are applying for a re-issue because you never received your certificate or wrote your exams a long time ago, you may need to provide additional information. In such cases, a combined certificate might be issued. If you only need proof of your matric results, a Statement of Results might suffice, which can be obtained more quickly and may not require all the above documents.

The following table provides a quick overview of the documents required for the re-issue of a matric certificate:

By ensuring you have all the necessary documents, you can streamline the process of re-issuing your matric certificate and avoid unnecessary delays.

How much does it cost to re-issue a matric certificate and how long does it take?

How much does it cost to re-issue a matric certificate and how long does it take?

Re-issuing a matric certificate involves a specific fee and processing time. As of 2026, the official fee for re-issuing a matric certificate is approximately R170. However, You should verify the current fee on the official Department of Basic Education (DBE) portal or with your local DBE office, as fees are subject to change. If you require your certificate urgently and cannot wait for the standard processing time, you may request a Statement of Results, which can serve as interim proof of your results. This can be particularly useful for job applications or further studies that cannot wait for the full certificate processing time.

The standard processing time for re-issuing a matric certificate is typically between 4 to 6 weeks. This timeline begins once your application, along with all necessary documents and the payment receipt, has been submitted. If you apply online via the e-Matric re-issue service on the government e-services portal, you may receive a tracking number or reference number. This number allows you to follow up on the status of your application and check for any potential delays.

For those who need to know the exact requirements and costs, here is a summary:

Remember, if you are unsure whether you need a re-issue or a combined certificate, or if you only need a Statement of Results, clarify your needs with the DBE to ensure you apply for the correct document.

Can I get a temporary proof of my matric results?

Can I get a temporary proof of my matric results?

If you need proof of your matric results urgently and cannot wait for the re-issue of your matric certificate, you can obtain a Statement of Results from the Department of Basic Education (DBE). This document serves as a temporary substitute and is generally accepted by educational institutions and employers for verification purposes. The Statement of Results provides details of the subjects you passed and the symbols you obtained.

To apply for a Statement of Results, you can follow these steps:

• Visit a DBE office: You can apply in person at any DBE or Provincial Education Department office. Ensure you bring a certified copy of your South African ID and any other relevant documents, such as an examination number if available.
• Apply online: Alternatively, you can apply for a Statement of Results through the e-Matric re-issue service on the government e-services portal at eservices.gov.za. This method offers convenience and can be faster if you have access to the necessary digital resources.
• Processing time: While the exact processing time can vary, it typically takes about 4 to 6 weeks to receive your matric certificate. However, the Statement of Results is usually issued much quicker, often within a few days, making it a suitable option for urgent needs.

If you are unsure whether you need a full re-issue of your matric certificate or just a Statement of Results, consider the following comparison:

Remember, a Statement of Results is not a replacement for a matric certificate but serves as interim proof of your results. If you require the official certificate, you will still need to apply for a re-issue through the appropriate channels.

What if I never received my matric certificate?

What if I never received my matric certificate?

If you have never received your matric certificate, you may need to apply for a re-issue through the Department of Basic Education (DBE). This process ensures that you obtain the official document you are entitled to, which is crucial for further education, employment, or other official purposes. Here’s how you can go about it:

First, confirm whether you need a re-issue or a combined certificate. If you wrote your matric exams a long time ago, a combined certificate might be necessary. For those who have misplaced their certificate or never received it, a re-issue is the appropriate route. To apply, you will need to provide certain documents:

• A certified copy of your South African ID.
• Your examination number, if available.
• Details of the year and centre where you wrote your matric exams.
• An affidavit if your certificate was lost or stolen.

To apply, you have three options:

1. In-person: Visit any DBE or Provincial Education Department office to submit your application and documents.
2. By Post: Download the application form from the official website, complete it, and mail it with the required documents to the DBE.
3. Online: Use the e-Matric re-issue service on the government e-services portal at eservices.gov.za for a more convenient application process.

As of 2023, the replacement fee is approximately R170, but it is advisable to confirm the current amount on the official portal before making any payments. Processing times can take up to 4 to 6 weeks. If you require proof of your results sooner, you can request a Statement of Results from your local DBE office.

Here is a summary of the key details:

By following these steps, you can successfully apply for a re-issue of your matric certificate and ensure you have the necessary documentation for your future endeavors.

How do I check the status of my matric certificate re-issue application?

How do I check the status of my matric certificate re-issue application?

After submitting your application for a matric certificate re-issue, you will likely want updates on its progress. The Department of Basic Education (DBE) offers several ways to check the status of your application, ensuring transparency and helping you plan accordingly.

Here are the primary methods to check your application status:

• Online Portal: Visit the official e-services portal at eservices.gov.za. Log in using your credentials and navigate to the section for tracking matric certificate applications. Enter your reference number to view the current status of your request.
• Contact the DBE Call Centre: You can call the DBE call centre at 0800 202 933. Provide your reference number and other relevant details to get an update on your application status.
• Visit a DBE or Provincial Education Office: If you prefer face-to-face interaction, visit your nearest DBE or Provincial Education Department office. Bring your identification and reference number for quick assistance.
• Email Inquiry: Send an email to the DBE with your application details and reference number. The official email address for such inquiries is often provided on the DBE website or in your application confirmation.

If you need your matric results urgently while waiting for the re-issue, consider requesting a Statement of Results. This document can serve as interim proof of your qualifications and is usually processed faster than a full certificate re-issue.

For your reference, here are the key details regarding the matric certificate re-issue process:

Remember, keeping your payment reference and any tracking numbers is crucial for following up on your application. If you experience delays, reaching out to the DBE with your reference details can help resolve issues promptly.

Related matric guides

These CluedUp guides cover results, certificates and second chances:

• How to check your matric results
• How to get your statement of results
• How to apply for a matric rewrite
• How to upgrade your matric marks

CluedUp is an independent guide and is not affiliated with any government agency. Fees, links and steps can change — always confirm on the official portal before you act. This is general information, not legal or financial advice.