How can I replace my matric certificate if it has been lost?

The long answer

According to the Umalusi website, to apply for a replacement of the Senior Certificate and National Senior Certificate, you need to take the following to any of the Department of Education offices (it does not matter where you wrote matric):

1. A completed application form, which can be obtained at any of the Departments of Education or on the website of the National Department of Basic Education (www.education.gov.za)

2. An affidavit – All applications for replacement of lost/damaged certificates should be accompanied by a signed affidavit from a police station stating the status of the original certificate e.g. stolen; lost in a move.

3. A certified copy of the candidate’s identity document is required. (This copy must be certified by a commissioner of oaths. A copy can be made and certified either at a police station or at an attorney’s office where they should do it for free).

4. Proof of payment of administration fees – An administration fee is payable with a request for a certificate. The fee payable can be established with the accredited assessment body. The fee is reviewed on an annual basis.

5. An electronic request must be submitted to Umalusi by the Assessment Body after processing an application form. This request should be sent in a form of a dataset as stipulated by the Council.

The typical processing time is 1 to 6 weeks. 

Here are the contact details for the different provincial and national departments:

Wishing you the best,
Grethen