Applying For A Re-issue Of A Matric Certificate

By Klnam Kurt •  Updated: 01/23/24 •  5 min read

Losing your matric certificate can cost you, as well as replacing it. But after you lose your matric, what then can you do to get a new one? Why would people want to replace the lost matric certificate?

Once the need comes for you to apply for a re-issue of your matric certificate, there are certain procedures one needs to follow. And because the Department of Education made plans for a re-issue, the process has become simple and less stressful. 

- ADVERTISEMENT -

The matric certificate is a major document in almost every South African’s life. This certificate ushers them into a different dimension in education and life. As we know, the matric certificate is issued after the completion of your grade 12 exams in high school. This confirms you wrote your matric exams and completed all the needed requirements.

Whether you failed in a subject or not, your matric certificate is still yours and will be issued to you. 

Because of the high significance of the matric certificate, individuals who lose it are always in a hurry to replace it or apply for a re-issue. In South Africa, a matric certificate gives you the chance to be employed and also be enrolled in tertiary. 

Are you looking to apply for a re-issue of your matric certificate? Keep reading more as we will be giving you a guide on applying for a re-issue of the matric certificate and other details surrounding it.

Applying for a Re-issue of a Matric Certificate

Re-issuing means making a new copy or updating a document, usually because it was lost, damaged, or needs to be updated. Regarding matric certificates, a re-issue happens when someone requests a new copy or a replacement of their original high school graduation certificate. It may be necessary to obtain a new certificate if the original one is lost, damaged, or contains incorrect information. To get a replacement certificate that proves your educational achievements, you need to apply for re-issue at the Department of Education.

The South African government, which regulates all institutions under the ministry, like the Department of Education, has the mandate to issue a new matric certificate to you.

To apply for the re-issue of a matric certificate, you need to visit the Department of Education office within your province. 

You will be provided with a form to fill out; once done, the officer will review the form and interview you to understand the need for the re-issue. These are part of the protocols to ensure the right thing is done at the right time. 

As part of the process to apply for a re-issue of your matric certificate, here are some supporting documents that you need to have.

How much does it cost to re-issue a matric certificate?

Reissuing a matric certificate comes with its cost. This cost is not to serve as some sort of punishment for those who may have lost, damaged or destroyed their matric certificate. 

The cost involved in re-issuing a matric certificate falls within the operational expenses of the Department of Education. When your matric certificate is issued to you upon completion, you are required to keep it safe. However, there are moments of circumstances that are beyond our capabilities, and we end up losing this certificate.

Now when you put in an application to get a re-issue, the cost only facilitates the administration and reprinting of a new certificate. The amount paid for a re-issue is not a penalty charge. The Department of Education charges R141.00 to re-issue a matric certificate. Any individual looking to know the cost must have in mind that the amount which is charged at R141.00 covers the administrative cost of the matric certificate. This amount can be paid at the bank or through EFT. 

This amount of R141.00 as the cost to re-issue matric certificates is subject to change based on operational expenses and inflation. It is important to be well adverse about the future cost of getting a new matric certificate.

How long does the re-issue of the matric certificate take?

Are you in a hurry to get your matric certificate? Do you wish to know the timeline for the re-issue of a matric certificate?

For those who have lost their matric certificate, there is a chance for you to apply. The time it takes to get a re-issue of the matric certificate does not include the time of discovery of the lost certificate. The timeline involved in the re-issuing of your matric certificate begins the moment your application is accepted through to the point the new certificate is issued to you. The Department of Education serves a lot of South Africans every day when it comes to the re-issuing of matric certificates. Typically, it takes around four to six weeks for a certificate to be issued. You can keep a copy of your receipt as a piece of evidence to pick up your matric certificate when it is ready.

What happens if you lose your matric certificate?

Losing your matric certificate can be devastating. And this can be detrimental to individuals looking to submit their certificate as evidence for scholarships, admission,s and others.

If you lose your matric certificate, the first thing is to make a report at the police station. This will facilitate the process and inform others about submitting any seen certificate.

Losing your matric certificate does not end there; you can put in an application to get a reissue. 

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

How Much Does It Cost to Combine Matric Results

How Much Does It Cost to Combine Matric Results

This guide will provide information on the cost of combining matric results, the process involved, and where to make the payment.

What to Study Without Matric

What to Study Without Matric

Study Without Matric. This guide will explore the options for studying without matric, discuss the best courses to consider and more

How to Calculate Matric Average

How to Calculate Matric Average

How to Calculate Matric Average. Keep on reading to learn how to calculate your Matric average.

Is Matric And Grade 12 The Same Thing?

Is Matric And Grade 12 The Same Thing?

What comes into your thoughts when matric and grade 12 are mentioned? Do you think they are the same, or are there some differences?

How to Get A Matric Certificate

How to Get A Matric Certificate

How to Get A Matric Certificate. We will be exploring more about matric certificates. 

How Long Does It Take To Upgrade Your Matric Results?

How Long Does It Take To Upgrade Your Matric Results?

How Long Does It Take To Upgrade Your Matric Results? This article explains everything you want to know about upgrading your matric results.  

Where Can You Upgrade Matric Results?

Where Can You Upgrade Matric Results?

In this blog post, we will highlight some FAQs like “Where can you upgrade matric results” “The consequences of failing your matric upgrade

How to Find A Job Without Matric

How to Find A Job Without Matric

In this guide, we'll explore how to find a job without matric, address whether it's possible to succeed without a grade 12 certificate and more

Matric Results 2025/26: Simple Steps to Check Your Exam Results

Matric Results 2025/26: Simple Steps to Check Your Exam Results

Matric Results 2024/24. There are many ways to check your matric exam results, including digital channels.

How to Change Name On Matric Certificate

How to Change Name On Matric Certificate

This guide outlines the steps you must take and provides information on the duration, cost, and implications of changing your name on your matric certificate

How to Combine Matric Results After Upgrading

How to Combine Matric Results After Upgrading

How to Combine Matric Results After Upgrading. Here’s what you should know about this process.

Which Province Has the Best Matric Results?

Which Province Has the Best Matric Results?

This article analyses the performance of different provinces and schools in the 2022 matric exams.   

Where to Hire Matric Dance Dresses

Where to Hire Matric Dance Dresses

Fortunately, there's a solution: renting gorgeous dresses to make you feel like the event star without straining your finances.

How To Access Your Matric Results Online

How To Access Your Matric Results Online

How To Access Your Matric Results Online. Looking to write matric exams? Are you prepared for matric results - then keep reading to find out more. 

Matric Results: Things to Do If You Do Not Pass

Matric Results: Things to Do If You Do Not Pass

If you have failed your matric, these are some things you should consider to find a new way forward.