Matric Certificate: How to Get, Replace or Certify Yours

Your matric certificate (National Senior Certificate) is the official proof that you passed Grade 12. Employers, colleges and learnership programmes often ask for a copy.

This year’s fees — update this box when the fees change (usually each April)

• Replacement certificate: about R153 in recent years [CHECK: current fee on education.gov.za]
• Statement of results: R[amount] [CHECK]
• Processing time: usually 4 to 6 weeks if collected

When do I get my certificate?

You don’t get it on results day. On results day you get a statement of results. The actual certificate is printed later and sent to your school, usually a few months after the results come out. Contact your school to find out when it’s ready to collect.

Lost or damaged certificate: how to replace it

Your qualification isn’t lost when the paper is. The Department of Basic Education (DBE) keeps your record and can issue a replacement.

You’ll need:

• Your original ID and a certified copy
• An affidavit from the police station explaining what happened (lost, stolen or damaged)
• The damaged certificate, if you still have it
• The fee: see This year’s fees above

Where to apply:

• Online: register at eservices.gov.za and choose the replacement certificate option.
• In person: at your nearest district education office or provincial education department. Fill in the replacement application form.

How long it takes: usually 4 to 6 weeks if you collect it, and longer if it’s posted.

Need proof urgently? Ask for a statement of results at the same time. It’s quicker and most applications accept it while you wait.

Wrong name or ID number on your certificate?

Apply for a re-issue at the DBE or your provincial education department, with proof of the correct details, such as your ID or a marriage certificate.

Rewrote subjects? Combine your results

If you passed some subjects in different years, apply for a replacement certificate: change of status to combine your results into one certificate.

How to certify a copy

1. Make a clear photocopy of your certificate.
2. Take the original and the copy to a police station or a commissioner of oaths.
3. They stamp and sign the copy. Certification is free at police stations.

Many employers want certified copies that are less than 3 months old, so check the advert. Government jobs usually only ask for certified copies if you’re shortlisted. See our Z83 guide.

Watch out for scams

Only apply through .gov.za websites or education offices. Never pay “agents” who promise a certificate in a few days, and never buy a certificate: fake qualifications are a crime and employers check them.

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Guide details

• Last checked on: 10 November 2026
• Official source link: https://www.education.gov.za