How can I change the name on my matric certificate?

The long answer

The Department of Basic Education says that it will not issue an amended certificate where an identity document was issued after the examination, and the personal information does not match that on the certificate.

But, as it was an administrative error on the part of your principal, and it is within six months of writing the exam, you should be able to change your certificate by filling in a re-issue application form, which you can get from the Department of Basic Education (DBE) or the Provincial Education Department (PED).

According to the DBE website, you will have to go to the DBE or PED offices in person so you can be interviewed by education officials before they make the change. 

Oddly, having said that, they add, “Alternatively you can download the form, fill it and post it with the attached documents, including the postal order or cheque, to: Private Bag X895, Pretoria, 0001.” Their contact details are at the bottom of this response.

In either case, with the re-issue application form, you will need to submit:

• Your ID and a certified copy of your ID 

• Your original matric certificate and a certified copy

• A detailed affidavit stating the reasons for the alteration

• Proof of your surname change in a confirmation letter from Home Affairs about your surname change

• Your birth certificate. If you don’t have a birth certificate, they say that you must bring a clinic card, baptismal certificate, or school report that states your name and date of birth.

You will have to pay the prescribed fee at the DBE or PED, which is R170 (valid from 1 April 2024 until 31 March 2025) for re-issue of certificate due to administrative error.

It should take four to six weeks to get the certificate.

Contact Information:

• National office: 012 357 4511/13. 

• Email: [email protected]

Wishing you the best,
Athalie