Losing your NYSC ID card or certificate can be stressful, especially since they’re vital documents used for identification, verification, and employment purposes. If it’s your NYSC Call-Up Letter, Green Card, ID Card, or Discharge/Exemption Certificate, you can get a replacement through the official NYSC channels, but it requires following the right process.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about replacing a lost NYSC ID card or certificate, including the requirements, steps, and tips to ensure a smooth application.

Lost NYSC ID Card or Certificate

Understanding the Importance of NYSC Documents

Before diving into the replacement process, it helps to understand what each document means:

• NYSC Call-Up Letter: This shows your mobilization details, such as the batch, service number, and state of deployment.

• Green Card: Issued after successful online registration; it contains your personal details and registration number.

• NYSC ID Card: Issued during orientation camp and used as official identification throughout your service year.

• Discharge Certificate: Given after completing the one-year NYSC program. It’s required for most job applications in Nigeria.

• Exemption Certificate: Issued to graduates who are above 30 years of age or otherwise exempted from serving.

Losing any of these means you’ll need to go through a replacement or verification process to get an official copy.

How to Replace a Lost NYSC ID Card

If you misplaced your NYSC ID card during your service year, here’s what to do:

Step 1: Report the Loss Immediately

Visit the nearest police station to report that your NYSC ID card is missing. Obtain a police report or extract, this serves as proof of loss.

Step 2: Write a Letter of Application

Write a formal letter addressed to the State Coordinator of your NYSC state secretariat.

The letter should include:

• Your full name

• Call-up number

• State code number

• Batch and year of service

• A short explanation of how the ID card was lost

Attach your passport photograph to the letter.

Step 3: Visit Your NYSC State Secretariat

Submit your letter, police report, and other supporting documents to the NYSC office in the state where you’re currently serving (or where you completed service).

You may be required to:

• Pay a small processing fee

• Provide another passport photograph

• Fill out a replacement form

Once processed, your new NYSC ID card will be issued within a few days.

How to Replace a Lost NYSC Discharge or Exemption Certificate

If you’ve already completed your NYSC program but lost your certificate, the process is slightly different.

Here’s how to get a replacement:

Step 1: Report to the Police

Just like with the ID card, start by reporting the loss to the nearest police station. Obtain a police extract or affidavit of loss.

Step 2: Get a Court Affidavit

Visit a High Court of Justice to swear an affidavit confirming that your NYSC certificate was lost, stolen, or damaged.

Step 3: Write a Letter to the NYSC Director-General

Write an application addressed to:

The Director-General, National Youth Service Corps Headquarters, Abuja.

Your letter should include:

• Full name

• Call-up number

• Year and batch of service

• State of service

• The circumstances surrounding the loss (Attach photocopies of your Green Card or Call-Up Letter if available).

Step 4: Attach Supporting Documents

Prepare the following documents:

• Police report or extract

• Sworn court affidavit

• Valid ID (National ID, International Passport, or Driver’s License)

• One recent passport photograph

• Photocopy of your lost certificate (if available)

Step 5: Submit to the NYSC Headquarters

Take all documents to:

NYSC National Directorate Headquarters, Plot 416, Tigris Crescent, Maitama, Abuja.

If you’re outside Abuja, you can submit them through your State NYSC Secretariat, which will forward your application to the headquarters.

Step 6: Wait for Verification and Reissuance

NYSC will verify your details in their database.
Once confirmed, a replacement certificate will be issued, usually within a few weeks to a few months.

Note: Replacement certificates come with a disclaimer mark indicating that it’s a reissue.

Important Tips

• NYSC does not issue certificates by proxy. You must appear in person for verification.

• The replacement certificate will bear the same details as your original.

• Avoid third-party agents or online offers claiming to help — NYSC does not authorize intermediaries.

• Keep digital copies of your NYSC documents in secure cloud storage to prevent future loss.

How Much Does NYSC Certificate Replacement Cost?

The replacement itself is free, but you’ll cover costs for:

• Police report

• Court affidavit

• Passport photographs

• Transportation (if visiting Abuja)

Expect to spend around ₦5,000 – ₦10,000 in total, depending on your location.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lost NYSC ID Card or Certificate

1. What should I do first if I lose my NYSC ID card or certificate?

The first step is to report the loss to the nearest police station and obtain a police extract or report. This document serves as official proof that your ID card or certificate was lost, stolen, or damaged.

2. Can I get a replacement for my lost NYSC ID card while still serving?

Yes, you can. Visit your NYSC State Secretariat, report the loss to the State Coordinator, and submit a formal letter with your police report, passport photograph, and service details. A replacement ID card will be issued after verification.

3. Where do I go to replace a lost NYSC discharge or exemption certificate?

You must visit the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters, located at Plot 416, Tigris Crescent, Maitama, Abuja.
If you’re not in Abuja, you can apply through your State NYSC Secretariat, which will forward your request to the headquarters.

4. What documents are required for replacing a lost NYSC certificate?

You’ll need to present:

• A police extract or report

• A sworn court affidavit confirming the loss

• A valid means of identification (e.g., National ID, Passport, or Driver’s License)

• A formal letter addressed to the NYSC Director-General

• A passport photograph

• Photocopy of your lost certificate, Green Card, or Call-Up Letter (if available)

5. How long does it take to get a replacement NYSC certificate?

The process can take a few weeks to a few months, depending on how quickly your records are verified at NYSC headquarters. It’s best to apply early and follow up periodically.

6. Will the replacement certificate look the same as the original?

Yes, the replacement certificate carries the same details as your original one. However, it will be marked with a “Replacement” or “Reissue” disclaimer to indicate it’s a duplicate.

Final Thoughts

Losing your NYSC ID card or certificate isn’t the end of the road, it’s a fixable problem. As long as you follow the official NYSC replacement process, provide the necessary documents, and avoid shortcuts, you’ll get your replacement without issues.