How to get a duplicate of a lost education document in Latvia?

During the summer, many people need education documents, but originals may be lost, stolen, or damaged. What to do? The answer depends on the type of document and how it was issued.

General education documents in paper form

If a paper general education document is lost, stolen, or destroyed, you must apply to the institution that issued it. If that institution has been liquidated or reorganized, contact the municipal education board, which will designate another institution to issue the duplicate. The duplicate will be prepared electronically and will be available in the State Examination Information System. The institution must publish a notice in the official gazette "Latvijas Vēstnesis" declaring the original invalid, so the duplicate is available no earlier than ten days after publication.

Certificates

If a certificate is lost, contact the State Education Development Agency (VIAA), which will issue an extract electronically or in paper form. Paper extracts are a paid service. Applications can also be submitted via the Latvija.lv portal.

Electronically issued documents

If an electronically issued general education document is lost, no duplicate is issued; instead, the institution resends it to the official e-address or email. The same applies to electronic certificates.

Vocational education documents

If a paper vocational education document is lost, the institution prepares and issues a duplicate, provided it has the necessary data and a comparable form. The person must cover all costs. If the institution is liquidated, data must be requested from the National Archives of Latvia, then apply to another institution offering an equivalent program. Some vocational documents are issued as duplicates electronically after publication in "Latvijas Vēstnesis". Electronically issued vocational documents are resent to the e-address or email.

University diplomas

A paper duplicate of a university diploma is issued based on an application and the rector's written order. If the university has been reorganized, apply to the successor; if there is no successor, contact the National Archives.

How to check if the document is in the archives?

To find out if the National Archives holds the required document, submit an information request. This can be done electronically, by post, or in person. The archive will provide an archive certificate or certified copy with legal force. For questions, call 20027447.

Regulatory changes

Until 2023, general education documents were issued in paper form. Since June 9, 2023, certificates have been issued electronically. New regulations effective May 26, 2026 provide for a gradual transition to electronic certificates and diplomas. In vocational education, new regulations effective May 30, 2026 allow paper or electronic issuance until August 31, 2026, and electronic only for some documents from September 1, 2026. University diplomas remain in paper form.