Last updated: January 2026
A debt review clearance certificate (often called a Form 19) is the document that confirms you’ve completed debt review and can legally exit the process. Once issued, it allows your debt counsellor to request that credit bureaus remove the “under debt review” status from your credit profile.
Below, we explain what a clearance certificate is, how to get it step-by-step, how long it usually takes, and answers to the most common questions.
Debt review clearance certificate
After debt review, getting a debt review clearance certificate is the last step toward official financial freedom. This certificate proves that every creditor is happy and that the person is no longer over-indebted.
Here’s a slightly more technical explanation…
What is a debt review clearance certificate?
A debt review clearance certificate (also referred to as a Form 19) is a legal document that confirms a person is no longer over-indebted and may legally exit debt review. A clearance certificate is typically issued by a debt counsellor when an individual completes the debt counselling process. The document is recognized by the National Credit Regulator (NCR), and is required to request the removal of the debt review status/flag from your credit record.
Okay, now we know what it is…but how do you get yours?
How to get a debt review clearance certificate
Getting a clearance certificate after debt review involves a couple of important steps. And it involves everyone, including each of the creditors who were part of the debt repayment plan.
Here’s how it works:
- Make all repayments: Make all your debt repayments in full according to the debt review plan. Luckily, certain secured debts (like a home loan) may be treated differently. You can confirm this with your debt counsellor.
- Talk to your debt counsellor: Give your debt counsellor a nudge and let them know that you have completed your payments. Provide proof if you have it and ask them to request paid-up letters from the creditors.
- Debt counsellor collects paid-up letters: Your debt counsellor will contact each creditor to get the necessary paid-up letters from. This will confirm that your debts are settled.
- Debt counsellor submits Form 19: Your debt counsellor will complete and submit Form 19 to the National Credit Regulator (NCR) to apply for the Form 19 Clearance Certificate on your behalf. (If you haven’t received feedback, follow up with your debt counsellor to confirm the submission.)
- Receive your Form 19 Clearance Certificate: The NCR then verifies that all the debts are clear and issue the Form 19 Clearance Certificate.
- Notify credit bureaus: Your debt counsellor will send your Form 19 Clearance Certificate to the credit bureaus to remove the debt review status/flag from your credit profile.
- Verify credit record update: Check your credit report or check-in with the credit bureaus to make sure that your credit record is up to date. It should show the removal of the debt review status. But keep in mind, this can take up to 21 business days (processing times can vary by bureau and workload).
Quite a process, right? But it’s worth it. After that, you can focus on rebuilding your financial independence.
You’ll have a new level of unstoppable financial independence and a new chance to build a strong credit credit record.
How long does it take to get a clearance certificate after debt review
A debt review clearance certificate (also referred to as a Form 19) typically takes between three to six weeks. The reason the time varies so much is because there are so many parties involved. The debt counsellor, every creditor, and the National Credit Regulator (NCR). Each group needs to process and verify information and communicate with each other.
Because multiple parties are involved, this can take time. Great debt counsellors have really great support staff who help make this process as fast as possible. But, if any of the creditors or the NCR takes their time. Then, they slow the process down for everyone.
Related content: How long does debt review last?
Excellent. That covers the important stuff.
Here are a couple of questions we get asked about the process and clearance certificates in general.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does it take to clear your name from the credit bureau?
- How long after debt review can I apply for credit?
- How long after debt review can you buy a car?
- How long after debt review can I buy a house?
These are some of the most common questions people have after completing debt review and applying for a clearance certificate.
How long does it take to clear your name from the credit bureau?
In South Africa, after someone completes debt review, credit bureaus typically take between 7–20 calendar days to remove the debt review status from the person’s credit record. Though it can take up to 21 business days. If someone has judgments against their name, it may take years for their credit record to clear completely.
How long after debt review can I apply for credit?
Theoretically, someone can apply for credit within a week of receiving their debt review clearance certificate, after debt review. However, since it can take up to 21 business days for credit bureaus to update the credit records. Most professionals recommend waiting at least a month. Waiting even longer can allow the credit record to improve even more.
How long after debt review can you buy a car or a house?
An individual can apply for credit to buy a car or house within a week of getting their clearance certificate after debt review if credit bureaus update their records fast enough. Though, this can take up to 21 business days. Debt counsellors usually recommend waiting a couple of months or even years before applying for new credit. This allows the individual to get used to not using debt and lets their credit profile improve over time. Which could lead to better loan terms and lower interest costs in the future. In fact, you may not need to apply for a loan after repaying all of your debt. Ever think about that?
Do I need to pay to get a debt review clearance certificate?
There may be administrative costs depending on your debt counsellor’s process. Ask upfront what fees (if any) apply and what is included.
Can my debt counsellor refuse to issue my clearance certificate?
If all qualifying debts under the debt review plan are settled and requirements are met, your debt counsellor should be able to submit the necessary documentation. If there are delays, ask for clarity on what is still outstanding and request a timeline for next steps.
Having fewer debt repayments can free up cash flow, making it easier to build savings and maintain long-term financial stability.
In summary
That’s it.
The ins and outs of a debt review clearance certificate. Is it what you expected?
A clearance certificate (Form 19) is the final step to exiting debt review. Once your repayments are complete, your debt counsellor gathers paid-up letters, submits the required documentation, and then sends the certificate to credit bureaus so your profile can be updated. And remember, it takes time because there are a lot of people and companies involved. Be patient and follow up.
Perhaps you’re doing some research to see if debt review is right for you…If that’s the case, try our online assessment at My Debt Hero to see if you qualify. We can help you through the process.
