Replacement vs. Duplicate Certificate

AQHA has certain policies regarding lost or damaged registration certificates. And there's a big difference between duplicating and replacing! The main difference is money. And we're all looking for ways to save money these days. Effective January 1, 2018, a replacement certificate requires the old certificate and a $25 fee. A duplicate certificate requires a form, pictures, current membership and a $50 fee. So when can you replace rather than duplicate?

A tale that comes to mind with regards to the need for a new certificate. An AQHA member called in, asking what steps she needed to take to receive a new registration certificate. You see, her dog had eaten her horse's certificate – or most of it anyways. (Yes, it's true!) This customer needed to submit a replacement request. The steps to correct/replace a registration certificate are listed below:

• Don't throw away what's left of the certificate.
• Make sure you can see either the horse's registered name or number. (If not, you'll need to file for a duplicate.)
• Mail what's left of your old certificate to AQHA with a $25 replacement fee. It's also a good idea to include a note telling AQHA what needs to be done with the certificate.
• A current AQHA membership is not required to file a certificate replacement request.

It's that easy! Now, sometimes there's no way around it. For instance, if your dog swallowed all but the upper right-hand corner, if you just cannot find that certificate or if your brother-in-law came to visit and really needed kindling for the fireplace, then you need to file for a duplicate certificate.

How to File for a Duplicate AQHA Certificate

• Fill out an AQHA duplicate certificate form.
• Snap five photos of your horse.
• Make sure your AQHA membership is current and mail it in with a $50 fee.

Both are just about as easy as they can be to accomplish, plus help you and AQHA keep records current! Have questions or a funny story about one of your horse's papers? Share it with us on Facebook.