PADI Certification Card FAQs

Whether you’ve lost your original PADI® certification card or want to update the photo or legal name on your card, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn:

The fastest way to get a replacement PADI card How to update the photo or name on your PADI card How to upgrade a Junior diver certification  What to do if your PADI card or eCard hasn’t shown up

How to Order a Replacement PADI Certification Card

Lost your original PADI certification card? Don’t worry, ordering a replacement is easy; you don’t even need your PADI certification number. Contact any PADI dive shop or order a new PADI card online. In either case, you’ll use your name and date of birth to locate your student record. 

Please note: you can’t order a replacement card online for someone else. To order a new PADI card for someone other than yourself, contact a PADI dive shop for assistance.

How much does a new PADI card cost?

The cost to replace your PADI certification card varies depending on whether you choose a physical card, PADI eCardTM, or purchase both at the same time. Also, certain card designs cost a little more because the price includes a donation to support the conservation efforts of PADI AWARE Foundation™.  

Lastly, the cost to buy a replacement card from a PADI Dive Center or Resort may be different than the cost to buy directly from PADI. All PADI Dive Centers and Resorts are independently owned and operated.

2022 PADI AWARE card

What if I’ve lost my PADI card and need a replacement fast?

A PADI eCard is the fastest way to get a new PADI certification card. You can download your eCard instantly after purchase. Physical replacement cards are printed and mailed within 2 business days but can take two weeks or more to arrive depending on the mail service in your area.

What is a PADI eCard? 

A PADI eCard is an electronic version of the traditional, plastic diver certification card. It displays all the information instructors and dive operations need to verify your scuba certification.

My PADI ecard isn’t showing up…

If you are having trouble downloading your PADI eCard, follow the steps below:

Confirm you have a strong data/internet connection
Ensure your device has the latest version of Android’s operating system or Apple’s iOS. Here’s how to check:
– On an Android device, click on Settings > System Update
– On an Apple device, go to Settings  > General > Software Update
Remove and redownload the PADI App
– Download the PADI App for Apple® iOS devices
– Download the PADI App for Android™ OS devices Restart your device, open the PADI App and select the PADI eCards button. Click update.

If the steps above do not fix the problem, contact the Customer Relations team at your local PADI Office. Please include your full name, date of birth, the email address you use to log in to the PADI App and the eCard certification level you are inquiring about (ex. Open Water, Rescue Diver, etc.).

PADI Americas: [email protected]
PADI Asia Pacific: [email protected]
PADI Europe, Middle East and Africa: [email protected]

PADI Certification Card Photos – What You Need to Know

When ordering a new PADI certification card you have the option to add a new photo. To update the photo on your certification card, please ensure the new image meets the specifications below:

Do not wear dark glasses, a hat or anything that obscures your face Use a photo with a blank background Crop the photo so it only shows your head and shoulders Save the photo as a .JPG file Compress the image so it is 350 kb or smaller

How long will it take for my new PADI card to arrive?

Physical replacement cards are printed and mailed within two business days but delivery can take 14 days or more depending on the mail service in your area. If more than one month has passed since you ordered your card

…and you ordered from a PADI Dive Shop: the dive center or resort may have your card. If not, ask them to verify the mailing address submitted for your certification. If the mailing information is correct, contact PADI Customer Relations (see below).

…and you ordered online: contact your regional PADI Customer Relations department.

PADI Americas: [email protected]
PADI Asia Pacific: [email protected]
PADI Europe, Middle East and Africa: [email protected]

In your email, please include your full name, date of birth and the certification level you’re inquiring about (Open Water, Enriched Air Nitrox, etc.).

Can I dive without my PADI certification card?

PADI Dive Centers and Resorts can look up your PADI certification info online. But if you’re diving with an operation that isn’t PADI or if there is a poor or non-existent internet connection, you might miss your dive. It’s better to be prepared and carry your proof of certification with you. Asking the Divemaster to look up your certification info on their phone while they’re trying to get the boat loaded and ready to depart is discourteous. Having your certification card or eCard at the ready is the responsible, respectful thing to do.

ORDER A NEW PADI CARD

How do I change my name?

If you’ve had a legal name change, send any relevant legal documentation to your regional PADI Customer Relations department (see email addresses above). Once your information has been updated in our system, you can order a replacement card with your new name.

How do I get a PADI card that doesn’t say ‘Junior’ on it?

To convert a Jr. Open Water Diver certification (or any other Junior diver certification) to an adult certification, simply order a new card. Any replacement cards purchased after the diver has turned 15 will not have the Jr. Diver designation. When ordering online, choose any Junior certification from your student record. The system will automatically generate a new card without ‘Jr.’ on it.

Do PADI certifications expire?

No, your PADI certification never expires; but if you’ve lost your certification card, that may be a sign too much time has passed since your last dive.

If you haven’t been diving in a while, a scuba refresher program will help you dive into your next adventure with confidence. PADI ReActivate® includes a new certification card that shows both your original certification date and the date of your refresher training.

How long is a while? 

If you haven’t been diving in six months or more and have fewer than 20 lifetime dives, a pool session with an instructor and knowledge review are strongly recommended. If you’re an experienced diver with 60+ dives in your logbook, you may not need a refresher unless it’s been more than a year since your last dive. Here are 7 Signs You Need a Scuba Refresher.

Learn More About PADI ReActivate

Further Reading