How to Find CAO Number: Complete Guide to Retrieve Your CAO Application Number
How to Find CAO Number. If you have forgotten, misplaced, or lost your CAO Number, there is no need to worry. The Central Applications Office (CAO) provides simple ways for applicants to find their application number and access their online application. Your CAO Number is an important detail because you may need it whenever you contact CAO, check your application status, upload documents, or log in to your account.
Many students keep their CAO Application Number in an email or application statement, but sometimes these messages can be difficult to find. You may also lose access to the email account or simply forget the number after submitting your application.
The good news is that you can usually retrieve your CAO Number using your identification details through the official CAO website. If you cannot find it online, you can also contact CAO support and provide information that can help them verify your application.
This guide explains how to find CAO Number, how to use your ID number or passport details, how to reset your CAO login password, and what to do if you have completely lost access to your account.
What Is a CAO Number?
A CAO Number is a unique application number assigned to you after you submit an application through the Central Applications Office. It helps CAO identify your application and connect your personal information with your selected study choices. You may need this number when communicating with CAO or checking information related to your application. Your CAO Application Number is also normally included in emails and statements sent to the email address you used when registering. For applicants applying for entry to higher education, keeping this number safe is very important.
Why Do You Need Your CAO Number?
Your CAO Number can be useful for several reasons, including:
- Checking your CAO application status
- Logging into your online CAO account
- Uploading required documents
- Completing or updating your application
- Communicating with CAO support
- Checking application information
- Following updates related to your application
- Identifying your application when contacting CAO
Because of these reasons, losing your CAO Number can be stressful. However, you can follow a few simple methods to retrieve it.
How to Find CAO Number Online
The easiest way to find your CAO Number is to use the official CAO website and access your application using your identification information. If you have forgotten the number, you do not necessarily need to know it before trying to access your application. Follow these steps carefully.
Step 1: Visit the Official CAO Website
First, go to the official CAO website.
Make sure you are using the official CAO website rather than an unofficial website or third-party service. This is important because your application contains personal information. Once the website opens, look for the applicant or application login section.
Step 2: Open “My Application”
After entering the CAO website, find the “My Application” section. This section allows applicants to access information connected to their CAO application. Click on the option to access your application.
Step 3: Choose the ID Number or Passport Option
If you have forgotten your CAO Number, look for the option that allows you to use your ID Number or Passport. Select the appropriate option based on the identification document you used during your CAO registration. This step is useful because you can identify your application without remembering the application number.
Step 4: Enter Your Required Information
Enter the identification information requested by the CAO website. Make sure that the information you enter matches the details you provided when creating your application. Check your information carefully before submitting it. A small mistake in your ID number, passport details, surname, or other information may prevent the system from finding your application.
Step 5: Check Your Application Dashboard
After your information has been accepted, you should be taken to your CAO Application Status Check Dashboard or relevant application area. Your CAO details, including your application number, should be available there if your application has been successfully located. Write down the number and keep it somewhere safe.
How to Find CAO Number From Your Email
Another easy way to find your CAO Number is by checking the email account you used when you applied. After submitting your application, CAO sends application-related information to your registered email address. Your CAO Application Number can be included in these messages or statements. If you cannot see the email in your normal inbox, check the following folders:
- Inbox
- Spam
- Junk
- Promotions
- Archive
- Deleted or Trash folder
Use the search function in your email account and try terms such as:
- CAO
- CAO Application
- CAO Number
- Application Number
- Central Applications Office
- Application confirmation
If you made a 2026 CAO application, your 8-digit CAO Application Number starts with “26” according to the information provided for the application process. Your application number should have been sent to the email address you used during registration.
How to Find a Lost CAO Application Number
Sometimes an applicant knows they submitted an application but cannot find the application number anywhere. If this happens, first make sure that you actually submitted a CAO application for the relevant year. If you applied, search your registered email account carefully. The application number is normally included in CAO correspondence.
If you still cannot locate it, you can contact CAO through the contact method provided on its website. You may be asked to provide information for security and verification purposes. This can include:
- Full name
- Address
- Date of birth
- Registered email address
- Registered mobile phone number
- First choice on your application
- School name, where applicable
CAO can use these details to locate your application and verify that you are the correct applicant. Once your information has been checked, CAO can provide assistance with recovering your application number.
How to Reset Your CAO Login Password
Finding your CAO Number and resetting your password are two different processes, but both can be important if you cannot access your account. If you know your CAO Number but have forgotten your password, you can use the password reset option on the CAO portal. Follow these steps.
Step 1: Open the CAO Portal
Go to the official CAO Portal and look for the login area. Make sure you are using the correct official portal before entering your personal information.
Step 2: Find the New Password Option
Scroll down on the login page until you find the option similar to:
- “For a new password to log in and complete your application or Upload Documents, Click here.”
Click this option to begin the password reset process.
Step 3: Enter Your Details
The portal may ask you to provide information such as:
- CAO Number
- ID Number
- Surname
Enter the details carefully. Your information should match the details connected to your CAO application.
Step 4: Select Your Verification Method
You may be asked to choose how you want to receive your verification code. Depending on the options available to you, select the appropriate method. After selecting your preferred method, click “Submit.”
Step 5: Enter the Verification Information
Follow the instructions displayed on the screen. If you receive a verification code, enter it exactly as requested. Then follow the remaining instructions to create or activate your new password.
Step 6: Log In Again
After successfully changing your password, return to the CAO login page. Enter your CAO Number and new password to access your account. If the new password does not work immediately, check that you have entered the correct application number and password.
CAO Number vs CAO Application Number
People often use the terms CAO Number and CAO Application Number when talking about the same application identification number. Your application number is the unique number connected to your CAO application. Here is a simple overview:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| CAO Number | Unique number connected to your application |
| Application Number | The number used to identify your CAO application |
| Where to find it | CAO emails, statements, or online application area |
| Used for | Login, communication, application checks, and updates |
| 2026 application number | The 8-digit number starts with “26” |
| If lost | Search your email or contact CAO for help |
What If You Have Not Applied Yet?
If you have never submitted a CAO application, you will not have a CAO Application Number to retrieve. In this situation, you need to start a new application.
- Visit the official CAO website and select the “Apply” option from the menu.
- You can then begin the application process and provide the required information.
- After submitting your application, you will receive your CAO Application Number.
- It is a good idea to save this number immediately after receiving it.
When Will I Receive My CAO Application Number?
Once you have successfully submitted your application, you should receive your CAO Application Number. The number is normally included in correspondence sent to the email address you used during registration. For this reason, you should always check your email after submitting an application. Do not delete CAO emails or statements unless you are certain that you no longer need them. A simple way to protect yourself from losing the number is to save it in more than one place. For example, you can:
- Save the CAO email.
- Write the application number in a secure note.
- Take a screenshot for your personal records.
- Save the information in a document.
- Keep the original email in your inbox.
What Should You Do If You Lost Your Email Access?
Losing access to your registered email account can make it more difficult to find your CAO Number. If you cannot access the email address used during registration, do not create a new CAO application simply because you cannot find your number. First, try to recover access to your original email account if possible.
If that is not possible, contact CAO support using the official contact method available on its website. You may need to provide details that help CAO confirm your identity and locate your application. For security reasons, only provide personal information through official CAO channels.
Contact CAO Support If You Still Cannot Find Your Number
If you have searched your email, tried the online application system, and still cannot find your CAO Number, contacting CAO directly may be the best option. The provided CAO contact information includes the telephone number 031 268 4444. Before contacting support, keep your application details ready. You may be asked to confirm information such as:
- Your name
- Date of birth
- Address
- Email address
- Mobile phone number
- Application choice
- School information
Providing accurate information can make the verification process easier.
Important Tips to Keep Your CAO Number Safe
Once you recover your CAO Number, make sure you do not lose it again. Your application number is important throughout the application process. Here are some simple tips:
- Save the number in a secure place.
- Keep your CAO confirmation email.
- Do not share your login password with other people.
- Check your spam folder if you are waiting for CAO correspondence.
- Use the same personal details that you used during registration.
- Double-check your information before submitting forms.
- Keep your email account secure.
- Save important application statements for future reference.
These small steps can save you time later.
Common Reasons You Cannot Find Your CAO Number
There are several reasons why applicants may have difficulty finding their application number.
You Deleted the CAO Email
If you accidentally deleted the email containing your application number, check your email’s Trash or Deleted folder.
The Email Went to Spam
Sometimes automated emails are placed in the spam or junk folder. Search these folders before assuming the email was never sent.
You Used a Different Email Address
You may be checking the wrong email account. Think about which email address you used when you registered for CAO.
You Have Forgotten Your Login Details
If you know your application number but forgot your password, use the password reset process instead of creating another account.
You Have Not Submitted the Application
Starting an application is not always the same as submitting it. If you have not completed the application process, you may not yet have an application number.
FAQs About Finding CAO Number
What is my CAO Number?
Your CAO Number is the unique number assigned to your application. It is used to identify your application and may be required when logging in or communicating with CAO.
How can I find my CAO Number if I forgot it?
You can try accessing your application through the CAO website using your ID Number or passport details. You should also search the email account you used during registration.
Can I find my CAO Number using my ID number?
Yes, the CAO application system provides an option to use identification details such as your ID Number or passport information to access your application, depending on the portal process.
Where can I find my CAO Application Number?
You can find it in CAO emails or application statements. You may also be able to retrieve it through the CAO application portal.
What does a 2026 CAO Application Number look like?
For a 2026 CAO application, the provided information states that the 8-digit CAO Application Number starts with “26.”
What should I do if I lost my CAO Application Number?
First, search your registered email account, including spam and junk folders. If you still cannot find it, contact CAO through its official contact channel and provide the information required for verification.
Can I reset my CAO password if I forgot it?
Yes. If you have the required application and identification details, you can use the password reset option on the CAO portal and follow the verification steps.
What information may CAO ask for when recovering my number?
For security and verification, CAO may ask for details such as your name, address, date of birth, registered email address or mobile number, and your first application choice or school name.
Do I need my CAO Number to contact CAO?
Your CAO Number is useful when communicating with CAO because it helps identify your application. Once you receive it, keep it available for future communication.
Conclusion
Finding a lost CAO Number is usually easier than many applicants expect. The first thing you should do is check the email account you used when registering for CAO. Search your inbox, spam, junk, and other folders for CAO correspondence. If you cannot find the email, use the CAO application portal and look for the option to access your application using your ID Number or passport details. Once your application is located, your application information should be available through the relevant dashboard. If your problem is not the missing number but a forgotten password, use the CAO password reset option. Enter the requested CAO Number, ID Number, and surname, select a verification method, and follow the instructions provided by the portal.
