How to Apply for a PRC ID (Initial Registration)
Initial registration is the process of obtaining your first PRC Professional Identification Card after passing the licensure or board examination. This is a mandatory step before you can legally practice your regulated profession in the Philippines. Your PRC ID serves as proof that you are a licensed professional and is recognized as a valid government-issued identification card.
🆔 What is PRC Initial Registration?
- After passing the board exam, you must register with the PRC to officially become a licensed professional
- Initial registration is the first-time issuance of your PRC Professional Identification Card (PRC ID)
- The PRC ID contains your name, profession, license number, photo, and validity period
- Without completing initial registration, you cannot legally practice your profession even if you passed the board exam
- The PRC ID is valid for 3 years and must be renewed before expiration
- It is a recognized valid government ID accepted by banks, agencies, and other institutions
⚠️ Important: Registration Deadline
You must complete your initial registration within the prescribed period after the release of board exam results. Failure to register on time may result in additional requirements or penalties:
- Standard registration period: PRC typically opens the online registration within days after the release of exam results
- Oath-taking schedule: PRC schedules the oath ceremony shortly after results are released — do not miss it
- Late registration: If you fail to register during the initial registration period, you may need to file a petition for late registration with additional fees and requirements
- Do not delay: Start your online application as soon as PRC opens the registration window for your profession
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Initial Registration
Create or Log In to Your PRC Online Account
All PRC transactions now begin online. You need an account on the PRC Online Services portal:
- Visit the PRC Online Services website at online.prc.gov.ph
- If you already have an account (from board exam registration), log in with your existing credentials
- If you don't have an account yet, click "Register" and fill in your personal details
- Use a valid and active email address — PRC will send confirmations and updates via email
- Keep your login credentials safe — you will use this account for all future PRC transactions
Tip: Use the same email address you used when registering for the board exam to avoid account conflicts.
Apply for Initial Registration Online
Once logged in, navigate to the Initial Registration section and complete the application:
- Select "Initial Registration" from the list of available services
- Choose your profession from the dropdown menu (e.g., Certified Public Accountant, Registered Nurse, Civil Engineer, etc.)
- Enter your personal details: full name, date of birth, address, and contact information
- Verify your board exam details — the system may auto-populate your exam information
- Review all entered information carefully before submitting
- Submit the application and take note of your application reference number
Pay the Registration Fee
After submitting your online application, pay the required fees through the available payment channels:
| Fee Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee | ₱600 |
| Annual Registration Fee | ₱450 |
| Documentary Stamp Tax | ₱150 |
| Estimated Total | ~₱1,200 |
- Payment can be made online via credit/debit card, GCash, or other digital wallets
- You may also pay over-the-counter at authorized payment centers (e.g., Landbank, 7-Eleven, Bayad Center)
- Keep the official receipt or payment confirmation — you will need it on your appointment date
- Fees may vary slightly depending on the profession and applicable surcharges
Book an Appointment at a PRC Office
After payment, schedule your appointment to visit a PRC office for the oath-taking ceremony and ID processing:
- Select your preferred PRC office (Central Office in Manila or any Regional Office)
- Choose an available date and time slot from the appointment calendar
- For mass oath-taking ceremonies, PRC will announce the schedule — check the PRC website and social media for updates
- Print or save your appointment confirmation — you will need to present it at the PRC office
- If your preferred date is fully booked, check other PRC offices or wait for new slots to open
Visit the PRC Office on Your Appointment Date
On your scheduled appointment date, go to the PRC office with all the required documents:
- Oath Form — printed and signed (may be downloaded from the PRC website or provided at the office)
- Payment receipt — official receipt or proof of payment for registration fees
- Valid ID — any government-issued ID with photo and signature
- Passport-size photos — typically 4 pieces, white background, recent (taken within the last 6 months)
- Appointment confirmation — printed or saved on your phone
- Arrive early — at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time
- Dress appropriately — the oath-taking is a formal ceremony
Take the Oath of Professionals
The Oath of Professionals is a solemn ceremony where newly-passed examinees pledge to uphold the standards and ethics of their profession:
- The oath is administered by PRC officials or authorized representatives
- You will recite the oath together with other newly-licensed professionals
- After the oath, you will sign the oath form and have it notarized
- This is a legal requirement — you cannot receive your PRC ID without taking the oath
- Some Professional Regulatory Boards hold separate oath-taking ceremonies for their specific profession
Note: For mass oath-taking events, PRC may hold the ceremony at a larger venue outside the PRC office. Check your appointment confirmation for the exact venue.
Receive Your PRC ID
After completing the oath-taking, proceed to the PRC ID processing area for biometric capture and ID issuance:
- Biometric capture: Your fingerprints will be scanned and recorded in the PRC system
- Photo capture: Your photo will be taken for the PRC ID card (dress appropriately)
- Digital signature: You will provide your electronic signature for the ID
- The PRC ID card may be released on the same day or may need to be claimed on a later date
- Some PRC offices offer mailing/delivery services for the PRC ID card
- Verify all details on your PRC ID upon receipt — report any errors immediately
Requirements for PRC Initial Registration
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Oath Form | Accomplished and signed Oath of Professionals form (downloadable from PRC website) |
| Payment Receipt | Official receipt or proof of payment for registration fees (~₱1,200) |
| NSO/PSA Birth Certificate | Original or authenticated copy issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) |
| Valid ID | Any government-issued ID with photo and signature (PhilID, passport, driver's license, etc.) |
| Passport-size Photos | 4 pieces, white background, recent (taken within the last 6 months), 3.5cm x 4.5cm or 2x2 inches |
| Board Exam Results | Proof of passing the licensure examination (PRC usually has this on file) |
| Transcript of Records | Original Transcript of Records from your school (with remarks "for PRC initial registration" or "for board examination") |
| Marriage Certificate (if applicable) | PSA-issued Marriage Certificate if your name changed due to marriage |
Note: Requirements may vary slightly depending on your profession. Some Professional Regulatory Boards may require additional documents. Check the PRC website or contact your board for the most updated list of requirements.
Complete Example: Juan Applies for Initial PRC Registration
Scenario: Juan Dela Cruz, 24, newly-passed CPA (Certified Public Accountant)
Goal: Obtain his first PRC Professional ID to practice accountancy
Step-by-Step Process:
1. Logged in to his PRC Online account at online.prc.gov.ph
(He already had an account from board exam registration)
2. Selected "Initial Registration" and chose "Certified Public Accountant"
- Verified his personal details and exam information
- Submitted the online application
- Received application reference number: IR-2026-00012345
3. Paid the registration fees online via GCash:
- Registration Fee: ₱600
- Annual Registration Fee: ₱450
- Documentary Stamp Tax: ₱150
- Total Paid: ₱1,200
4. Booked an appointment:
- Selected PRC Central Office, Manila
- Chose available date: February 28, 2026
- Time slot: 9:00 AM
5. On appointment day, brought:
✓ Printed Oath Form (signed)
✓ GCash payment receipt
✓ PSA Birth Certificate (original)
✓ PhilID (valid government ID)
✓ 4 pcs passport-size photos (white background)
✓ Transcript of Records (original)
✓ Appointment confirmation (printed)
6. Took the Oath of Professionals:
- Participated in the CPA oath-taking ceremony
- Signed the oath form before the PRC official
7. PRC ID Processing:
- Biometric capture (fingerprints)
- Photo taken for PRC ID
- Digital signature captured
- Received temporary PRC ID receipt
Result:
✓ PRC ID released after 5 working days
✓ License Number: CPA-0123456
✓ PRC ID valid until February 2029 (3 years)
✓ Juan can now legally practice as a CPA
Total Cost: ₱1,200
Processing Time: ~2 weeks (from online application to PRC ID release)Registration Fees Breakdown
| Fee Type | Description | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | One-time fee for initial registration and PRC ID issuance | ₱600 |
| Annual Registration Fee | Yearly fee for maintaining your professional license (covers 3 years) | ₱450 |
| Documentary Stamp Tax | Government tax required for official documents and certificates | ₱150 |
| Professional Tax (optional) | Annual professional tax paid to the city/municipality where you practice (separate from PRC fees) | ₱300 |
| Estimated Total (PRC Fees) | Registration + Annual Fee + Documentary Stamp | ~₱1,200 |
Note: Fees are subject to change. Some professions may have slightly different fee structures. Always check the PRC website for the latest fee schedule. Convenience fees may apply for online payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the entire initial registration process take?
The entire process from online application to receiving your PRC ID typically takes 1 to 3 weeks. The online application and payment can be completed in one day. The waiting period depends on the availability of appointment slots and the PRC office's processing time. During peak seasons (after major board exams), it may take longer due to the high volume of applicants.
What happens during the oath-taking ceremony?
The oath-taking ceremony is a formal event where newly-passed professionals pledge to uphold the standards and ethics of their profession. You will stand with other examinees, raise your right hand, and recite the Oath of Professionals. A PRC official or an authorized officer administers the oath. After the recitation, you will sign the oath form. Some Professional Regulatory Boards hold their own separate oath-taking ceremonies with additional traditions or rites specific to the profession. Dress formally — business attire is expected.
When will I receive my PRC ID after initial registration?
After completing the oath-taking and biometric capture, the PRC ID may be released on the same day or within 5 to 10 working days, depending on the PRC office. Some offices issue a temporary receipt or acknowledgment that you can use while waiting for the actual PRC ID card. You may also opt for delivery services where the PRC ID is mailed to your address for an additional fee.
What should I do if I lose my PRC ID?
If you lose your PRC ID, you must apply for a replacement PRC ID at any PRC office. The requirements include: an Affidavit of Loss (notarized), a valid government-issued ID, 4 pieces of passport-size photos (white background), and payment of the replacement fee. File a report with the police if the ID was stolen. The replacement process typically takes 5 to 10 working days. It is advisable to keep a photocopy or scanned copy of your PRC ID for reference.
Can I register for multiple professions with PRC?
Yes. If you passed multiple board exams for different professions, you can register for each profession separately. Each profession requires its own initial registration, oath-taking, and PRC ID. You will need to pay the registration fees for each profession individually. Each PRC ID will have a different license number corresponding to the specific profession.
Can I register at any PRC office, or only the one in my region?
You can process your initial registration at any PRC office nationwide — you are not limited to the PRC office in your region. The PRC Central Office in Manila and all PRC Regional Offices can process initial registrations. Choose the office that is most convenient for you. However, for mass oath-taking ceremonies, PRC may designate a specific venue, so check the schedule announced by PRC for your profession.
Important Reminders
- Register promptly: Do not delay your initial registration after passing the board exam. Late registration may require additional requirements and fees.
- Complete all requirements: Bring all required documents on your appointment date. Missing documents may cause delays or rescheduling.
- Verify your information: Double-check all personal details on your PRC ID upon receipt. Report any errors to PRC immediately for correction.
- Keep your PRC ID safe: Your PRC ID is a valid government-issued ID and serves as your professional license. Store it securely.
- Mark your renewal date: PRC licenses are valid for 3 years. Set a reminder to renew before expiration to avoid penalties and late fees.
- Complete CPD units: Start accumulating Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit units early — you will need them for license renewal.
- Practicing without a license is illegal: Ensure your PRC ID is valid and current before practicing your profession.
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the PRC office you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest PRC office first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.
Need Help?
Contact PRC
- PRC Hotline: (02) 8651-4867
- PRC Trunkline: (02) 8310-0026
- Email: prc@prc.gov.ph
- Website: www.prc.gov.ph
PRC Online Services
Access the PRC Online Services portal for registration, appointment booking, and other transactions. Most PRC services are now available online for your convenience.
Visit PRC Online