How to Renew a PRC License/ID
All licensed professionals in the Philippines are required to renew their PRC license every three (3) years. The renewal process ensures that professionals remain competent and up-to-date in their respective fields through Continuing Professional Development (CPD). This guide walks you through everything you need to know about renewing your PRC Professional Identification Card.
📅 When to Renew?
- PRC licenses are valid for 3 years from the date of issuance or last renewal
- Your renewal window opens based on your birth month — you can renew within the month of your birthday
- PRC allows early renewal starting up to 2 months before your birth month
- You can also renew after your license expires, but you must not practice your profession while your license is expired
- Check your PRC ID for the exact expiration date printed on the card
⚠️ Warning: Practicing with an Expired License is Illegal
Under Republic Act No. 8981, practicing a regulated profession without a valid and current PRC license is illegal and punishable by law. Penalties include fines, imprisonment, and permanent revocation of your professional license. Employers who knowingly allow professionals to practice with expired licenses may also face penalties. Always ensure your license is renewed before the expiration date to avoid any legal issues.
CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
Republic Act No. 10912, also known as the CPD Act of 2016, requires all licensed professionals to earn a specific number of CPD credit units within each renewal period. CPD activities include seminars, workshops, trainings, postgraduate studies, self-directed learning, and other professional development activities recognized by PRC and the relevant Professional Regulatory Board.
Note: The number of required CPD credit units varies per profession. Each Professional Regulatory Board (PRB) sets the specific CPD requirements for its regulated profession. Professionals must earn these units within the 3-year renewal period through accredited CPD providers.
Step-by-Step: How to Renew Your PRC License
Complete Required CPD Units
Before you can renew your license, you must complete the required number of CPD credit units for your profession:
- Attend seminars, trainings, and workshops from PRC-accredited CPD providers
- Earn credit units through self-directed learning, research, or professional work
- Keep all certificates of attendance/completion as proof
- Ensure your CPD activities are within the current renewal period (3-year cycle)
- Some professions accept online CPD activities — check with your PRB
Tip: Start earning CPD units early in your renewal cycle. Don't wait until the last minute — popular CPD seminars fill up quickly, especially near renewal season.
Log in to PRC Online Services
Access the PRC Online Services portal to start your renewal application:
- Go to online.prc.gov.ph and log in with your PRC account credentials
- If you don't have an account yet, register first using your PRC license number and personal details
- Make sure your profile information is complete and up-to-date
- Update your email address and contact number if they have changed
Apply for Renewal Online
Submit your renewal application through the online portal:
- Select "Renewal" from the services menu on the dashboard
- Verify your personal information and profession details
- Enter your CPD credit units and upload supporting certificates if required
- Review all information before submitting your application
- Take note of your application reference number after submission
Pay Renewal Fee
Pay the required renewal fees through available payment channels:
| Fee Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Professional License Renewal Fee | ~₱600 |
| Annual Registration Fee (3 years) | ~₱450 (₱150/year x 3) |
| Documentary Stamp Tax | ~₱150 |
| Approximate Total | ~₱1,200 |
- Payment can be made online (GCash, Maya, credit/debit card, online banking) or over-the-counter
- Keep your payment receipt or transaction confirmation — you will need it at the PRC office
- Fees may vary slightly depending on your profession
Book Appointment at PRC Office
Schedule your visit to a PRC office for biometrics and ID release:
- After payment, select your preferred PRC office (Central, Regional, or Satellite)
- Choose an available date and time slot for your appointment
- Print or save the appointment confirmation — you will need it at the PRC office
- Appointments fill up fast, especially during peak renewal months — book early
Visit PRC Office on Your Appointment Date
Go to the PRC office on your scheduled date and bring the following:
- Old PRC ID (your current/expired PRC Professional Identification Card)
- Payment receipt (proof of renewal fee payment)
- CPD certificates (original or certified copies of all CPD activity certificates)
- Appointment confirmation (printed or on your phone)
- Valid government ID (as backup identification)
At the PRC office: Present your documents, have your photo and biometrics captured (fingerprint and digital signature), and wait for your new PRC ID to be printed. Some offices release the new ID on the same day.
Get Your New PRC ID
Receive your renewed PRC Professional Identification Card:
- Some PRC offices issue the new ID on the same day of your visit
- Others may provide a temporary receipt and schedule a release date for the new ID card
- Check your new PRC ID for accuracy — verify your name, profession, license number, and expiration date
- Your new PRC ID will be valid for the next 3 years
- Keep your old PRC ID as a backup until you receive the new one
CPD Credit Unit Requirements by Profession
| Profession | Required CPD Units (per 3-year cycle) | Regulatory Board |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing | 45 units | Board of Nursing |
| Civil Engineering | 45 units | Board of Civil Engineering |
| Mechanical Engineering | 45 units | Board of Mechanical Engineering |
| Electrical Engineering | 45 units | Board of Electrical Engineering |
| Teaching (LET) | 45 units | Board for Professional Teachers |
| Accountancy (CPA) | 120 units | Board of Accountancy |
| Medicine | 75 units | Board of Medicine |
| Pharmacy | 60 units | Board of Pharmacy |
| Architecture | 60 units | Board of Architecture |
| Criminology | 45 units | Board of Criminology |
Note: CPD requirements may be updated by the respective Professional Regulatory Boards. Always check the latest CPD resolution for your profession at the PRC website or your PRB's official announcements. Some professions have specific CPD activity categories (professional, formal education, self-directed) with minimum unit allocations.
Requirements for PRC License Renewal
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Old/Current PRC ID | Your existing PRC Professional Identification Card (even if expired) |
| CPD Certificates | Original or certified copies of all CPD activity certificates earned within the renewal cycle |
| Payment Receipt | Proof of renewal fee payment (online or over-the-counter receipt) |
| Appointment Confirmation | Printed or digital copy of your PRC appointment schedule |
| Valid Government ID | Any valid government-issued ID as backup identification (PhilID, passport, driver's license, etc.) |
| Updated PRC Online Account | Ensure your PRC online account has correct personal information, email, and contact number |
| Passport-Size Photo | Recent passport-size photo with white background (some offices capture photos digitally on-site) |
Complete Example: Nurse Renewing Her PRC License
Scenario: Maria Santos, 32, Registered Nurse (RN)
Goal: Renew her PRC license expiring on her birthday month (March)
CPD Units Earned: 48 units (requirement: 45 units for Nursing)
Documents prepared:
✓ Old PRC ID (License No. 0123456, expiring March 2026)
✓ 6 CPD certificates from accredited seminars and trainings
✓ Payment receipt (paid online via GCash)
✓ PRC appointment confirmation for March 10
✓ PhilID as backup government ID
Process:
1. Completed 48 CPD units over 3 years (seminars, online trainings, hospital in-service)
2. Logged in to online.prc.gov.ph in January
3. Selected "Renewal" and verified her information
4. Entered CPD units earned and uploaded certificates
5. Paid ₱1,200 total via GCash:
- Renewal fee: ₱600
- Annual registration (3 yrs): ₱450
- Documentary stamp: ₱150
6. Booked appointment at PRC Manila for March 10
7. Visited PRC on appointment date:
- Presented old PRC ID, payment receipt, CPD certificates
- Had photo and biometrics captured
- Waited ~30 minutes for processing
8. Received new PRC ID on the same day
Result:
✓ New PRC ID issued (valid until March 2029)
✓ Can continue practicing as Registered Nurse
✓ New ID serves as valid government identification
Total Cost: ₱1,200 (renewal fees) + ~₱3,000 (CPD seminars over 3 years)
Processing Time: Same-day release at PRC ManilaFrequently Asked Questions
What happens if I renew my PRC license late (after expiration)?
You can still renew your PRC license even after it has expired. PRC does not impose additional penalties or surcharges for late renewal. However, you must not practice your profession while your license is expired. Simply follow the same renewal process — complete your CPD units, apply online, pay the fees, and visit the PRC office. Your new license will be valid for 3 years from the date of renewal.
Are there any CPD exemptions?
Yes, certain professionals may be exempt from CPD requirements. Under the CPD Act, the following are exempt: (1) professionals who are 65 years old and above (senior citizens); (2) professionals working and residing abroad (OFWs); and (3) professionals renewing for the first time after initial registration (first renewal only). Additionally, PRC has issued temporary exemptions during special circumstances. Check the latest PRC resolutions for current exemption policies.
Can I renew my PRC license entirely online?
The application and payment can be done online through the PRC Online Services portal. However, you still need to visit a PRC office in person for biometrics capture (photo, fingerprint, and digital signature) and to receive your new PRC ID card. Currently, there is no fully online renewal process that eliminates the in-person visit, as the physical PRC ID must be printed and issued at the office.
What if I lost my PRC ID? Can I still renew?
Yes, you can still renew even if you lost your PRC ID. You will need to provide additional documents: (1) a Notarized Affidavit of Loss (sworn statement that your PRC ID was lost); and (2) a valid government ID to verify your identity. The renewal process is the same — apply online, pay the fees, and visit the PRC office. Inform the PRC staff that your old ID was lost so they can process it accordingly.
When exactly can I renew — what is the renewal window?
PRC renewal is based on your birth month. You can start the renewal process up to 2 months before your birth month. For example, if your birthday is in June, you can start renewing as early as April. You can also renew during your birth month or any time after (even if your license has already expired). The earlier you renew, the better — appointment slots and CPD seminars tend to be in high demand near peak months.
Can I renew at any PRC office or only at the one where I first registered?
You can renew at any PRC office nationwide — you are not limited to the office where you first registered. PRC has regional offices and satellite offices throughout the Philippines. When booking your appointment online, simply select the PRC office most convenient for you. This is especially helpful for professionals who have relocated to a different city or province.
Important Reminders
- Do not practice with an expired license: It is illegal to practice your profession without a valid PRC license. Renew before your license expires.
- Start CPD early: Don't wait until the last year of your renewal cycle to earn CPD units. Spread your CPD activities over the 3-year period.
- Keep your CPD certificates safe: You will need them as proof when renewing. Store digital copies as backup.
- Book your PRC appointment early: Slots fill up quickly, especially during peak months (January, June, and near board exam result release dates).
- Update your PRC online account: Make sure your email, mobile number, and personal details are current to avoid issues during renewal.
- Your PRC ID is a valid government ID: Keep it safe and in good condition. It is recognized as a primary government-issued identification card.
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
Visit online.prc.gov.ph for license renewal applications, appointment booking, payment processing, and other PRC services. Make sure to use a desktop browser for the best experience.