How to File for Reinstatement of Expired License
Reinstatement is the process of restoring a professional license that has been expired for an extended period or was previously revoked by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). Unlike a simple renewal, reinstatement requires additional steps including Board approval and compliance with updated requirements. This guide walks you through the entire process of reinstating your PRC license so you can legally return to practicing your profession.
ℹ️ When is Reinstatement Needed?
Reinstatement applies in the following situations where a standard license renewal is no longer possible:
- Your PRC license has been expired for more than 5 years and can no longer be renewed through the standard renewal process
- Your professional license was revoked by the Professional Regulatory Board due to violations of professional conduct or ethics
- Your license was suspended and the suspension period has ended, requiring formal reinstatement before you can resume practice
- You were removed from the roster of registered professionals for failure to renew for consecutive renewal periods
⚠️ Warning: Practicing Without a Valid License is Illegal
Under Republic Act No. 8981 (PRC Modernization Act) and the specific laws governing each profession, practicing a regulated profession without a valid and current PRC license is a criminal offense. Violators may face imprisonment of up to 6 years, fines ranging from ₱50,000 to ₱1,000,000, and permanent disqualification from obtaining a professional license. If your license has expired or been revoked, you must immediately cease practicing until your license is properly reinstated. Employers who knowingly allow unlicensed practice may also face penalties.
Renewal vs. Reinstatement: What's the Difference?
Many professionals confuse renewal with reinstatement. Here is a clear comparison to help you determine which process applies to your situation:
License Renewal
- License has been expired for less than 5 years
- Simpler, more straightforward process
- Standard renewal fees apply
- Can be done online through PRC Online Services
- Requires standard CPD credit units for the renewal period
- Processing time: approximately 1-3 weeks
- Does not require Board approval
License Reinstatement
- License has been expired for more than 5 years, or was revoked
- More complex process with additional requirements
- Higher fees including back-payment of annual registration fees plus surcharges
- Must be done in person at a PRC office
- May require a refresher course or additional CPD units
- Processing time: 1-3 months or longer depending on Board schedule
- Requires Professional Regulatory Board approval
Step-by-Step: How to File for Reinstatement
Assess Your Situation
Before starting the reinstatement process, carefully evaluate your current situation to determine the right course of action:
- Check how long your license has been expired — count from the expiration date printed on your last PRC ID
- Determine the reason for expiration (failure to renew, administrative revocation, disciplinary action, etc.)
- If expired for less than 5 years, you may still qualify for regular renewal — check with PRC first
- If your license was revoked, obtain a copy of the Board resolution or order of revocation
- Contact the PRC office or your Professional Regulatory Board to confirm whether reinstatement is the correct process for your case
Complete CPD Requirements
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) compliance is a critical component of reinstatement. You may need additional units beyond what is normally required:
- Contact your Professional Regulatory Board to confirm the exact number of CPD units required for reinstatement
- Some Boards require CPD units equivalent to the number of missed renewal periods (e.g., 45 units per missed 3-year cycle)
- Enroll in CPD-accredited programs, seminars, workshops, and training activities relevant to your profession
- If your license was expired for a very long period, the Board may require you to complete a refresher course from a CHED-recognized institution
- Keep all certificates of completion, receipts, and attendance records as proof of CPD compliance
- Ensure your CPD provider is accredited by PRC — units from non-accredited providers will not be accepted
Prepare Required Documents
Gather all necessary documents before visiting the PRC office. Incomplete documents will result in delays:
- Old/Expired PRC ID — original and photocopy (if available; if lost, secure an Affidavit of Loss)
- Affidavit of Non-Practice — a notarized sworn statement declaring that you did not practice your profession while your license was expired or revoked
- CPD Certificates — all certificates of completion for CPD activities with corresponding credit units
- Refresher Course Certificate — if required by your Board
- Valid Government ID — passport, driver's license, PhilID, or other valid government-issued ID
- 2x2 and Passport-Size ID Photos — white background, taken within the last 6 months
- Petition/Letter for Reinstatement — addressed to the Professional Regulatory Board explaining the circumstances and requesting reinstatement
- NBI or Police Clearance — especially for revoked licenses, to demonstrate good moral character
File Reinstatement Application at PRC Office
Visit the PRC Central Office or Regional Office to formally file your reinstatement application:
- Go to the PRC office that has jurisdiction over your area (Central Office in Manila or Regional Offices nationwide)
- Proceed to the Registration Division or Customer Service area and inform them you are filing for reinstatement
- Fill out the Reinstatement Application Form — available at the PRC office
- Submit all required documents for initial evaluation and verification
- The PRC staff will review your documents and may ask for additional requirements depending on your case
- Receive your claim stub or acknowledgment receipt after successful filing
Pay Reinstatement Fees
Reinstatement involves higher fees compared to regular renewal because it includes back-payment of missed annual registration fees and applicable surcharges:
- Pay the reinstatement fee as assessed by the PRC office
- Pay back annual registration fees for each year your license was expired
- Pay applicable surcharges and penalties for late renewal/non-renewal
- Pay for documentary stamps and other processing charges
- Keep all official receipts — you will need them when claiming your reinstated license
- Payment can be made at PRC cashier windows; some offices accept online payment or bank deposits
Professional Regulatory Board Review
Your reinstatement application will be forwarded to the Professional Regulatory Board (PRB) for your specific profession for review and deliberation:
- The PRB will review your application, documents, CPD compliance, and the circumstances of your license expiration or revocation
- The Board meets periodically — processing time depends on the Board's schedule (may take several weeks to months)
- The Board may request additional documents or information during their review
- For revoked licenses, the Board will evaluate whether you have sufficiently addressed the grounds for revocation
- The Board will issue a resolution either approving or denying your reinstatement application
Attend Reinstatement Hearing/Interview (If Required)
Depending on your case, the Professional Regulatory Board may require you to appear for a hearing or interview:
- Hearings are more commonly required for revoked licenses rather than simply expired ones
- You will be notified of the hearing schedule by the PRC office or via registered mail
- Prepare to explain the circumstances of your license expiration or revocation
- Demonstrate your commitment to ethical practice and continued professional development
- You may bring supporting documents, character references, or certificates of training
- The Board will deliberate after the hearing and inform you of their decision
Receive Reinstated License and New PRC ID
Once your reinstatement is approved by the Board, you can claim your new license and PRC ID:
- Wait for notification from PRC that your reinstatement has been approved and your new PRC ID is ready for release
- Bring your claim stub, official receipts, and a valid government ID when claiming
- Your new PRC ID will reflect an updated registration number and validity period
- Verify that all information on your new PRC ID is correct before leaving the office
- You are now authorized to resume practicing your profession legally
- Mark your calendar for your next renewal date to avoid future lapses
Fees Breakdown
Reinstatement fees vary depending on your profession and the number of years your license was expired. Below is a general guide to the fees you can expect:
| Fee Type | Estimated Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Reinstatement Fee | ₱600 - ₱1,500 | Varies by profession; set by the Professional Regulatory Board |
| Back Annual Registration Fees | ₱450 - ₱900 per year | Computed per year of non-renewal (e.g., 7 years expired = 7x annual fee) |
| Surcharges / Penalties | ₱50 - ₱200 per year | Late renewal penalties; accumulated per missed year |
| Documentary Stamps | ₱50 - ₱100 | Required for official documents and certifications |
| New PRC ID Fee | ₱450 - ₱600 | For the issuance of a new Professional Identification Card |
| Refresher Course (if required) | ₱5,000 - ₱30,000+ | Varies by profession and institution; paid directly to the school |
| Estimated Total | ₱5,000 - ₱50,000+ | Depends on years expired, profession, and whether a refresher course is required |
Note: These are estimated amounts and may change without prior notice. Always verify the current fees with the PRC office or your Professional Regulatory Board before filing for reinstatement.
Requirements Checklist
| Requirement | Details | Where to Obtain |
|---|---|---|
| Reinstatement Application Form | Duly accomplished form | PRC office or PRC website |
| Old/Expired PRC ID | Original + photocopy; if lost, submit Affidavit of Loss | Personal possession / Notary Public for affidavit |
| Affidavit of Non-Practice | Notarized sworn statement that you did not practice while license was invalid | Notary Public |
| CPD Certificates | Certificates of completion with CPD credit units earned | PRC-accredited CPD providers |
| Refresher Course Certificate | If required by your Board; certificate of completion | CHED-recognized educational institution |
| Petition/Letter for Reinstatement | Formal letter addressed to the PRB explaining your case | Self-prepared |
| Valid Government ID | Original + photocopy (passport, PhilID, driver's license, etc.) | Relevant government agency |
| ID Photos | 2x2 and passport-size photos, white background, recent | Photo studio |
| NBI / Police Clearance | Especially for revoked licenses; demonstrates good moral character | NBI office or local police station |
Complete Example: Engineer with License Expired for 7 Years
Scenario: Engr. Marco Santos, 42, Civil Engineer
Background:
- Passed the CE Board Exam in 2012
- Last renewed PRC license in 2016 (expired 2019)
- License has been expired for 7 years (since 2019)
- Did not practice engineering during the lapsed period
- Now wants to return to the profession in 2026
Step 1: Assessed His Situation
- Confirmed license expired for more than 5 years
- Contacted PRC and Board of Civil Engineering
- Confirmed reinstatement (not renewal) is required
Step 2: Completed CPD Requirements
- Board required 60 CPD units (for 2 missed renewal cycles)
- Attended seminars and workshops over 4 months
- Completed a 40-hour refresher course at a university
- Total CPD cost: ~₱15,000
Step 3: Prepared Documents
✓ Expired PRC ID (original + photocopy)
✓ Affidavit of Non-Practice (notarized): ₱500
✓ CPD Certificates (60 units)
✓ Refresher Course Certificate
✓ Petition letter to Board of Civil Engineering
✓ PhilID + passport-size photos
✓ NBI Clearance: ₱155
Step 4: Filed Application at PRC Manila
- Submitted all documents at PRC Central Office
- Application was accepted and forwarded to the Board
Step 5: Paid Fees
- Reinstatement fee: ₱900
- Back annual fees (7 years x ₱450): ₱3,150
- Surcharges (7 years x ₱100): ₱700
- Documentary stamps: ₱75
- New PRC ID fee: ₱550
- Total PRC fees: ₱5,375
Step 6: Board Review
- Board of Civil Engineering reviewed application
- Processing took approximately 6 weeks
Step 7: No Hearing Required
- Since license was expired (not revoked), no hearing was needed
- Board approved reinstatement via resolution
Step 8: Received New PRC ID
- Claimed new PRC ID at PRC Central Office
- New validity: 2026-2029
- Now authorized to practice Civil Engineering again
Total Cost Summary:
- PRC Fees: ₱5,375
- CPD/Refresher: ~₱15,000
- Notarial/Clearance: ~₱655
- Grand Total: ~₱21,030
Timeline:
- CPD completion: 4 months
- Filing + Board review: 6 weeks
- Total: approximately 5.5 months from start to finishFrequently Asked Questions
How long does the entire reinstatement process take?
The timeline varies depending on your specific situation. For expired licenses (not revoked), the process typically takes 1 to 3 months from the time you file your application, assuming you have already completed all CPD requirements and prepared all documents. If a refresher course is required, add the time needed to complete it (which can range from a few weeks to several months). For revoked licenses that require a Board hearing, the process may take 3 to 6 months or longer depending on the Board's schedule and the complexity of your case.
Is a refresher course always required for reinstatement?
Not always. The requirement for a refresher course depends on your specific profession and the length of time your license has been expired. Some Professional Regulatory Boards require a refresher course for licenses expired beyond a certain period (e.g., 10 years), while others may accept additional CPD units instead. Contact your specific Board to confirm whether a refresher course is mandatory for your case. If required, the refresher course must be taken at a CHED-recognized institution offering the program for your profession.
Can I use CPD units I earned before my license expired?
Generally, no. CPD units earned during a previous renewal period are credited to that specific period and cannot be carried over to cover reinstatement requirements. For reinstatement, the Board typically requires newly earned CPD units that demonstrate your current competence and updated knowledge in your profession. However, CPD units earned after your license expired (while preparing for reinstatement) may be accepted, provided they are from PRC-accredited CPD providers. Always confirm the specific CPD counting rules with your Board.
How are back annual fees and surcharges calculated?
Back annual fees are computed by multiplying the annual registration fee for your profession by the number of years your license was expired. For example, if your annual registration fee is ₱450 and your license was expired for 7 years, your back annual fees would be 7 x ₱450 = ₱3,150. Surcharges are additional penalties computed per year of non-renewal, typically ranging from ₱50 to ₱200 per year depending on the profession. The PRC cashier will compute the exact amount based on your specific records. Annual registration fees and surcharge rates may vary by profession.
What is the difference between a revoked license and an expired license for reinstatement purposes?
An expired license simply means you failed to renew on time. The reinstatement process for expired licenses is generally more straightforward — you complete CPD requirements, pay back fees, and obtain Board approval. A revoked license means the Board took disciplinary action against you due to violations (malpractice, fraud, unethical conduct, etc.). Reinstatement of a revoked license is significantly more difficult: it almost always requires a formal Board hearing, you must demonstrate that you have addressed the grounds for revocation, you may need NBI clearance and character references, and the Board has full discretion to deny reinstatement. Some revocations may be permanent, meaning reinstatement is not possible.
Can I file for reinstatement at any PRC Regional Office?
Yes, in most cases you can file your reinstatement application at any PRC Regional Office or at the PRC Central Office in Manila. However, for cases involving revoked licenses or those requiring a Board hearing, you may be directed to file at the PRC Central Office where the Professional Regulatory Boards are based. It is recommended to contact the PRC office first to confirm that they can process your specific reinstatement case before visiting. Some regional offices may have limited capacity for processing reinstatement applications.
Important Reminders
- Do not practice while your license is invalid: Practicing your profession without a valid PRC license is a criminal offense with severe penalties. Wait until your reinstatement is officially approved and you have received your new PRC ID.
- Start with CPD early: Completing the required CPD units often takes the longest time in the reinstatement process. Begin attending seminars and training programs as early as possible.
- Keep all receipts and documents: Maintain organized copies of all receipts, certificates, and official documents throughout the process. You may be asked to present them at any stage.
- Contact your Board directly: Each Professional Regulatory Board may have specific requirements beyond the general reinstatement process. Always verify the exact requirements with your specific Board.
- Be honest in your Affidavit of Non-Practice: If you practiced your profession while your license was expired, consult a lawyer before filing for reinstatement, as this may have legal implications.
- Renew on time going forward: Once reinstated, set reminders for your license renewal date (every 3 years) and complete CPD requirements well before the deadline to avoid another lapse.
- Processing times may vary: Government offices may experience delays due to volume of applications, holidays, or system maintenance. Be patient and follow up periodically.
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
- Email: prc_main@prc.gov.ph
- Website: www.prc.gov.ph
- PRC Central Office: P. Paredes St., Sampaloc, Manila
Professional Regulatory Boards
For profession-specific reinstatement requirements, contact your Professional Regulatory Board directly through the PRC Central Office. Each Board has its own set of rules and requirements that may differ from the general process outlined above. You can also visit the PRC website to find contact information for your specific Board.