[HOW TO] Renew Your PRC Identification Card in Less Than 5 Minutes!

Is your professional identification card (PIC) about to expire? Are you sick and tired of the long queues at PRC? Or just don't have an entire day to spend at PRC? 

Well, fret no more! There is now another way of renewing your PIC 7 days a week and in just minutes. This innovation is the "PRC ID Renewal System at the Malls", part of PRC's e-Services, available at SM Malls. 

Read on to find out more.


It has already been three (3) years when I got mine after passing the dreaded Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination and it's about time I process for renewal. Since I now work for the Foundation for Adolescent Development Inc., 5 days a week from 8AM to 5PM, I can't take a day off and go to PRC.

I took advantage of the abovementioned service and felt like blogging about it to share with you my experience. A worthy experience, I must say.

It was just yesterday afternoon when I decided to call SM City North EDSA Business Services Center and inquire about the process. I checked on the requirements needed, its fees, hours of operation and other stuff. You can just Google the contact information of the SM Mall nearest you and inquire the same.

But, since I enjoyed the experience, here is the step-by-step process once you're at the Business Center. 

By the way, the Business Center at SM City North EDSA is located at the 2nd Floor Skybridge, The Block. It's right after SM Cinemas 5-6-7-8. Haha. If you're like me who used to live just behind SM North for a couple of years, no wonder you'll be familiarized with its ins and outs.

1. GO TO THE PRC RENEWAL LANE.

In the case of SM North EDSA, this is located on the left end side from the glass door. The teller would hand you a sheet of paper indicating the requirements as follows:

A. One (1) passport sized ID picture, close up, in white background and with nametag.

B. Professional must appear in person and must wear anything smart casual. 

A polo shirt top and jeans will do. You'll know in a bit why you're required to wear such.

2. FILL UP THE APPLICATION FORM.

Since I already called prior to going there and since I came from the office today, I already have my picture ready and I'm donning my usual office wear - a polo shirt and jeans combination.

The teller would then hand you the Application Form for Professional Identification Card. 

This is the same exact form you filled up during your initial registration. You may also download the form at the PRC website and print and submit to the teller. Moreover, take note of the important dates of your professional career - date of examination, registration date, and expiration date. You will need these to complete the application form. Also, take note of your license number. This I believe should be a no-brainer. I bet you have it memorized, from the day you get hold of your professional license. 

Once finished, submit the form and the picture to the teller.

3. SMILE FOR THE CAMERA.

This is the reason why you're being asked to come in a smart casual attire. Your picture for your renewed card will be taken on the spot. You will be asked to stand in front of a white wall for background.

Hmmm! You might be wondering why as you already gave a passport sized ID picture. If you are to check the PRC website, they would require you to submit 2 pcs of your picture. Hence, the picture you submit will then be submitted to PRC for file.

Remember to don your best smile as this will be in your professional identification card for the next three years! :)

4. PAY THE CORRESPONDING FEES.

The usual price for renewal at PRC Offices is P450.00. SM Malls charge a fixed service charge of P50.00. You also have the option of picking up your PIC at the same Business Center or for just additional P80.00, you can have it delivered right at your doorstep.


5. WAIT FOR THE CLAIM STUB AND RECEIPTS.

Once your picture has been taken and you have paid the fees, the teller will give your claim stub and receipts. The claim stub would also have the Business Center number so you can follow up with them.


6. PICK UP YOUR PROFESSIONAL IDENTIFICATION CARD AFTER 20-30 WORKING DAYS.


Yes! You read it right. If you choose to pick up your PIC at the Business Center, it will take 20-30 business days, holidays and weekends excluded. It would also depend on how long does PRC delivers the same to the branch where you renewed it. 

I am expecting mine to be released by the 2nd to last week of August! 

This I can say is one of the major downside of the service. It would only take you 2 weeks if processed at PRC. Nonetheless, this service will save your time and spare you the hassle of long queues at PRC.

SM Business Centers are open 7 days a week, Mondays to Sundays from 10AM and the PRC Renewal Lane has a cut off time of 7PM.

I was at the Business Center by 6:30PM and went home feeling relieved from possible penalty charges of non-renewal before 6:35PM.

So, if you're just like me who don't have a day to go to PRC and not so in a hurry to get you're renewed PIC, I highly recommend you this service.

The "PRC ID Renewal System at the Malls" service was launched last August 6, 2012 and is continually gaining popularity among professionals wishing to renew their PICs at their own convenience. 

DISCLAIMER: This blog post is in no way a paid advertisement of the SM Business Centers and the Professional Regulation Commission.