Suddenly, I am in that stage of life where I need to get true, certified copies of my credentials, one of which is my Philippine Regulation Commission (PRC) Registration Certificate. If you have to do the same, below is what you need to do.

How to Apply for a Certified True Copy of Your PRC ID or Registration Certificate

1. Bring the original ID or Registration Certificate.
2. Bring photocopies of your ID or Registration Certificate.
3. Go to the PRC office.
4. Fill out the Action Sheet for Authentication.
5. Pay for the Documentary Stamps at the Customer Service Center (CSC).
6. Pay the required amount at the cashier.
7. Submit everything at Window 5.
8. Claim your certified true copies at Window 6.

1. Bring the Original ID or Registration Certificate

I thought they would have the original in their database, so when I first went to the PRC office, I just decided to bring a photocopy. However, to avoid the process of looking through their records, they check your original. The employee asked for my original copy and when I told him that I didn’t bring it, he told me that it was one of the requirements. As a result, I had to return to the PRC office the next day, my original registration certificate in hand.

2. Bring Photocopies of Your ID or Registration Certificate

They are really particular about the photocopy, so make sure the whole image is printed on the paper. Mine was cropped on one side and the guy working the window said it wasn’t acceptable, so check that the whole thing is photocopied.

The photocopy should also be clear. The PRC symbol in the background and the circles around it should be visible. Otherwise, they’ll ask you to have it photocopied again at the photocopier inside the compound, which costs 3 pesos per page.

They also don’t like the image to be reduced. It has to have enough space on the sides for the documentary stamp, and the ID or Certificate should be centered on the paper. It might be better if you just have it photocopied there so that it doesn’t get rejected over and over.

3. Go to the PRC Office

If you’re walking along the sidewalk, go to the second gate. Most of the time, there are people already lined up. You have to tell the guard why you are there and show them your photocopies as proof—no one without official business to do is allowed inside. If you have someone with you and they don’t need anything there, they won’t be able to go inside.

4. Fill Out the Action Sheet for Authetication

This can be downloaded from the PRC website, or you can also get the form from the office. After you enter the gate, there is a counter with glass window straight ahead. Ask them for the sheet.

Read through the text and fill out the form. Disregard Steps 4 and 5 on the back of the Action Sheet. The form also says how much each copy of the certificate will cost you (75 pesos).

Fill out the Action Sheet.1/2

5. Pay for the Documentary Stamps at the Customer Service Center (CSC)

Facing the cashier and the flagpole, the customer service center is the counter with windows on the left side. The stamps cost 25 pesos each and they will attach it to your photocopy. This is the where they are really strict about how the photocopy looks like and they are the ones who will tell you to have it photocopied again if it’s not good enough. The photocopier is conveniently located within the same compound—just straight ahead after the flagpole area.

6. Pay the Required Amount at the Cashier

The amount you pay will depend on how many copies you need. There is a cashier behind the flagpole area and before the main entrance of the building. There is also a cashier within the building, which is located to the right of Window 4. I found that out after I had already paid outside.

7. Submit Everything at Window 5

Take your Action Sheet, photocopies with the documentary stamps, receipt from the cashier, and your original ID or registration certificate to Window 5. After you enter the main door of the PRC building, Window 5 is at the far right. Since the window is just for authentication, there is a really short line—or no line at all. They process the documents really fast.https://6a0741e80b80472b45f0c4f25bbf3be4.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-37/html/container.html

At the window, the employee will ask you if your ID is expired yet. However, she luckily didn’t ask to see my actual ID because I had left it at home. The employee will circle the date that you claimed the certified true copies on a claim stub and will give it back to you. After two working days, you will be able to claim your certified copies. I went there on a Friday and I was able to claim my copies on the Wednesday of the following week.

8. Claim Your Certified True Copies at Window 6

If someone else is going to claim it for you, don’t forget to write a letter of authorization for them. That person should have their ID with them for proper identification.

It’s best to go there early. At 9 am or so, there will be fewer people and a shorter line. When I went early, I was done within 20 minutes, and that was after I got delayed because my photocopy was rejected again and had to have it photocopied in their photocopier.

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.