The current fee for a green card replacement is $455
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) charges $455 to replace a green card through Form I-90. This is the filing fee you submit with your process. There is no separate biometric services fee for green card replacement — the $455 covers the entire process.
The fee has remained at this amount since 2017. USCIS does not waive or reduce this fee based on income, so the cost is the same whether you are replacing a card because it expired, was lost, or was damaged.
If you are filing by mail, you will also need to pay for postage to send your process to the USCIS lockbox. If you file online through the USCIS online portal (available in some locations), you pay the $455 fee electronically and do not need to mail anything.
Key Takeaways
- The USCIS filing fee for green card replacement is $455, with no additional biometric fee.
- You can file Form I-90 by mail or online; online filing is available in some states and regions.
- Processing time typically ranges from four to six months, though it can be longer depending on your location and current USCIS workload.
- You may be able to request a fee waiver if your household income is at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line, though approval is not may provide.
- If your green card is expiring soon, you can file up to six months before the expiration date.
When you can file and how long it takes
You can file Form I-90 to replace your green card up to six months before it expires. This means if your card expires on December 15, you can file starting June 15. Filing early gives you time to receive your replacement before the old card becomes invalid.
Processing time varies by location. Most cases take four to six months from the date USCIS receives your process. Some regional offices process faster; others take longer. You can check estimated processing times for your specific USCIS office on their website by entering your office location.
Once USCIS approves your case, they mail the new card to your address. You do not need to pick it up in person. The card itself typically arrives within two to three weeks after approval.
How to request a fee waiver or reduction
If paying the $455 fee creates a financial hardship, you can request a fee waiver by filing Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver or Fee Reduction. USCIS will consider your request if your household income is at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line. The poverty line amount changes each year and depends on your household size.
You must submit Form I-912 together with Form I-90. Include documents that show your income, such as recent tax returns, pay stubs, or a letter from your employer. USCIS will review your request and notify you whether the fee is waived, reduced, or required in full.
Approval of a fee waiver is not may provide. USCIS denies some requests if the information provided does not support the claim of financial hardship. If your waiver is denied, you will still need to pay the full $455 fee to proceed with your replacement.
Filing by mail versus online
You have two options for filing Form I-90: by mail or online through the USCIS online portal. Online filing is faster and reduces the chance of your process being rejected for missing documents, because the system guides you through each required field. However, online filing is not yet available in all states.
If you file by mail, you send your completed Form I-90, the $455 fee (by check or money order), and supporting documents to the USCIS lockbox address listed in the form instructions. Mail processing takes longer than online filing because USCIS must manually review each process. You will also pay for postage, which is typically a few dollars.
To check whether online filing is available in your state, visit the USCIS online services page. If it is available, you can create an account, upload your documents, and pay the fee electronically. You will receive a receipt number when ready and can track your case status online.
What documents you need to include
Your replacement process requires your current green card (or a copy if it was lost), a valid photo ID, and proof of your current address. If your card was lost or stolen, you must also explain the circumstances in a letter included with your process.
If you are replacing your card because it was damaged, include the damaged card itself with your process so USCIS can see the damage. If you are replacing an expired card, include the expired card or a copy of it.
You will also need to provide biometric information — fingerprints and a photograph — but this is done at a USCIS appointment after you file, not before. USCIS will send you a notice telling you when and where to go for your biometric appointment. This appointment is free.
Expedited replacement in emergency situations
If you need your green card replaced urgently — for example, because you have an international travel date coming up — you can request expedited processing. However, USCIS does not automatically grant expedited requests, and there is no additional fee to request it.
To request expedited processing, write a letter explaining your situation and include it with your Form I-90 process. Explain the specific reason you need the card quickly and provide supporting documents, such as a plane ticket or a letter from your employer stating you must travel for work.
USCIS will consider your request, but approval is not may provide. Even with expedited processing, you should expect at least two to three months. If you have an urgent travel need within weeks, you may need to explore other options, such as explore for a travel document (Form I-131) instead.
What happens if your card is lost or stolen
If your green card is lost or stolen, you must file Form I-90 to replace it. The fee is still $455. You do not need to file a police report first, though you may want to do so for your own records.
In your process, include a written statement explaining how and when the card was lost or stolen. Be as specific as possible — for example, "My wallet was stolen from my car on March 10, 2024, while parked at the grocery store." This statement helps USCIS understand the circumstances and process your case.
Until you receive your replacement card, you can use a copy of your lost card along with your receipt notice from USCIS as proof of your status if needed for employment or other purposes. Some employers will accept this combination; others may not. Check with your employer about their specific requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a copy of my green card while I wait for the replacement?
A copy alone is usually not accepted as proof of status. However, a copy of your green card plus your receipt notice from USCIS (Form I-797) together may be accepted by some employers and government agencies. Check with the specific organization requiring proof of status to see what they will accept.
What if USCIS loses my process after I mail it?
If you file by mail and are concerned your process was not received, you can contact USCIS to confirm receipt. Keep your receipt notice or tracking information from when you mailed the process. If USCIS confirms they did not receive it, you will need to file again and pay the $455 fee a second time.
Do I have to attend a biometric appointment in person?
Yes. After you file Form I-90, USCIS will schedule you for a biometric appointment at a local USCIS office or process support center. You must attend in person to provide your fingerprints and photograph. If you cannot attend on the scheduled date, contact USCIS to reschedule.
Can I replace my green card if it is not expired yet?
Yes. You can replace a green card at any time if it is lost, stolen, damaged, or if your name has changed. You can also file up to six months before it expires. The fee is $455 regardless of the reason for replacement.
Is there a fee to attend the biometric appointment?
No. The biometric appointment is free. The $455 filing fee covers the entire replacement process, including the appointment. You only pay for travel to get to the appointment location.