Green card replacement fees are set by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and currently run $540 for most people, plus a $85 biometric services fee, for a total of $625

The $540 is the filing fee for Form I-90, process to Replace Permanent Resident Card. The $85 covers fingerprinting and photos. You pay both when you submit your process, whether you're replacing a card that was lost, stolen, damaged, or straightforward expired. USCIS does not waive these fees based on income, so the cost is the same regardless of your financial situation.

A small number of people pay less. If you're replacing a card that was never received in the mail, or if USCIS made an error on your original card, you may not owe the filing fee — only the $85 biometric fee. If you're under 14 years old, the filing fee drops to $380, but the biometric fee stays at $85.

Key Takeaways

  • The standard cost to replace a green card is $625: a $540 filing fee plus an $85 biometric services fee.
  • You pay the full amount when you file Form I-90, not after approval, and USCIS does not refund the fee if your process is denied.
  • If USCIS lost your card in the mail or made an error on the original, you may owe only the $85 biometric fee instead of the full $625.
  • Processing time is typically 8 to 12 months, though it varies by location and current USCIS workload.
  • You can request a temporary I-131 travel document while your replacement is pending if you need to leave the United States.

How to pay the fee when you file

You submit Form I-90 by mail or online through the USCIS online account system. If you file by mail, you include a check or money order for $625 made out to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security." Do not send cash. If you file online, you pay by credit card or debit card at the time of submission.

Keep your receipt or confirmation number. USCIS will use it to track your process. The fee is non-refundable, even if your process is denied or you withdraw it after paying.

When you might pay less or nothing

If your original green card never arrived in the mail, tell USCIS in your Form I-90 that the card was not received. You will still owe the $85 biometric fee, but the $540 filing fee may be waived. You will need to provide evidence that you never got the card — usually a statement from you explaining when you expected it and that you never received it.

If USCIS made an error on your card (wrong name spelling, wrong date of birth, wrong category), the filing fee is also waived, though you still pay the biometric fee. Bring documentation of the error — your original card, your approval notice, or a letter from USCIS showing what the error was.

If you are under 14, the filing fee is $380 instead of $540, so your total is $465. This applies whether you're replacing an expired card, a lost card, or a card with an error.

Additional costs to consider

The $625 covers the process and the card itself. However, you may have other costs depending on your situation. If you need to travel outside the United States while your replacement is being processed, you can request a Form I-131 travel document (also called an advance parole document). That request costs an additional $575 and takes 2 to 4 weeks to process.

If you use a lawyer or immigration consultant to help you file, they will charge their own fee. This is separate from the USCIS fee. Many people file Form I-90 on their own without a lawyer, since the form is straightforward for a straightforward replacement.

If you need certified copies of your approval notice or other immigration documents, your local USCIS office may charge a small fee per page, usually $1 to $3. This is optional and only necessary if you need official copies for another purpose.

How long processing takes and what happens next

After you file, USCIS will send you a notice of receipt with your case number. You will then receive a notice to appear for biometrics (fingerprints and photos). This appointment is usually scheduled 4 to 8 weeks after you file. You must attend this appointment — if you miss it without rescheduling, your process may be denied.

After biometrics, USCIS reviews your process. Processing time is typically 8 to 12 months from the date you file, though some locations are faster and some are slower. You can check the status of your case online using your case number on the USCIS website.

Once approved, USCIS mails your new green card to the address you provided on the form. The card itself arrives in a plain envelope. If you don't receive it within 2 weeks of approval, contact USCIS to report it missing.

What to do if you can't afford the fee right now

USCIS does not offer payment plans or fee waivers based on income for green card replacement. The fee is fixed at $625 for adults (or $465 for children under 14). If you cannot pay the full amount, you will need to wait until you can, or explore whether you actually need to replace the card right now.

If your card is expired but you are not traveling or explore for a job that requires it, you can delay replacement. Your green card status does not expire even if the card itself does — the card is just proof of status. However, if you need to travel internationally, you will need a valid card or a travel document, which requires filing and paying the fee.

If your card was lost or stolen and you live in a state that requires a valid ID for driver's license renewal, you may want to replace it sooner. Check with your state's DMV about what documents they accept as proof of lawful permanent residence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my $625 back if USCIS denies my process?

No. The fee is non-refundable. USCIS does not return filing fees even if your process is denied or you withdraw it. This is why it's important to make sure you're filing the correct form and that your information is accurate before you submit payment.

Do I have to pay the fee again if I file a new process after being denied?

Yes. Each process requires a separate $625 fee. If your first process was denied and you want to try again, you will need to pay the full amount again when you file the new Form I-90.

What if I'm replacing my card because it was stolen — do I have to pay the same fee?

Yes. The fee is the same whether your card was lost, stolen, damaged, expired, or contains an error. The only exceptions are if the card was never received in the mail or if USCIS made an error on the original card.

Can I file Form I-90 online to avoid mailing a check?

Yes. USCIS allows you to file Form I-90 online through your USCIS online account if you have one. You pay by credit card or debit card at the time of filing. Online filing does not change the fee — you still pay $625 total.

How do I know if my green card is actually expired or just looks old?

Your green card has an expiration date printed on the front. It looks like "Card Expires: MM/DD/YYYY." If today's date is after that date, your card is expired. An expired card still proves your status, but you cannot use it for travel. If your card is damaged, torn, or the information is faded or illegible, you should replace it even if it hasn't expired yet.