Green card replacement costs $455 as of 2024, paid to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) when you file Form I-90

The filing fee for a green card replacement is $455, plus a biometric services fee of $85, for a total of $540. You pay this to USCIS when you submit your replacement request. The fee covers the cost of processing your process, taking your fingerprints and photograph, and producing your new card.

USCIS occasionally adjusts fees, so check the current fee schedule on uscis.gov before you pay. Some people may not have to pay the filing fee at all — if you're replacing a card that was lost, stolen, or damaged through no fault of your own, you can request a fee waiver or reduction. You'll need to show that paying would create a financial hardship.

Payment methods include check, money order, credit card, or debit card, depending on how you file. If you file by mail, you send a check or money order with your process. If you file online through USCIS's online account system, you can pay by credit or debit card at that time.

Key Takeaways

  • The total cost to replace a green card is $540: a $455 filing fee plus an $85 biometric services fee.
  • You may not have to pay if your card was lost, stolen, or damaged and you can show financial hardship.
  • Payment is made directly to USCIS when you file Form I-90, either by mail or through your online USCIS account.
  • Processing time is typically 7 to 10 months after USCIS receives your process, though this varies by location.

When you don't have to pay the full fee

USCIS waives the filing fee entirely if your household income is at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line. You can also request a reduction if your income is between 200 and 250 percent of the poverty line. To request a waiver or reduction, you file Form I-912 along with your I-90 process and include documents showing your income — pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer.

If your green card was lost, stolen, or damaged through circumstances beyond your control, you can request that USCIS waive the $455 filing fee but still charge the $85 biometric fee. You'll need to explain what happened in a letter attached to your process. Damage from normal wear and tear does not may have access to for a waiver, but damage from fire, flood, or theft does.

The biometric services fee ($85) is almost never waived, even if you receive a waiver for the filing fee. USCIS treats these as separate charges for separate services.

How to pay when you file by mail

If you're mailing your Form I-90 to USCIS, send a check or money order made out to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security." Do not send cash. Include the check or money order in the same envelope as your completed form and supporting documents.

Write your name and A-number (the number on your current or expired green card) on the back of the check or money order. This helps USCIS match your payment to your process if they arrive separately. Mail everything to the address listed in the Form I-90 instructions — the address changes depending on which state you live in.

How to pay when you file online

USCIS allows some people to create an online account and file Form I-90 through their website. If you're may be able to access to file online, you can pay by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card at the time you submit your process. You'll receive a confirmation number when ready.

Filing online is faster than mailing because USCIS processes it more quickly, and you can track the status of your case in real time through your account. However, not everyone can file online — you must have a valid green card (not an expired one) and meet other requirements. Check the USCIS website to see if you're may be able to access before you start.

What happens after you pay

After USCIS receives your payment and process, they send you a receipt notice (Form I-797) within 2 to 3 weeks. This receipt shows that your process is being processed and includes a case number you can use to check your status online.

Next, USCIS schedules you for a biometric appointment, usually 4 to 8 weeks after they receive your process. At this appointment, they take your fingerprints, photograph, and signature. The appointment is at a local USCIS process Support Center, and you receive a notice in the mail telling you the date, time, and location.

After your biometric appointment, USCIS reviews your process and produces your new green card. The entire process typically takes 7 to 10 months from the date USCIS receives your process, though this varies by location and current processing times.

Refunds and payment problems

If USCIS denies your process, they do not refund the filing fee. However, if you withdraw your process before USCIS makes a decision, you can request a refund of the filing fee. The biometric services fee is not refunded in either case.

If you paid by check or money order and USCIS loses or misplaces your payment, contact the USCIS office where you filed and ask them to search for it. Provide your name, A-number, and the date you mailed your process. If they cannot find it after 30 days, you'll need to submit payment again.

If you paid by credit or debit card online and your payment was declined, you'll receive an error message when ready. You can try again with a different card or contact your bank to find out why the payment failed.

Fee waivers for people with low income

To request a fee waiver based on income, file Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver or Fee Reduction) along with your Form I-90. Attach documents showing your household income for the past 30 days — pay stubs, a letter from your employer, or a statement from your bank showing benefits deposits.

If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary information for Needy Families (TANF), or Food information (SNAP), you can submit proof of that instead of income documents. USCIS considers you to meet the income threshold automatically if you receive any of these benefits.

USCIS reviews your fee waiver request at the same time they review your I-90 process. They'll notify you in writing whether your waiver was approved, denied, or approved for a partial reduction. If denied, you'll have a important date to pay the full fee or your process will be rejected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the green card replacement fee in installments?

No, USCIS does not offer payment plans for the filing fee. You must pay the full $540 (or request a waiver) when you submit your process. If you cannot pay all at once, you can request a fee waiver or reduction based on financial hardship.

What if I paid the fee but USCIS says they never received it?

Contact the USCIS office where you filed and provide your name, A-number, and the date you sent payment. If they cannot locate it after 30 days, you'll need to submit payment again. Keep a copy of your cancelled check or payment confirmation for your records.

Do I have to pay again if my replacement card arrives damaged?

No, USCIS will replace a damaged card at no charge if the damage occurred during shipping or production. Contact USCIS and explain the damage. They may ask you to return the damaged card before sending a replacement.

Is the green card replacement fee the same for everyone?

The filing fee ($455) and biometric fee ($85) are the same for all applicants, but some people pay less or nothing if they receive a fee waiver or reduction. The fee may change each year, so check uscis.gov for the current amount before you file.