Green Card Replacement Fees and Filing Costs

Replacing a green card costs $455 in filing fees as of 2024, plus $85 for biometrics processing, for a total of $540. You pay these fees to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) when you file Form I-90, the process to Replace Permanent Resident Card. The fee covers the cost of producing the new card itself and processing your process.

Some people pay a reduced fee of $380 for filing if they meet certain conditions — for example, if you are replacing a card that was lost or stolen, or if you are replacing a card that was damaged through no fault of your own. You still pay the full $85 biometrics fee. If you cannot afford the $540 total, you can request a fee waiver or reduction by filing Form I-912 at the same time you file your I-90.

These are the only official fees USCIS charges. You do not need to pay anyone else to file this form. If you use an immigration attorney or notary service to help you prepare the paperwork, that is a separate cost they set themselves — it is not part of the government fee.

Key Takeaways

  • The standard filing fee is $455 plus $85 for biometrics, totaling $540 to replace your green card.
  • You may pay a reduced fee of $380 if your card was lost, stolen, or damaged through no fault of your own.
  • You can request a fee waiver or reduction by filing Form I-912 if you cannot afford the full amount.
  • Payment goes directly to USCIS when you submit Form I-90; you do not need to pay a lawyer or service to file the form itself.

When You Pay Less Than the Full Fee

USCIS charges the reduced fee of $380 (plus $85 biometrics) in specific situations. If your green card was lost or stolen, you may have access to for the lower rate. If your card was damaged and the damage was not caused by you — for example, it was destroyed in a fire or flood — you also pay the reduced amount. You do not need to prove this damage in advance; you straightforward check the box on Form I-90 that describes your situation.

If your card was damaged because you wore it out through normal use, or because you damaged it yourself, you pay the full $540. The distinction matters because USCIS wants to encourage people to report lost or stolen cards quickly rather than delay, and to help people whose cards were destroyed by circumstances beyond their control.

How to Request a Fee Waiver or Reduction

If the $540 fee is too much for your household budget, you can ask USCIS to waive or reduce it by filing Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver or Fee Reduction, at the same time you file your I-90. You do not file I-912 separately; you include it in the same envelope or online submission as your I-90.

On Form I-912, you list your household income and expenses — rent, utilities, food, childcare, medical costs, and other regular bills. USCIS looks at whether your income is at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line for your household size, or whether you receive certain public benefits like SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI. If you meet these thresholds, USCIS will usually waive the fee entirely. If your income is slightly above the line but you have significant expenses, you may receive a partial reduction.

There is no separate fee to request a waiver. You straightforward include the form and supporting documents — pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters — with your I-90 packet. USCIS will review your request and tell you in writing whether the fee is waived, reduced, or you must pay the full amount.

Payment Methods and Where Your Money Goes

When you file Form I-90 by mail, you send a check or money order payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security" with your process packet. Do not send cash. If you file online through the USCIS website, you can pay by credit card or debit card at the time of submission.

The $455 filing fee covers the administrative cost of processing your process — reviewing your documents, scheduling your biometrics appointment, and issuing the replacement card. The $85 biometrics fee pays for the fingerprinting and background check that USCIS runs on all green card holders. Both fees go to the federal government; they do not go to a private company or contractor.

Additional Costs You Might Encounter

The $540 USCIS fee is the only cost required by law. However, you may have other expenses depending on your situation. If you need certified copies of documents to include with your I-90 — such as a police report for a lost card, or a birth certificate — your local government office may charge a small fee per copy, usually $5 to $25.

If you use a lawyer or accredited representative to help you fill out the forms, they will charge their own fee, which varies widely. Some charge a flat rate of $200 to $500; others charge hourly rates. This is entirely separate from the USCIS fee and is not required — you can file the forms yourself at no extra cost beyond the $540.

If you need expedited processing because you have an urgent travel or work need, USCIS does not offer an expedite option for green card replacement. Your process is processed in the order it is received, which typically takes 4 to 6 months from the time you file.

What Happens If You Cannot Pay Right Now

If you do not have the $540 available when you want to file, you have two options. First, you can wait until you have saved the money and then file your I-90. There is no important date to replace a green card unless your card has already expired and you need it for travel or work — in that case, the sooner you file, the sooner you will receive the replacement.

Second, you can file Form I-912 requesting a fee waiver or reduction at the same time you file I-90. USCIS will review your request before processing your process, so you do not have to pay upfront. If your waiver is denied, USCIS will send you a notice telling you how much you owe and giving you a important date to pay. You can then decide whether to pay or withdraw your process.

Fee Changes and Current Information

USCIS adjusts its fees periodically, usually every few years. The $455 and $85 fees listed here were current as of 2024, but they may change. Before you file Form I-90, visit the official USCIS website at uscis.gov and search for "I-90 fee" to confirm the current amount. The website also lists any reduced fees that may explore to your situation.

If you are filing by mail and you are unsure of the exact fee, you can call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 to confirm the amount before you send your check. If you send too little money, USCIS will return your process and ask you to resubmit with the correct fee. If you send too much, USCIS will refund the overage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the fee if my green card expired?

Yes. An expired green card still requires the full $540 fee to replace, unless you may have access to for the reduced fee because the card was lost, stolen, or damaged. The expiration date does not change the filing fee. You should file your replacement as soon as possible if your card is expired and you need it for travel or employment.

Can I get my money back if USCIS denies my replacement process?

No. The filing fee is not refundable, even if your process is denied. However, denials are rare for green card replacement — USCIS usually approves these applications as long as you are still a lawful permanent resident and you submit the required documents.

What if I file online instead of by mail — is the fee different?

No. The fee is the same whether you file online or by mail: $455 for filing plus $85 for biometrics. The only difference is the payment method — online you pay by card, and by mail you send a check or money order.

Do I pay the fee again if USCIS loses my process?

If USCIS loses your process before it is processed, you can request that they locate it. If they cannot find it, you will need to file a new I-90 and pay the fee again. This is rare, but if it happens, ask USCIS in writing to waive the second fee as a courtesy. Some offices will do this; others will not.

Is there a fee to replace my green card if I'm replacing it because my name changed?

Yes. A name change due to marriage, divorce, or court order requires you to file Form I-90 and pay the full $540 fee. You are not may be able to access for the reduced fee in this situation because the card was not lost, stolen, or damaged.