What You Need to Do to Get a Replacement Green Card

To replace your green card, you file Form I-90 (process to Replace Permanent Resident Card) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You can file online through the USCIS website, by mail, or in person at a USCIS office. The process takes roughly four to six months from the time USCIS receives your complete process, though timing varies by location and current processing times.

You will need to pay a filing fee (currently $455 for most applicants, though some people pay less or nothing depending on age and income) and a biometric services fee (currently $85). USCIS will schedule you for a biometrics appointment where they take your fingerprints and photograph, then mail your new card to the address you provide.

Key Takeaways

  • File Form I-90 online, by mail, or in person; online filing is fastest and lets you track your case in real time.
  • You must pay the filing fee ($455) and biometric services fee ($85) unless you meet income thresholds or are under 14 or over 79 years old.
  • Bring your current green card, passport, and state ID to your biometrics appointment, even if the card is expired or damaged.
  • Processing takes four to six months on average, but check USCIS processing times for your local office before you file.
  • If your card was lost or stolen, report it to USCIS and local police before filing Form I-90.

When You Need a Replacement Green Card

You file for a replacement if your green card is lost, stolen, damaged, or expired. You also file if your name changed legally (through marriage, court order, or other means) and your card no longer matches your current legal name. If your card is straightforward expiring soon but is still in your possession and readable, you can wait until it expires to replace it—there is no penalty for letting it expire before you file.

If your card was stolen or lost, report it to USCIS by calling 1-800-375-5283 or filing a report online through the USCIS website. You should also file a police report in the city or county where it was lost. Keep the police report number; some USCIS offices ask for it when you file Form I-90.

Filing Form I-90 Online

Filing online through the USCIS website (uscis.gov) is the fastest method. Create an account, fill out Form I-90 section by section, upload scans of your documents, and pay the fees by credit card or debit card. You will receive a receipt number when ready and can check your case status anytime by logging back in.

You will need to upload a color scan or photo of both sides of your current green card (or a photo of the front if the back is blank), your passport photo page, and a state-issued ID. The files must be in PDF, JPEG, or PNG format and under 3 MB each. After you submit, USCIS sends you a notice with your biometrics appointment date, usually within two to three weeks.

If you cannot file online because you lack internet access or a scanner, you can file by mail or visit a USCIS office to file in person. Mail-in filing takes longer because USCIS must manually enter your information and process your documents by hand.

Gathering Documents and Paying Fees

Before you file, gather your current green card, a valid passport, and a state-issued ID (driver's license, state ID card, or passport). If your green card is damaged or illegible, bring it anyway—USCIS will accept it as proof you are a permanent resident. If your card was lost or stolen, bring the police report if you filed one.

The standard filing fee is $455 and the biometric services fee is $85, for a total of $540. However, you may pay a reduced fee or no fee at all if your household income is at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line (the exact amount depends on your household size). You can request a fee reduction or waiver by checking the box on Form I-90 and submitting proof of income, such as recent tax returns or pay stubs. USCIS will decide whether to grant the reduction after reviewing your documents.

If you are under 14 years old or over 79 years old, you do not pay the biometric services fee, only the filing fee. Children under 2 do not pay any fee.

Attending Your Biometrics Appointment

USCIS will mail you a notice (Form I-797) with your biometrics appointment date, time, and location. The appointment is usually scheduled four to eight weeks after you file. Bring your green card, passport, state ID, and the appointment notice. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early.

At the appointment, a USCIS officer will take your fingerprints using a digital scanner and photograph you. The entire process takes 15 to 30 minutes. You do not need to answer questions or provide additional documents unless the officer asks. After the appointment, USCIS sends your information to the card production facility, and your new card is mailed within four to six weeks.

If you miss your appointment, USCIS will send you a notice to reschedule. If you do not reschedule within 30 days, your case may be denied and you will have to file again and pay the fees again. If you cannot make the scheduled date, call the USCIS office listed on your notice and ask to reschedule before the appointment date.

Tracking Your process and Receiving Your New Card

If you filed online, log into your USCIS account to check your case status anytime. You will see updates as USCIS receives your documents, schedules your biometrics appointment, completes the appointment, and produces your card. If you filed by mail or in person, you can check your status on the USCIS website by entering your receipt number, or call 1-800-375-5283.

Your new green card will be mailed to the address you provided on Form I-90. It typically arrives four to six weeks after your biometrics appointment. The card is valid for 10 years from the date it is issued (or until you turn 16 if you are under 14 when the card is issued). Once you receive it, destroy your old card by cutting it in half or shredding it.

If your card does not arrive within eight weeks of your biometrics appointment, contact USCIS. You can call 1-800-375-5283, use the online case status tool, or visit a local USCIS office with your receipt number.

What to Do If Your process Is Denied

USCIS will mail you a notice if your process is denied, explaining the reason. Common reasons include incomplete documents, failure to appear for the biometrics appointment, or a problem with your immigration status. If your process is denied, you can file a motion to reopen or reconsider within 30 days of the denial notice, or you can file a new Form I-90 process.

If you believe the denial was made in error, contact a USCIS office or speak with an immigration attorney. Some legal aid organizations offer free or low-cost immigration information; you can search for one in your area through the Executive Office for Immigration Review website or by calling 211.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my receipt number as proof of permanent residency while I wait for my new card?

Yes. The receipt notice (Form I-797) you receive when you file Form I-90 is valid proof of permanent residency. You can use it to travel, work, or show proof of status. Some employers and government offices may ask to see your actual green card, but the receipt is legally acceptable during the replacement process.

What if my name changed and my green card no longer matches my legal name?

File Form I-90 and check the box indicating your name has changed. You will need to upload a copy of the document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. USCIS will issue a new card with your current legal name.

Do I need a lawyer to file Form I-90?

No. Form I-90 is straightforward and you can file it yourself. However, if you have questions about your immigration status or are unsure whether you are still a permanent resident, speaking with an immigration attorney or accredited representative may be helpful. Many nonprofits offer free consultations.

What happens if I travel before my new card arrives?

You can travel with your receipt notice (Form I-797) and your passport. However, you may have difficulty re-entering the United States without your physical green card. Before traveling, contact USCIS to confirm your case status and ask whether you should wait for your new card or carry additional documentation. Some ports of entry are stricter than others about accepting the receipt notice alone.

Can I file Form I-90 if I am outside the United States?

You can file Form I-90 from outside the United States, but you must complete your biometrics appointment in person at a USCIS office or a U.S. embassy or consulate. If you are abroad, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to ask where to have your biometrics taken. Processing may take longer if you are outside the country.