Where to report your address change

You report an address change for your green card to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), not to your state or local government. USCIS maintains the official record of your green card and immigration status, so they are the only agency that needs to know your new address for immigration purposes.

You have two main routes: file Form I-90 (process to Replace Permanent Resident Card) if you want a new card with your updated address printed on it, or file Form AR-11 (Alien's Change of Address) if you only need to update USCIS records without replacing the card itself. Most people use AR-11 because it is faster and costs nothing.

You can file AR-11 online through the USCIS website, by mail, or by phone. The online method is the quickest — you fill out the form, pay nothing, and receive confirmation when ready. By mail takes two to four weeks. By phone, you call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.

Key Takeaways

  • File Form AR-11 with USCIS to update your address in their records; it costs nothing and takes minutes online.
  • Your physical green card does not need to be replaced unless it is damaged, lost, or expiring soon — the address on it does not have to match your current residence.
  • If you file AR-11 online, you receive confirmation when ready; by mail it takes two to four weeks.
  • You must report the change within 10 days of moving, though USCIS does not automatically verify compliance.
  • Updating your address with USCIS is separate from updating it with your state DMV, employer, or bank — you need to do those separately.

When you need Form AR-11 versus Form I-90

Use Form AR-11 if your green card is still valid and you straightforward want USCIS to have your current address on file. This is the standard choice for most address changes. It updates the USCIS database so mail reaches you and your immigration record is current. The card itself stays the same.

Use Form I-90 if your green card is damaged, lost, stolen, or expiring within six months, or if you want a replacement card with your new address printed on it. I-90 costs $640 (as of 2024, though this amount can change) and takes several months. You would only choose this route if you have a separate reason to replace the card anyway.

If you are unsure whether your card is expiring soon, look at the expiration date on the front. It is printed as a four-digit year in the bottom right corner. If that date is more than six months away and the card is not damaged, AR-11 is the right choice.

How to file Form AR-11 online

Go to the USCIS website and locate the online AR-11 form. You will need your green card number (the number on the front of your card), your date of birth, and your new address. The form takes about five minutes to complete.

After you submit, USCIS sends a confirmation to the email address you provide. Keep that confirmation — it proves you reported the change on time. You do not receive a new document in the mail; the confirmation email is your proof.

Your green card itself does not change. USCIS updates their internal records, and any future mail they send will go to your new address. If you move again, you file another AR-11.

Filing by mail if you cannot use the online form

Print Form AR-11 from the USCIS website. Fill in your name, green card number, date of birth, and both your old and new addresses. Sign and date the form. Mail it to the address listed on the form — this varies by region, so check the current instructions before mailing.

Do not include payment; AR-11 has no filing fee. Do not send your green card itself unless you are also requesting a replacement. Mail takes two to four weeks, and you will not receive a confirmation — USCIS straightforward updates their records when they process it.

If you need proof that you filed, send the form by certified mail with return receipt requested. Keep the receipt. This creates a paper trail showing when USCIS received it.

Reporting your address by phone

Call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283. Have your green card number, date of birth, and new address ready. A representative will update your address in the system while you are on the phone. The call usually takes five to ten minutes.

Ask the representative for a confirmation number before you hang up. Write it down when ready. This number proves you reported the change, though it is not as strong as a written confirmation.

Phone lines are often busy, especially early in the morning and on Mondays. Call mid-morning on a Wednesday or Thursday for shorter wait times.

What happens if you do not update your address

USCIS mail sent to your old address may not reach you. This includes renewal notices, requests for information, or notices about your immigration status. If you miss a important date because mail went to the wrong address, you may face complications with future applications or status verification.

However, USCIS does not automatically penalize you for a late AR-11 filing. They do not conduct routine checks to see whether you reported within 10 days. The risk is practical: if they need to contact you and your address is wrong, you will not receive the notice.

If you realize you did not update your address and it has been several months, file AR-11 now. There is no penalty for filing late, and it prevents future problems.

Updating your address elsewhere

Updating USCIS is only one step. You also need to update your address with your state DMV (for your driver's license or ID), your employer, your bank, your insurance company, and any other organization that has your information on file. These are separate processes and do not happen automatically when you file AR-11.

Your state DMV usually has an online portal or a form you can mail in. Your employer's HR department can update payroll records. Your bank can update your address through their website or by visiting a branch. Each organization has its own timeline and process.

If you are a permanent resident explore for citizenship in the future, USCIS will ask about your address history. Having a consistent record across government agencies makes that process smoother.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to carry my green card with me after I move?

Yes. Your green card is your proof of permanent resident status and you must carry it at all times. The address printed on it does not have to match your current address — it is not like a driver's license. USCIS records are what matter for official purposes.

What if I move multiple times in a short period?

File a new AR-11 each time you move. There is no limit to how many times you can file. Each one updates your address in USCIS records, so mail always goes to your current location.

Can I file AR-11 if I am living outside the United States?

Yes. You can file online or by mail from anywhere. If you are living abroad temporarily, update your address to your current location. If you are moving back to the U.S., update it again when you arrive.

What if my green card is expiring soon — should I file I-90 instead of AR-11?

If your card expires within six months, file I-90 to get a replacement with your new address. If it expires more than six months away, file AR-11 now and you can renew the card later when it gets closer to expiration. You do not have to do both at the same time.

How long does it take USCIS to process AR-11?

Online filing is when ready — you get confirmation when ready. Mail takes two to four weeks. Phone updates happen while you are on the call. After processing, allow an additional week or two for USCIS to update all their systems before sending mail to your new address.