As a lawful immigrant in the United States, your Green Card is one of the most essential documents you possess. It serves as proof of your legal right to live and work in the U.S. and is often required for everyday activities—such as applying for loans or credit, renewing your driver’s license, or re-entering the country after travel abroad. Because the process of obtaining a Green Card can be lengthy and complex, it is vital to keep it secure.
If your Green Card has been lost, stolen, damaged, or is set to expire within six months, the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link explain the key steps you must take to replace or renew it.
When You Should Replace Your Green Card
As a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR), you are required to replace your Green Card in any of the following circumstances:
- Your Green Card will expire within six months or has already expired.
- Your Green Card was lost, stolen, destroyed, or mutilated.
- You received your card before turning 14, and it will expire after your 16th birthday.
- You were a commuter and are now residing in the United States.
- You were a U.S. resident and will now commute from Mexico or Canada for work.
- You were automatically granted permanent resident status (including special agricultural worker status under the 1986 immigration reform).
- You possess an outdated alien registration card (Forms AR-3, AR-103, or I-151).
- Your card contains incorrect information or you have legally changed your name or other biographic details.
- You hold a Green Card with no expiration date—typically those issued between 1979 and 1989.
- You never received the Green Card issued to you. (You may be exempt from paying the filing fee in this situation; see the FAQs section below.)
If you are a Conditional Permanent Resident, you must also replace your Green Card in these situations:
- Your card was lost, stolen, destroyed, or mutilated.
- There is incorrect or outdated information on your card.
- You never received your issued Green Card (fee exemption may apply).
How to File Form I-90 to Replace or Renew a Green Card
If any of the above applies to you, you must file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. You can file it online through myaccount.uscis.gov or by mail using the addresses below:
U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
USCIS
P.O. Box 21262
Phoenix, AZ 85036
FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:
USCIS
Attention: I-90
1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S, Floor 1, Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Filing Online Through USCIS
Filing online through your USCIS account is often faster and more convenient. You can securely pay your filing fee, track case status, receive updates, and respond to any USCIS requests. If you’re working with an immigration attorney at Green Card Link, they can also manage this process on your behalf through the USCIS online portal.
After completing and signing Form I-90, submit it with all required supporting documents and payment. It’s also recommended to include Form G-1145 (E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance) to receive email or text alerts when USCIS receives your application. This form is simple to complete and requires only your name, email, and phone number.
Note: E-notifications do not include personal information. They will only provide your receipt number and instructions to check your case status.
Once your application is approved, your new Green Card will be mailed to you. Keep in mind that Form I-90 can only be filed while you are in the United States. If you are overseas, you must wait to return before submitting your replacement request.
If you are a conditional resident seeking to remove conditions, you must instead file:
- Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence (for marriage-based Green Cards), or
- Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status (for investor Green Cards).
Green Card Replacement Fees
In most cases, the filing fee for Form I-90 is $455, plus an $85 biometric service fee. If filing by mail, you may pay with a personal or cashier’s check, money order, or credit card (using Form G-1450).
You do not need to pay the filing fee if:
- You never received your Green Card after it was mailed over 30 days ago.
- Your Green Card was returned to USCIS as undeliverable.
- You did not receive your Green Card because you moved from the address originally provided.
- Your card contains an error caused by DHS (for example, a misspelled name).
Frequently Asked Questions About Replacing a Lost or Stolen Green Card
What Should I Do If I Lost My Green Card?
If you are a lawful permanent resident or conditional permanent resident in the United States and have lost your Green Card, you must file Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card) online or by mail.
If you need to travel abroad before receiving your replacement card, contact your local USCIS office to request an I-551 stamp in your passport. This stamp temporarily serves as proof of your permanent resident status and is typically valid for one year.
If your Green Card was lost while you were outside the United States, you must apply for a carrier document (travel document) by submitting Form I-131A (Application for Travel Document). Bring this form to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to obtain travel authorization that allows you to board a flight back to the U.S.
Should I Report My Lost or Stolen Green Card to the Police?
Yes, it is advisable to file a police report if your Green Card is lost or stolen. Having a police report can help when submitting Form I-90, and it can also serve as documentation if someone attempts to misuse your identity.
How Long Does It Take to Replace a Lost Green Card?
Due to USCIS processing delays, it can take 10–12 months or longer to receive your replacement card. If your application contains any errors, processing may take even more time. To avoid unnecessary delays, it’s highly recommended to have your application reviewed by one of the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link for accuracy and compliance.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Green Card?
The standard filing fee for replacing a Green Card is $455, plus an $85 biometric services fee. In certain situations, you may be eligible for a fee waiver depending on your financial circumstances.
Can I Apply for U.S. Citizenship If I Lost My Green Card?
Yes, you can still apply for U.S. citizenship even if your Green Card was lost or stolen. While you should file Form I-90 to replace it, you do not have to wait for the replacement card to submit your Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization).
Approximately two weeks after filing Form I-90, you will receive Form I-797C (Notice of Action) as your official receipt, which allows you to continue with your citizenship application.
However, if you have a conditional Green Card (for example, through marriage), it is valid for only two years. You must file Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) with your spouse within 90 days before your card expires.
Can I Travel Without My Green Card?
Traveling without your Green Card can be risky. You must first obtain Advance Parole, a temporary travel document that allows you to re-enter the United States legally. You can apply for this document by filing Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document).
Leaving the U.S. before receiving Advance Parole may cause USCIS to consider your immigration application abandoned, potentially jeopardizing your status or re-entry rights.
What Should I Bring to My I-551 Stamp Appointment?
If you need urgent proof of your permanent resident status or have upcoming international travel, schedule an appointment at your local USCIS office to obtain an I-551 stamp, also called an ADIT (Alien Documentation Identification and Telecommunication) stamp.
Be sure to bring:
- A valid, unexpired passport
- Your InfoPass appointment notice (if applicable)
- Your Form I-797 (I-90 receipt notice)
- Proof showing the need for the stamp (e.g., airline tickets, job offer letter, or medical documentation)
How Long Does It Take to Get an I-551 Stamp?
Processing times vary depending on urgency and USCIS workload, but most applicants receive their I-551 stamp within 2–4 weeks. It’s best to delay travel plans until the stamp is issued to avoid complications when re-entering the U.S.
Do I Need to Tell My Employer If I Lost My Green Card?
If your employer does not specifically request updated proof of work authorization, you are not required to inform them. However, if they ask for verification again, you must disclose the situation and provide evidence that you’ve applied for a replacement Green Card.
How Green Card Link Can Help
Losing your Green Card can be stressful, but help is available. At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys guide you through every step of the replacement process—from filing forms correctly to communicating with USCIS. The team ensures your documentation is accurate and complete, helping you obtain your replacement Green Card as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Contact Green Card Link today to get started and protect your lawful status in the United States.