Free Guide to Replacing a Lost or Stolen Green Card

Understanding Your Green Card and What Happens When It's Lost or Stolen

A green card, officially called a Permanent Resident Card, is a document issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that shows you have lawful permanent resident status in the United States. This card proves your right to live, work, and study in the country. The green card contains important security features, including your photograph, fingerprint, signature, and a machine-readable zone with your personal information and immigration status.

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Losing or having your green card stolen can feel stressful, but it's a situation that many permanent residents face. According to USCIS, thousands of replacement green cards are issued each year to individuals who have lost their original cards or had them taken. The card itself is valuable only as identification and proof of status—a stolen card cannot be used by someone else to obtain benefits or change immigration records, since USCIS maintains all official records in their system using biometric data and personal details that a thief would not have access to.

When your green card goes missing, you have several options. You can request a replacement through USCIS using Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. This process involves submitting documentation, paying a filing fee, and providing biometric information. You may also be able to travel with other documents while waiting for your replacement, depending on your specific circumstances and travel plans. Understanding the steps involved helps you know what to expect and how to move forward.

Practical takeaway: Document your green card information now—write down your card number, issue date, and expiration date and store this information securely. If your card is lost or stolen, this information will help you when you contact USCIS.

The Immediate Steps to Take When You Discover Your Green Card Is Missing

The first action you should take when you realize your green card is lost or stolen is to report it to local police if it was stolen. While this may seem optional, filing a police report creates an official record and can be helpful documentation for your USCIS filing. You should request a copy of the police report or at least get a report number, as you may need this when you submit your replacement request. If your card was simply lost, you do not need a police report, but you should begin the replacement process as soon as you realize it's gone.

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Next, gather information about your card. If you have a photocopy or remember your green card number, write it down. Your green card number typically appears in the upper right corner of the card. You'll also need to know the date your card was issued and when it expires. If you don't have this information readily available, don't worry—USCIS can look it up in their system using your name, date of birth, and immigration file number (if you know it).

Consider whether you need to travel in the near future. If you have international travel plans, you may need to arrange a travel document while waiting for your replacement green card, since you cannot travel internationally without a valid green card or travel authorization. USCIS offers an advance parole document (Form I-131) that can allow you to re-enter the United States if you need to leave the country while your replacement is being processed. You can request this at the same time you file for your replacement card.

You should also check your mail for any USCIS correspondence. Sometimes people discover they've lost their green card when they receive a notice from USCIS about something else, such as a biometric appointment or other immigration matter. Make sure you're not missing any important communications from the agency.

Practical takeaway: Create a checklist now with your green card details, your USCIS file number (if known), and the location of your important immigration documents. Store copies in a safe place separate from the originals.

Filing Form I-90: The Official Process for Replacing Your Green Card

The official way to replace a lost or stolen green card is to file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, with USCIS. This form is the standard document used for requesting a replacement card, and it's the same form used for other green card-related requests, such as correcting information or renewing an expiring card. You can file Form I-90 either by mail or online through USCIS's online filing system.

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Filing online through USCIS's system is generally faster than mailing a paper form. To file online, you'll need to create an account on the USCIS website, complete the I-90 form, upload supporting documents, and pay the filing fee. As of 2024, the filing fee for Form I-90 is $640, plus a $85 biometric services fee, though fee waivers may be available if you meet income requirements. You can also file a paper version of the form by mail to your regional USCIS service center, though this method typically takes longer to process.

When filling out Form I-90, you'll need to provide your personal information, immigration history, and details about your lost or stolen card. The form asks you to indicate the reason for replacement—whether your card was lost, stolen, or damaged. If your card was stolen, you may need to include a police report number or documentation showing the theft was reported. You'll also provide information about any trips outside the United States or other relevant circumstances.

After you submit Form I-90, USCIS will send you a receipt notice confirming they received your application. This receipt contains an application number you should keep for your records. Within a few weeks, you'll receive a notice for biometric services (fingerprinting). You must attend this appointment at a designated USCIS office or contracted facility. Biometric data collected during this appointment is used to verify your identity and conduct background checks. Missing this appointment can result in your application being denied, so it's important to keep track of the appointment date and time.

Practical takeaway: Keep all USCIS correspondence in one folder. As soon as you receive your receipt notice, write the application number on your calendar or phone reminder to help you remember key dates related to your case.

What to Expect During the Processing Timeline and Biometric Appointment

The timeline for receiving your replacement green card typically ranges from two to four months from the date you submit Form I-90, though this can vary depending on your location and current USCIS workload. During this time, your application will go through several stages: initial review and receipt, biometric services appointment scheduling, background check processing, and finally, card production and mailing.

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After USCIS receives your Form I-90, they will schedule you for a biometric services appointment. This appointment notice will be sent to the address you provided on your application. The appointment is usually scheduled at a local USCIS Application Support Center or a contracted biometric services provider. During the appointment, you'll have your fingerprints taken digitally, and a new photograph may be taken for your replacement card. The entire appointment typically takes 15 to 20 minutes. You must bring a valid form of identification—a passport, driver's license, or state ID is acceptable.

If you cannot attend your scheduled biometric appointment, contact USCIS immediately to request a new appointment date. Life circumstances happen, and USCIS understands that sometimes you need to reschedule. However, if you fail to appear without contacting USCIS, your application may be denied. When you contact USCIS to reschedule, have your appointment notice and application number ready.

After your biometric appointment, USCIS will process your background check using the fingerprints and information you've provided. This typically takes two to four weeks. During this time, you can check the status of your application on the USCIS website using your application number and date of birth. Once your background check is complete and approved, your replacement card will be produced and mailed to your address. You do not need to do anything else at this stage—the card will arrive without any action required from you.

In some cases, USCIS may need additional information from you. If this happens, they'll send you a Request for Evidence (RFE). If you receive an RFE, follow the instructions carefully and submit the requested documents within the timeframe specified in the notice, typically 84 days.

Practical takeaway: Mark your biometric appointment date on your calendar immediately when you receive the notice, and set a reminder for the day before. Bring your identification and arrive 10 minutes early to allow time for check-in.

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