Your Free Green Card Replacement Information Guide

Understanding Green Card Replacement: Why You Might Need One

A green card — officially called a Permanent Resident Card — is a document that shows you have legal status to live and work in the United States. Like any important document, green cards can wear out, get lost, stolen, or damaged over time. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) allows permanent residents to replace their cards when these situations occur.

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Green cards are made of plastic and laminate materials that can deteriorate with regular use. According to USCIS data, replacement requests make up a significant portion of green card petitions each year. Your card might need replacement if the photograph is no longer recognizable, the card is physically cracked or bent, the laminate is peeling, or the information is faded and hard to read. Cards can also be replaced if they were lost, stolen, or never received after being issued.

The replacement process is different from obtaining a green card for the first time. People who already hold green cards use a specific form and procedure designed for replacements rather than new applications. Understanding which situation applies to you is the first step in learning about what information you might need to gather.

The card itself serves practical purposes in your daily life. You may need to show it to employers to prove work authorization, to banks when opening accounts, or to government agencies when applying for certain services. A worn or damaged card might not be accepted by these institutions, which is why replacement matters.

Takeaway: Identify the specific reason your card needs replacement — damage, loss, theft, or poor condition — since each situation may involve slightly different documentation or processes.

Form I-90: The Green Card Replacement Application Form

USCIS uses Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, for all replacement requests. This is the official form that permanent residents submit when their cards need to be replaced. The form itself is straightforward and asks for basic biographical information that USCIS already has in their records about you.

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The form requests your name, address, date of birth, country of origin, USCIS number, and A-number (the number on your current or previous green card). It also asks you to explain why you need the replacement. You check a box that corresponds to your situation: the card is worn or damaged, lost, stolen, or never received. If your card was stolen, you may need to provide additional information about when and how it was stolen.

The form comes with detailed instructions that walk through each section line by line. USCIS provides this information for free on their official website (uscis.gov). The instructions explain what documents to include with your form, how to complete each field, and where to send everything. Many people find the instructions helpful because they contain examples of how to answer questions correctly.

One important section asks whether you have any criminal history, outstanding deportation orders, or other legal issues. You must answer these questions honestly. The form is not complex compared to other immigration documents, but accuracy matters because incorrect information can delay processing.

Filing fees apply to Form I-90 in most cases, though some situations qualify for fee reductions or waivers based on income. The current standard filing fee and biometric services fee should be verified on the USCIS website, as these amounts change periodically. Some people may be exempt from paying fees based on their income level.

Takeaway: Obtain the official Form I-90 and instructions directly from uscis.gov, and take time to read through the instructions before completing the form to understand what information and documents you need.

Documents and Supporting Materials You'll Need

When submitting a replacement request, you need to provide specific documents along with your completed form. Having the right documents ready before you start helps the process move along smoothly. The main document you need is your current green card — or a copy of it if your card was stolen or lost.

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If your card is damaged, you should submit the original card itself with your application. USCIS will keep it and issue you a new one. If your card was lost or stolen, you instead submit a detailed written statement explaining what happened, when you discovered it was missing, and what steps you took (such as reporting it to police if it was stolen). This written statement should be clear and factual.

You also need to submit proof of your identity and immigration status. A valid passport works for this purpose. Some people use other documents like a state-issued ID, birth certificate, or driver's license. USCIS provides a list of documents they accept as identity proof in the Form I-90 instructions.

If your name has changed since you received your green card, you need documents showing the legal name change. This might include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order authorizing a name change. You would provide a certified copy — not just a photocopy — of these documents.

If your address has changed, you should include a document showing your current address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement from the past few months. USCIS uses this to confirm where to send your new card.

For those requesting a replacement because the card was never received, you need to provide proof of your status as a permanent resident. This might include employment authorization documents, tax returns showing you reported income in the United States, or letters from employers confirming you've been working here legally.

Takeaway: Make copies of all required documents before submitting them, and keep originals for your records. Use certified copies when the instructions specify them, as regular photocopies may not be accepted.

Where to File and Processing Times

You can file Form I-90 using one of three methods: online through the USCIS website, by mail to a USCIS service center, or in person at a local USCIS office. Filing online is the fastest method and allows you to track your case status through a secure account. To file online, you create a myUSCIS account on the USCIS website, fill out the form digitally, pay the fee online, and upload your supporting documents as scanned files.

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If you prefer to file by mail, you send your completed paper form, documents, and payment to the address specified in the Form I-90 instructions. The instructions change periodically, so you must get the correct mailing address from the current version of the form on uscis.gov. Mail filing takes longer because your package must physically travel to a service center and be processed by staff.

Filing in person at a local USCIS field office is also possible. You make an appointment through the myUSCIS account system or by calling the USCIS customer service line. Bringing documents in person can sometimes speed up the initial review, though processing still takes time after your appointment.

Processing times vary depending on which USCIS service center handles your case and current workload levels. According to USCIS's processing time data, Form I-90 cases typically take between two to twelve months from start to finish. Cases for cards that are damaged or lost may process faster than cases where documents are incomplete. You can check estimated processing times for your specific service center on the USCIS website.

After you submit your form, USCIS sends you a receipt notice with a case number. This receipt proves you filed and allows you to track your case online. You'll also be scheduled for a biometric services appointment where you provide fingerprints and photos. This appointment is required for most replacement cases. After USCIS reviews everything, they mail your new card to the address you provided.

Takeaway: Choose the filing method that works best for your situation — online filing typically processes faster — and use your case number to monitor progress through myUSCIS.

Cost Information and Fee Reduction Options

As of 2024, USCIS charges a filing fee and a separate biometric services fee for Form I-90 replacement applications. The total cost is substantial, though reduced or eliminated for those who meet income-based criteria. You should check the current fees on uscis.gov before filing, as amounts are adjusted periodically to cover government processing costs.

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If your household income falls below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, you may be eligible for a fee reduction. If your income is below 100 percent of the poverty guideline, you may be eligible to have fees waived entirely. The poverty guidelines change each year and vary based on household size. A household of one