How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Green Card in 2026?

If your Green Card has been stolen or damaged, or you have received one with incorrect information, you can request a replacement by filing Form I-90. This is an application to replace a Permanent Resident Card with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Form I-90 can be used for several Green Card replacement and renewal situations, such as when a Permanent Resident Card is lost, stolen, expired, or damaged. It can also be used to correct or update certain information on the card.

Read the blog below to learn more about the Green Card replacement process, when to file Form I-90, required documents, filing fees, processing times, and the steps to take for a lost Green Card.

Important Note: Keep in mind that USCIS fees, forms, processing times, and the process can change. Always check the latest requirements with USCIS before filing.

When Do You Need to Replace a Green Card?

You must replace a Permanent Resident Card if it is:

• Lost
• Stolen
• Destroyed
• Damaged
• Expired
• Close to expiry
• Issued with incorrect information
• Needs certain personal information updates

USCIS specifically lists lost, stolen, or destroyed Permanent Resident Cards as situations requiring filing Form I-90.

Note: A Green Card is your proof of lawful permanent residence status. Hence, losing the Green Card and losing permanent resident status are two different things.

Green Card Renewal vs. Replacement: Key Differences

Both the terms "Green Card renewal" and "Green Card replacement" are often used interchangeably. However, the reason for filing matters.

You might also be required to file the appropriate petition to remove the conditions, such as Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, within the applicable filing period.

How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Green Card?

Follow the steps below to replace a lost or stolen Green Card.

1. Gather the Necessary Documents

Firstly, you must have all the necessary documents required for filing.

Based on your situation, you might require:

• A copy of your current Green Card (if applicable)
• Government-issued photo identification
• Your valid passport
• Proof supporting a requested correction
• Extra documentation requested by USCIS for your specific filing reason.

Form I-90 explains the required alternative identification evidence to submit if your Green Card was lost, stolen, or destroyed.

Before you submit your application, make sure your name, date of birth, address, A-number, and other identifying information are accurate.

2. Complete Form I-90

It is referred to as the Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. Based on your situation, you can either file it online through your USCIS account or submit a paper application.

Online Method

If you are eligible to file online, then follow the steps below.

• Complete Form I-90 digitally.
• Upload the necessary supporting documents.
• Pay the applicable fees.
• Receive case updates through your USCIS account.
• Check your application information online.

Offline Method (Paper Filing)

Follow the steps below.

• Download the current Form I-90.
• Complete all applicable sections.
• Sign and date the form.
• Include supporting documents.
• Enclose the necessary filing fee or fee-waiver request.
• Mail the application to the USCIS filing address specific to your application.

Note: Make sure to use the current edition of Form I-90 and follow the latest USCIS filing instructions.

How Much Does Green Card Replacement Cost?

The current USCIS fee schedule outlines the standard Form I-90 fees.

Some applicants can qualify for a fee waiver or a different fee based on their specific filing situations. Always recheck the current USCIS fee schedule before submitting the application.

Can you get a Green Card Replacement Fee Waiver?

Few applicants can qualify for a fee waiver. They can do this by filing Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver.

• Eligibility depends on USCIS requirements and the applicant's situation.
• Qualifying for one eligibility factor does not automatically guarantee a fee waiver.
• Before submitting Form I-912, carefully review the current USCIS fee waiver requirements.

What Happens After Filing Form I-90?

Once USCIS receives your application, the following may happen.

1. Receipt Notice

• USCIS usually sends a receipt notice once they receive your application.
• Keep the notice safe, as it contains important information about your case.

2. Biometrics

• You might be required to attend a biometrics appointment.
• Based on the situation, USCIS may reuse previously collected biometrics.

3. Additional Evidence

• USCIS can request additional information or documents if more evidence is needed.
• If you receive a request from USCIS, follow the instructions and meet the deadlines stated in the notice.

4. Case Decision

• Once your application is reviewed, USCIS might approve your request and give a replacement Permanent Resident Card.

How Long Does Green Card Replacement Take?

Processing times vary for all Form I-90 applications. They can also change based on USCIS workload, case circumstances, and other factors. Instead of relying on a fixed estimate, applicants can check current USCIS processing times for Form I-90.

Individual cases might take more or less time than other applicants' cases. A Green Card replacement process consists of:

1. Filing Form I-90
2. Receipt Notice
3. Biometrics, if needed
4. Additional evidence, if requested
5. USCIS decision
6. Replacement Card

Timings may vary for each stage.

How to Check Your Green Card Replacement Status?

After receiving your USCIS receipt number, use the USCIS online case status service to check the latest available updates for your Form I-90 application.

• If you have filed online and connected your case to an account, you can also use your USCIS online account.
• If your application is taking longer than the applicable USCIS processing time, recheck the current USCIS case inquiry options to determine whether you are allowed to submit an inquiry.

What If You Need Proof of Permanent Resident Status?

Many applicants wonder what will happen if a Green Card expires while a renewal application is pending.

• Renewal cases that qualify allow USCIS receipt notices to provide evidence of continued permanent resident status with an expired Green Card.
• Keep in mind that a lost or stolen Green Card is different from an expired Green Card held by you.
• In case you have lost your card and require evidence of your permanent resident status, check the current USCIS guidelines about accepting temporary evidence.
• An I-90 receipt by itself will not suffice as proof of status or travel.

Can You Travel While Your Green Card Replacement Is Pending?

Traveling might get difficult if you do not have your physical Green Card.

• If your card is lost, stolen, or expired, the documents required for international travel may vary based on your situation.
• Before you leave the US, make sure to verify the current requirements with USCIS or the US embassy or consulate in the country you are visiting.
• Avoid making international plans based fully on another applicant's experience.

What If You Lost Your Green Card Abroad?

If you have lost your Green Card outside the United States, the situation can be quite stressful.

• In case of a lost or stolen Green Card, you need all the required documents to prove your permanent resident status before returning to the US.
• The process depends on your situation, whether you have a copy of the card, and the travel plans and documents you have available.
• Before you travel back to the United States, you must check the latest instructions from USCIS, the US Embassy, or the consulate in your location.

What Information Do You Need From Your Green Card for Form I-90?

Most applicants are confused by Form I-90 because it asks for information already on a Green Card.

Here are a few terms.

1. A-Number

An Alien Registration Number, or A-Number, is the identification number related to your immigration record. It is displayed on your Green Card.

2. Class of Admission

Class of Admission identifies the immigration category under which you became a Permanent Resident. It is printed on the Green Card.

3. "Resident Since" Meaning

The "Resident Since" date indicates the day when you became a lawful permanent resident. This information might be necessary when completing Form I-90.

4. USCIS Online Account Number

Applicants who previously used USCIS online services might have a USCIS online account number. If you do not have one, follow the current Form I-90 instructions for your situation.

What If Your Green Card Contains Incorrect Information?

You must correct the necessary details on your Green Card if it is found faulty or incorrect using the appropriate filing process. This depends on how the error occurred.

• For instance, an error made by USCIS will be handled differently from information that was incorrect due to an applicant's circumstances or a subsequent legal change.
• Before filing, recheck the current USCIS steps for the specific type of correction you need.

What If Your Name Has Changed?

If your legal name is different, you must provide sufficient evidence to support the name change when filing Form I-90.

A few examples include:

• Marriage certificate
• Divorce decree
• Court order
• Other legal name-change documentation

Providing the exact evidence depends on the situation. Hence, you must review the current USCIS instructions before filing.

What About Conditional Green Card Holders?

A conditional permanent resident usually receives a Green Card, which is valid for 2 years.

• They are required to file Form I-751 to remove conditions on residence rather than filing Form I-90 for a normal Green Card renewal.
• The filing window and conditions depend on the basis for conditional residence.
• Before filing, carefully read the current USCIS instructions if you have a conditional Green Card and do not know which form to apply for.

Conclusion

You need Form I-90 to replace a lost, stolen, damaged, or expired Green Card. This process consists of preparing the necessary information, gathering the supporting documents, paying the applicable fees or requesting a fee waiver (if eligible), and following USCIS instructions after filing. USCIS fees, processing times, and procedures always change. Hence, applicants must verify the latest information before submitting Form I-90. If you are outside the United States and your Green Card is lost or stolen, you can check the current USCIS requirements before making travel arrangements. Do not assume your receipt notice is sufficient proof for a particular purpose.

If you are facing issues, you can contact the experts at Visament. They can provide end-to-end support in replacing your lost or stolen Green Card.