Renewing or replacing your green card (Form I-90)

Step 1 — Know what expires: the card, not your status

USCIS puts it this way: “While lawful permanent resident status does not expire, barring naturalization or termination of status, a lawful permanent resident must have valid, unexpired proof of lawful permanent residence in their possession at all times” (USCIS — Naturalization FAQ).

Most green cards are valid for 10 years, some have no expiration date, and cards for conditional residents are valid for 2 years (USCIS — Glossary). The card is what you use to prove you can work on Form I-9 and to come back after a trip abroad (USCIS — After We Grant Your Green Card). So an expired card can cause real problems at a new job or at the airport, even though your status hasn’t changed.

Thinking about citizenship? The I-90 page asks you to check the naturalization eligibility tool before you file (USCIS — I-90). If you file Form N-400, its receipt notice extends your green card for 2 years from the “Card Expires” date, but a lost card generally still needs Form I-90 (USCIS — N-400). Our path to citizenship guide explains the steps.

Step 2 — Check that Form I-90 is the right form

According to USCIS, a permanent resident must replace the green card if (USCIS — Replace Your Green Card):

• it has expired or will expire within the next six months;
• it was lost, stolen, mutilated (badly damaged) or destroyed;
• it has incorrect information;
• you legally changed your name or other details on it;
• you never received a card USCIS issued to you;
• you got it before age 14 and have turned 14;
• you have an old version that is no longer valid, such as Form I-151, AR-3 or AR-103;
• you are moving into or out of “commuter” status, which means living in Canada or Mexico and working in the U.S. (USCIS — I-90 instructions), or your status was automatically converted to permanent resident.

Turning 14. USCIS’s registration page (updated September 4, 2026) says a permanent resident who turns 14 must register and be fingerprinted by filing Form I-90, within 30 days after the birthday (USCIS — Alien Registration Requirement). The I-90 instructions explain which reason to choose, depending on whether the card expires before or after age 16 and on when you file (USCIS — I-90 instructions).

A 2-year card is different. Conditional residents can use Form I-90 only for a lost, stolen, damaged or wrong card, a name change, or a card never received (USCIS — Replace Your Green Card). They can’t use it for a card that has expired or will expire within 90 days (USCIS — I-90 instructions), and a 2-year card can’t be renewed (USCIS — Conditional Permanent Residence). See our guide to removing conditions on a green card.

Step 3 — Gather the documents for your reason

The I-90 instructions list what to send for each reason (USCIS — I-90 instructions):

• Renewal: a copy of your expired or expiring card. If you choose this reason and your card won’t expire within six months, your application may be denied.
• Lost, stolen or destroyed: a copy of your card if you have one, or a government-issued ID with your name, date of birth, photo and signature, such as a passport or driver’s license.
• Never received: a copy of the latest Form I-797 notice for the application that should have produced the card, plus a government photo ID. If the card was mailed to your address and never returned to USCIS as undeliverable, the instructions say to file it as lost instead.
• Error made by the government: your original card (a copy isn’t accepted) and proof of the correct information.
• Legal name change: documents such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order, registered with the proper civil authority.

Send copies unless USCIS asks for originals; originals sent when not requested may be destroyed. Documents in another language need a full English translation, with the translator’s signed certification (USCIS — I-90 instructions).

About fees: if your card has an error that isn’t your fault, you generally file a new form but don’t pay a new fee; for a lost, stolen or damaged card, you generally pay again (USCIS — Immigration documents).

Step 4 — File Form I-90 online or by mail

You can file online or by mail (USCIS — I-90).

• Online: you need a free USCIS online account. It lets you pay online, follow your case and update your address (USCIS — I-90).
• By mail: use the current edition of the form, with all pages from the same edition, and the mailing address shown on the I-90 page. USCIS rejects forms that are unsigned or missing your family name, mailing address or date of birth. It scans paper forms and creates an online account for you (USCIS — I-90).

USCIS mails green cards only to a U.S. address (USCIS — I-90 instructions), and it gives no refund if you withdraw your application (USCIS — I-90).

The form also asks whether you have ever been in removal proceedings, or found to have abandoned your status. A “yes” needs a detailed explanation (USCIS — I-90 instructions). If that applies to you, or if you have ever been arrested, read our guide to free immigration legal help before you file.

Step 5 — Go to your biometrics appointment

If USCIS needs your biometrics (fingerprints, photo and/or signature), it mails you a notice with the date, time and place (USCIS — I-90 instructions). Your receipt notice “does NOT serve as notification of your biometrics appointment” (USCIS — Replace Your Green Card). For Form I-90, USCIS also uses your biometrics to produce the new card (USCIS — Biometrics appointment).

• Bring your appointment notice (Form I-797C) and a valid photo ID, such as your green card, passport or driver’s license (USCIS — Biometrics appointment).
• Need a new date? Ask through your USCIS online account before the appointment, with a good reason. Less than 12 hours before, call the Contact Center (USCIS — Biometrics appointment). If you miss it, USCIS may deny your application (USCIS — I-90 instructions).
• Language: if you don’t understand spoken English, you can bring someone to translate (USCIS — Biometrics appointment).

USCIS uses biometrics for background checks, including FBI criminal history records (USCIS — I-90 instructions).

Step 6 — Use your receipt notice while you wait

Renewals. The I-90 receipt notice, with your expired card, “provides evidence of your lawful permanent resident status for 36 months from the expiration date on your Permanent Resident Card. You remain authorized to work and travel” (USCIS — Replace Your Green Card). USCIS started printing this 36-month wording on September 10, 2024; earlier notices said 24 months (USCIS — 36-month alert). Keep the notice with your card.

At work. For Form I-9, a new employee may show an expired card with this receipt notice as a List A document (USCIS — I-9 Central). For Form I-9 questions about it, the notice gives the number 888-897-7781 (USCIS — Replace Your Green Card).

No card at all? After you file, USCIS “may issue” an ADIT stamp, a temporary proof of status (USCIS — Replace Your Green Card). To ask for one, request an appointment online or call the Contact Center (USCIS — Contact Center).

While your case is open: wait 72 hours after filing to check your case status online, and update your mailing address through your online account if you move (USCIS — Replace Your Green Card). Our change of address guide covers the 10-day rule. A denial can’t be appealed, but you can file a motion to reopen or reconsider (USCIS — Replace Your Green Card).

Step 7 — Plan around trips abroad

If your card is about to expire and you plan to travel, USCIS recommends that you apply for, and receive, the new card before you leave (USCIS — I-90 instructions). CBP says you may show your expired card with the receipt notice to return to the U.S. It adds that it can’t claim this is enough “to gain entry to other countries” (CBP). Our guide to traveling abroad as a green card holder covers a card that is lost abroad or expires during a trip.