Misplacing your green card can cause a lot of stress, especially if you need it for work, travel, or proof of legal status. If your green card is lost while you're inside the United States, there's a clear process to get it replaced. The good news is: you do not lose your permanent resident status just because the physical card is gone.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about replacing a lost green card in the U.S. You'll learn how to file Form I-90, get temporary proof of status, and avoid common mistakes that lead to delays.
What You'll Learn
If you lost your green card while outside the United States, the process is different. Visit this guide for help returning to the U.S. after losing a green card abroad →
Why Your Green Card Matters
Your green card is your official proof of lawful permanent resident status in the United States. While your status doesn’t change if the card is lost, the lack of physical proof can create complications:
- Trouble proving employment eligibility
- Inability to renew a driver’s license or get a state ID
- Issues with air travel or if stopped by immigration officials
- Delays in accessing government services or benefits
- Challenges applying for citizenship through naturalization
That’s why it’s important to act quickly if your green card is lost.
What Counts as a "Lost Green Card?"
Whether your card was misplaced, destroyed, or stolen, USCIS treats these situations the same way. You’ll need to file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, to obtain a new card.
Even if your green card was simply lost and not stolen, it’s smart to take precautions against identity theft. A lost card could fall into the wrong hands and be misused. If you suspect theft, filing a police report can help protect you. While not required by USCIS, it’s a good step. Learn more in our post about green card identity theft →
Immediate Steps to Take After Losing a Green Card
Losing your green card can disrupt daily life, but acting quickly will minimize problems. By taking a few immediate steps, you can protect your identity, secure temporary proof of status, and start the replacement process with USCIS. Here’s what to do right away if your green card is lost inside the United States.
- Double-check your surroundings – Sometimes cards turn up in bags, drawers, or vehicles.
- Secure your identity – If stolen, consider freezing your credit and monitoring for fraud.
- File Form I-90 – Start your green card replacement process with USCIS.
- Obtain temporary proof of status – Schedule an appointment at a local USCIS office if needed.
How to Replace a Lost Green Card with Form I-90
Start the replacement process as soon as possible. Replacing a lost green card can take several months due to USCIS processing times. The sooner you file Form I-90, the sooner you’ll receive your new card and avoid issues with employment, identification, or travel.
File Form I-90
When filing the application to replace a lost green card, you must include various supporting documents and a USCIS filing fee. For a complete overview on do-it-yourself filing, visit our Form I-90 guide →
CitizenPath makes it easy to prepare your I-90. Our affordable, online service helps you avoid costly delays by reviewing your application for common mistakes. Get started for free on the Green Card Renewal/Replacement Package →
How Long Does It Take to Replace a Lost Green Card?
Typical processing time for Form I-90 is 4 to 8 months, depending on USCIS workloads and how well you've prepared your application. For a more detailed look at what happens after filing your application, see our Form I-90 processing time →
Getting Temporary Proof of Status
While waiting for your new green card, you may need temporary documentation to prove your permanent resident status. You can request a temporary ADIT stamp at a local USCIS field office. It serves as proof of permanent residency. To get this stamp, you'll need to file Form I-90 and then schedule the appointment:
Can You Travel Without a Green Card?
Generally, a green card is not required to fly domestically. If flying domestically without a green card, you must present a valid, Real ID-compliant driver's license or other acceptable federal ID. Traveling domestically by other means, like by road or train, carries less risk, but you should still have a valid government-issued ID and be prepared to show proof of your lawful status if requested. As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver’s licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID compliant are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airports.
If you plan to travel internationally, do not leave the U.S. without your green card or other reentry documents. Should you misplace your card while abroad, follow this guide instead.
If Your Green Card is Lost in the Mail
Sometimes a green card never arrives after USCIS mails it. If your card was lost in the mail, you’ll generally need to file Form I-90 to request a replacement. In some cases, USCIS will issue a new card at no cost.
First, check your case status online to confirm when USCIS mailed the card. Wait at least 30 days from the mailing date, since the card may be returned to USCIS if undeliverable. Also review your application to be sure you provided the correct mailing address.
USCIS will replace your green card for free if:
- USCIS mailed the card over 30 days ago;
- The card was returned to USCIS as undeliverable; and
- You did not move from the address you provided USCIS.
If these conditions aren’t met, you must pay the filing fee when submitting Form I-90.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) After Losing Your Card
How CitizenPath Helps
CitizenPath makes replacing a lost green card simple and affordable. Our step-by-step Green Card Renewal/Replacement Package was designed by immigration attorneys to eliminate common mistakes and get your I-90 application accepted by USCIS.
- Easy online form guided by helpful tips
- Instant alerts if you miss a required detail
- Personalized filing instructions
- Guarantee your application is accepted by USCIS or your money back
Start your Form I-90 now and avoid unnecessary delays.
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