Green Card Name Change: How to Update Your Card After Marriage or Divorce

Before you can update your green card, you need official proof that your name legally changed. USCIS requires a registered copy of a name change document — not a photocopy. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption decree, or court-issued name change order. Each must be registered with the appropriate civil authority.

The form you file depends on your situation. Use this table to find your path before you get started.

Once you have your legal name change document, you're ready to file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. USCIS uses this form to renew or replace a green card for any qualifying reason, including a name change.

When completing Form I-90, answer "Yes" when asked whether your name has legally changed since the issuance of your Permanent Resident Card. You'll then enter your new legal name. For the reason you are filing, select: "My name or other biographic information has been legally changed since issuance of my existing card."

USCIS will print your updated legal name on your new green card.

Some questions on Form I-90 can be confusing. CitizenPath's Green Card Renewal/Replacement Package walks you through each question step by step, helping you avoid the common mistakes that cause delays or denials. CitizenPath even guarantees USCIS approval.

If you got your green card through marriage and it's a conditional (2-year) card, you have another opportunity to update your name. USCIS issues conditional green cards to permanent residents whose marriage was less than two years old at the time status was granted. You must file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence within the 90-day window before your card expires.

When you file Form I-751, use your current legal name — even if your card still shows a maiden name. Include your name change document as supporting evidence. USCIS will issue your 10-year permanent green card in your updated legal name.

This approach lets you accomplish two things at once: remove conditions on green card status and update your name in a single filing.

Sometimes the name on a green card is wrong because USCIS made a data entry error — not because of anything you did. This happens, and there is a process to correct it.

USCIS requires you to file Form I-90 and select: "My existing card has incorrect data because of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) error." There is no filing fee and no biometrics fee for this type of correction. However, USCIS requires you to submit your original green card — not a copy — along with proof of your correct name, such as a birth certificate, passport, or court order.

Submitting your original card means you will be without a green card while USCIS processes the replacement. To bridge that gap, you can get an I-551 stamp in your passport as temporary proof of permanent resident status. Once you receive your Form I-797C receipt notice, schedule an appointment at your local USCIS field office to obtain the stamp.

While you're waiting for your new green card, you may need to file other USCIS forms. This raises a practical question: which name do you use?

As a general rule, you may continue using your new legal name. However, you may need to submit another copy of your name change document with the green card to establish your identification. CitizenPath's guide on which name to use on USCIS forms breaks this down clearly for each scenario.

If you change your name after becoming a citizen, file Form N-565, Application to Replace Citizenship Document to get an updated Certificate of Naturalization. Include your legal name change document as evidence.

Updating your green card is step one. Once you receive your new card, you'll want to update your other records as well. Common documents to update include:

• Social Security card — Visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) with your new green card and name change document to request an updated card.
• State driver's license or ID — Contact your state DMV. Requirements vary but typically include your green card and name change document.
• Passport — If you hold a foreign passport, contact your home country's consulate. If you've naturalized, apply for a U.S. passport using your Certificate of Naturalization.
• Bank accounts and employer records — Update these after your government IDs reflect your new name to avoid verification mismatches.

USCIS advises that your immigration documents, your SSA records, and your state-issued ID should all match. Inconsistencies between records can create delays in future immigration filings or employment verification.