If you’re a U.S. permanent resident, your green card contains several important numbers. One of the most unique is the green card number, also known as the permanent resident card number. This identifier helps track the specific card issued to you and the case associated with the card's creation. In this guide, you’ll learn where to find it, what it means, and why it matters.
What Is a Green Card Number?
The green card number is a 13-character identifier that generally begins with three letters followed by a series of 10 numbers. Each of these characters has significance.
However, your green card number is different than your alien registration number (A-Number) and USCIS number. The number is not random — it contains useful information about your immigration case, including the service center and the year it was processed. In fact, it's based on the USCIS receipt number from the case that resulted in the issuance of your green card.
Where to Find the Green Card Number
On most modern green cards, the green card number is printed in a specific location, but the exact placement can vary depending on when your card was issued.
Newer Green Cards (Issued After May 2010)
If your green card was issued in the last decade, your green card number is located in the machine-readable zone on the back of the card. The example above is a never version of the green card.
Older Green Cards (Issued Before May 2010)
For green cards issued before the 2010 redesign, the green card number may appear on the front of the card, typically in the lower half in the machine-readable zone. In some cases, older cards do not display a green card number at all.
What Does the Green Card Number Mean?
The green card number encodes information about your case. While you don’t need to decode it, knowing what the parts represent can help you understand your immigration history. Here’s how to read it:
Service Center (TSC 15 005 40816)
Every green card number begins with three letters that represent the service center that received the case. There are several codes for USCIS service centers. They include:
CSC – California Service Center EAC – Eastern Adjudication Center (now known as Vermont Service Center) IOE – ELIS (efile) LIN – Lincoln Service Center (now known as Nebraska Service Center) MSC – Missouri Service Center (now known as National Benefits Center) NBC – National Benefits Center NSC – Nebraska Service Center SRC – Southern Regional Center (now known as Texas Service Center) TSC – Texas Service Center VSC – Vermont Service Center WAC – Western Adjudication Center (now known as California Service Center) YSC – Potomac Service Center
Fiscal Year (TSC 15 005 40816)
The second set of digits represent the fiscal year that the case was received. Government agencies use a fiscal year that is different from the calendar year. It begins on October 1 and ends on September 30. So our example green card case was opened between October 2014 and September 2015.
Computer Workday (TSC 15 005 40816)
The third set of digits indicates the computer workday that the case was opened. The computer workday is basically the same thing as a workday. Therefore it excludes most weekends and holidays. Our example case was opened on the 5th workday of the 2015 fiscal year (October 7, 2015).
Case Number (TSC 15 005 40816)
The final set of five digits is the case number.
Green Card Number vs. Alien Registration Number (A-Number)
These two numbers are often confused. They most definitely are not the same thing. Here's how they differ:
| Feature | Green Card Number | A-Number |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Identifies a specific green card | Identifies the person |
| Format | 13 characters (e.g., SRC2100456789) | 7–9 digits (e.g., A123456789) |
| Location | Back of newer green cards | Front of green card and other documents |
| Changes? | Yes, each time a new card is issued | No, remains the same for life |
| Used on Forms? | Rarely | Frequently (e.g., Form I-130, N-400) |
Your A-Number is your permanent ID in the USCIS system, while the green card number identifies the actual card you’re holding.
What If You Lost Your Number?
If you’ve lost your green card number, it likely means your physical green card is missing. Fortunately, the number itself isn’t essential for most immigration tasks. It identifies the card, not you. The number generally isn't required for preparing USCIS forms or requesting immigration benefits.
Instead, you should focus on green card replacement. File Form I-90 to request a new card. You’ll need your A-Number and basic personal details, but not the green card number. Services like CitizenPath's Green Card Renewal/Replacement Package can help you avoid mistakes and delays when applying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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