Green Card Replacement: How to Replace a Lost or Damaged Green Card
A green card, officially called a Permanent Resident Card, proves your lawful permanent resident status in the United States. If your card is lost, stolen, damaged, or contains incorrect information, you may need a green card replacement.
This guide explains when you need a replacement, how long it takes, replacement costs, and how to get temporary proof of your status.
Key Takeaways
- Green card replacement applies when your card is lost, stolen, damaged, or incorrect.
- Replacement is different from renewal, which applies to expiring 10-year cards.
- Filing Form I-90 starts the replacement process with USCIS.
- If you need proof of status urgently, you may request an ADIT stamp.
- Replacing your card updates your proof of status but does not change your permanent resident status.
When You Need a Green Card Replacement
Green card replacement is generally required when the physical card is no longer usable or accurate.
Common situations include:
- Your green card was lost or stolen
- Your card was damaged, destroyed, or mutilated
- The card contains incorrect information
- You legally changed your name and need an updated card
- You never received your card after approval
In these cases, your permanent resident status does not automatically end. However, you may need an updated card to work, travel, or verify your identity.
Important: People often worry that a long gap without a card means fines, penalties, or automatic loss of status. In most cases, the issue is simply that you need to replace it, not that your status ended. (If you’ve had arrests, long trips outside the U.S., or past removal proceedings, speak to an immigration attorney.)
Situations That Are Not Eligible for Green Card Replacement
Some situations require a different process.
- Your 10-Year Card Is ExpiringIf your 10-year green card is simply expiring, you don't need a replacement. You likely need green card renewal →
- You Have a Two-Year Conditional Green CardConditional permanent residents may replace a lost or stolen card. However, they cannot replace their two-year card when it expires. Instead, you must file a petition to remove the conditions on your residence before the card expires →
- You Lost Your Card While You Were Outside the United StatesIf your green card is lost, stolen or damaged while traveling abroad for less than one year, you may need to request a boarding foil from a U.S. embassy or consulate →
How to Replace Your Green Card
Green card replacement requires filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. USCIS accepts Form I-90 online or by mail. Most applicants must also attend a biometrics appointment.
The general process includes:
- Filing Form I-90
- Paying the required filing fee
- Receiving a receipt notice from USCIS
- Attending a biometrics appointment (if required)
- Receiving your new green card by mail
Need a fast, reliable way to file correctly? A smooth green card replacement depends on preparing your Form I-90 accurately and completely. Replace your green card quickly with CitizenPath’s simple, affordable Green Card Renewal/Replacement Package →
A Simpler Way to Prepare Your Immigration Paperwork
CitizenPath walks you through the process with step-by-step instructions written for everyday people. As you answer questions, we check your entries for common mistakes and give you alerts if there is a problem.
You receive perfectly prepared USCIS forms and a customized checklist of supporting documents so you know exactly what to include and what to skip. We give you the tools to ensure your case moves smoothly. Get started for free — don't pay until you're ready to file.
Temporary Green Card
If you lose your green card, you may need temporary proof of your permanent resident status while waiting for a replacement.
After filing for green card replacement, USCIS may provide temporary evidence of status in the form of an ADIT stamp (also called an I-551 stamp). The ADIT stamp is placed in your valid passport and serves as temporary proof of lawful permanent resident status. You may use it for employment verification or to return to the United States after travel.
For more details on this temporary evidence of green card status, learn how to obtain an ADIT stamp →
Green Card Replacement Fee
In most cases, the USCIS filing fee to replace a green card is $465 when submitting the paper (PDF) application or $415 online. This amount already includes the required biometrics services fee. Check the current USCIS fee as they do change occasionally.
USCIS may approve a fee waiver for certain applicants who can demonstrate financial hardship. To request a waiver, submit Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, along with supporting documentation.
It is important to submit the correct payment and required documents. Incorrect fees or missing evidence can cause delays or rejection of your application.
Reasons USCIS May Deny a Green Card Replacement Application
Most green card replacements are approved, but USCIS can deny an application in certain situations. A denial does not automatically mean you lose your permanent resident status, but it does mean USCIS has determined there is a reason you may not qualify to replacement at this time. Some possible reasons for a denial include:
- Inadmissibility or Immigration ViolationsIf USCIS finds that you no longer meet the requirements for lawful permanent residence — for example due to unresolved immigration violations or spending extended time outside the United States — your replacement may be denied. Learn about abandonment →
- Criminal History or Other Legal IssuesCertain criminal convictions or arrests that affect admissibility may cause a denial. A background check conducted as part of the replacement process can flag these issues. Learn about filing Form I-90 after an arrest →
A denial does not automatically cancel your permanent resident status, but it is important to act quickly and understand your options. Generally, that means you should speak to an experienced immigration attorney.
How Long Does It Take to Get a New Green Card?
After USCIS receives your application, it will send a receipt notice. USCIS may schedule a biometrics appointment. During this appointment, they collect fingerprints, a photo, and your signature.
You can monitor your case using the USCIS online case status system. Get a more detailed breakdown of what happens after filing a green card replacement application in our Form I-90 processing time →