Green Card Replacement Guide
Replacing a Lost or Stolen Green Card
What do I need to know about green card replacement?
Green card replacement is the process of getting a new Permanent Resident Card when your current one is lost or stolen. You must file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). While the new card may take months to arrive, you can request temporary proof of your lawful permanent resident status.
U.S. law requires permanent residents age 18 or older to carry proof of their status at all times. If your card is lost, stolen, or incorrect, you must apply for a green card replacement. While a new card typically takes several months to arrive, there are ways to obtain temporary proof of your permanent resident status much more quickly.
How to Replace a Green Card
Which application should I use to replace the card?
To replace your green card, you’ll need to file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, with USCIS. Generally, lawful permanent residents and conditional residents may use this green card replacement application.
Follow these basic steps:
- Gather your documents – You’ll need a photocopy of your current green card (or other government-issued ID) and supporting documents as applicable (e.g. legal name change).
- Complete Form I-90 – Prepare and file the application carefully to ensure smooth processing.
- Pay the filing fee – Most applicants must pay a fee, which includes a biometrics appointment.
- Attend your biometrics appointment – USCIS will take your fingerprints, photo, and signature.
- Wait for processing – USCIS will review your case and mail your new green card once approved.
You may obtain the application through the USCIS website. If you want help to make sure it's prepared correctly, CitizenPath provides an affordable Green Card Renewal/Replacement Package.
Reasons to Replace a Card
When should I replace my green card?
By law, permanent residents age 18 and older must have a valid, unexpired green card (or equivalent identification) at all times. Valid reasons to use the I-90 application include:
- Your card was lost, stolen or destroyed
- Your card was issued but never received
- Your name or other biographic information has been legally changed
- Your card was mutilated
- You have a prior edition of the Alien Registration Card
- Your card has incorrect data
- You have reached your 14th birthday and are registering as required
How Long Does It Take to Replace a Green Card
When will I receive my new card?
The USCIS historical average processing times for a green card replacement are on the rise. However, many CitizenPath customers receive their new cards more quickly thanks to properly prepared applications. The best way to improve processing time is by submitting your green card replacement application package correctly.
For a detailed breakdown of what happens after filing the application, visit our current Form I-90 processing timeline.
In a hurry? Using CitizenPath, you can prepare the application in about 15 minutes.
Temporary Green Card
Can I get proof of my legal status before my card arrives?
You may need urgent proof of your permanent resident status to travel abroad, renew a driver’s license, get a new job, or apply for a mortgage. USCIS does not issue temporary green cards, but you can get temporary proof in the form of an ADIT stamp in your passport. It's not a green card, but it is valid evidence of your permanent residence and is the equivalent of a green card.
You will need a valid, unexpired passport from your home country. If yours is expired, you'll need to renew it through your country's consulate in the United States. Follow these steps to quickly get proof of permanent residence.
Prepare and File Form I-90
For green card replacement, you'll need to file Form I-90 with USCIS. You may obtain the application directly from USCIS.gov and prepare it on your own. Or use CitizenPath's Green Card Renewal/Replacement Package to make it easy. We provide a low-cost service that helps you prepare the application in about 15 minutes. The service helps to eliminate common I-90 errors, delays and rejections. We even guarantee USCIS approval.
Get Your Receipt Number
In order to get your USCIS appointment, you’ll need proof that you filed Form I-90. USCIS will mail you Form I-797C Notice of Action (receipt notice) approximately 2 to 4 weeks after filing. If you’ve filed G-1145 with your form, you’ll also get a receipt number by text or e-mail more quickly.
Request an Appointment for the ADIT Stamp
It’s most convenient to schedule your appointment online. When scheduling, select “ADIT Stamp” as the reason for your appointment. Be prepared with your I-90 receipt number and alien registration number. If you have an extremely urgent request or you don't have required information, you may need to call USCIS.
Alternatively, call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 and request the ADIT stamp. Be prepared with your receipt number and an explanation why you need urgent proof of your permanent resident status. For example, you may need proof of permanent resident status for employment or to reenter the U.S. after an upcoming trip abroad. USCIS does not make it easy to reach a live person. When the automated system answers, wait for it to ask “How can I help you?” Then, say “Schedule an Appointment.” This may help put you in a queue to talk to a live agent.
Attend USCIS Appointment for ADIT Stamp
Appear at your local USCIS office for the scheduled appointment with proof that you've started the green card replacement process (receipt notice) and evidence of an urgent need. For example, use your tickets as evidence if you have an urgent need to travel abroad. If you have a sick relative, try to get a doctor's note or other evidence demonstrating the situation and urgent need to travel. Likewise, get a job offer letter if you need proof for employment. The USCIS officer will generally add an ADIT stamp to your passport. You may use the stamped passport just like a green card.
- Valid, unexpired passport
- Copy of most recent green card (if available)
- Appointment notice (if available)
- Form I-797 Notice of Action (I-90 receipt notice)
- Evidence of urgent need (e.g. airline tickets/receipt, doctor’s letter, job offer, mortgage documents, etc.)
Green Card Replacement Fee
How much does it cost to replace a green card?
In most cases, the USCIS filing fee to replace a green card is $465 when submitting the PDF. The fee already includes a biometrics screening fee. If you a replacing a card due to a USCIS error, there will be no fee. Additionally, USCIS provides a fee waiver for certain individuals who can demonstrate financial hardship. See Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, for more information. It's important to submit the correct payment and any required supporting documents to avoid delays or rejection.
Form I-90 (Application to Replace a Permanent Resident Card)
Use Form I-90 to renew or replace a green card. Each year, USCIS rejects or denies thousands of I-90 applications. Therefore, it's important to get it right.
* Data based on USCIS Forms Data and Lockbox Rejection Data.
Replacing a Green Card Due to Incorrect Information
What can I do if USCIS prints my card wrong?
If your green card has a mistake — such as a misspelled name, incorrect name, or wrong date of birth — you must request a replacement. Errors caused by USCIS (for example, a typo after you submitted accurate information) can be corrected by refiling Form I-90 without a filing fee. However, if the error is due to incorrect information you provided, you will need to submit Form I-90 and pay the standard fee. Having accurate information on your card is critical since you use it for employment, travel, and other official purposes.
Reasons to Deny a Green Card Replacement Application
Is everyone eligible to replace a card?
Although it is not common, USCIS can potentially deny a replacement application. Here are key issues that may trigger a denial, especially if your history includes arrest history or significant immigration violations.
- Criminal history trigger: USCIS conducts a background check during the biometrics appointment, and even arrests without convictions or minor offenses can be treated as deportable or inadmissible, depending on U.S. immigration law at the time.
- Immigration violations: USCIS may deny a green card replacement if there are violations such as abandonment of permanent residence or providing false information in past immigration applications. These issues can affect your status as a lawful permanent resident.
Because USCIS reviews every applicant’s criminal and immigration record, any arrest or unresolved issue should be evaluated before you apply. Learn more about filing Form I-90 after an arrest.
Name Change with Your Green Card Replacement
How do I change my name on a green card?
If you’ve legally changed your name — due to marriage, divorce, adoption, or a court order — you can update your name when you replace your green card. As you prepare Form I-90, select “Yes” when asked if your name has legally changed since your last card. You will need to provide a copy of a legal name change document (like a marriage certificate or court decree). USCIS will issue your new green card with your updated legal name. CitizenPath will support you through the name change or you can get more details in our post about How to Do a Green Card Name Change After Marriage or Divorce.
CitizenPath Makes It Easy to Replace Your Card
Who can help me?
CitizenPath's affordable, online service makes it easy to prepare Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. Designed by immigration lawyers, the Green Card Renewal/Replacement Package helps you eliminate the common errors that create delays, rejections and even denials. That's because the service alerts you when your answer to a question may be a problem. There's even live customer support and a money-back guarantee that USCIS will approve the application. Learn more about the Green Card Renewal/Replacement Package >>
STEP 1 | Check Eligibility | |
We're going to ask you a few questions to make sure you're eligible and preparing the correct form. | ||
STEP 2 | Prepare Form I-90 | |
Our software guides you through the green card replacement process with simple step-by-step instructions. | ||
STEP 3 | Download, Print and File | |
Once you're completely satisfied, you’ll be able to print your I-90 and customized filing instructions. | ||
