Replace Your Green Card: Complete 2025 Guide for Permanent Residents in the USA
If you are a lawful permanent resident or a conditional permanent resident living in the United States, there may come a time when you need to replace your Green Card. Many people are unsure of the process, but the truth is that it can be simple once you know the right steps. Whether your Green Card has expired, been lost, stolen, or damaged, filing the correct form with USCIS ensures that you stay protected and maintain your proof of lawful permanent resident status.
The official way to replace a Green Card is by filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. This form can be completed online or by mail, but most applicants today choose the online option. Filing online gives you the convenience of applying through your computer, phone, or tablet, receiving instant confirmation that USCIS has received your application, and getting updates directly in your account. You can even communicate with USCIS representatives through the online system, which makes the process of replacing a Green Card much faster and easier.
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After you apply to replace your Green Card, USCIS will send you a receipt notice. If you are renewing an expired Green Card, this receipt notice can be used together with your expired card as evidence of your lawful permanent resident status. The notice is valid for 36 months from the expiration date printed on your card. This means that even while you are waiting for your new card to arrive, you remain authorized to work and travel legally within the United States and abroad. For many people, this reassurance is one of the most important parts of the replacement process.
In situations where your Green Card is lost or stolen and you no longer have the physical card with you, USCIS may issue what is called an ADIT stamp in your passport after you file Form I-90. This stamp serves as temporary proof of your lawful permanent resident status until your replacement Green Card arrives. It is especially useful if you need immediate evidence for work, travel, or legal identification purposes.
Some applicants will also be required to attend a biometrics appointment as part of the process to replace a Green Card. USCIS will send you a notice by mail if fingerprints, photos, or signatures are needed. It is important to remember that the initial receipt notice is not the same as a biometrics appointment notice, so you must wait for the separate mailing if biometrics are required.
If you already submitted your application to replace your Green Card, USCIS may mail you a new updated receipt notice. This new notice can also be used as temporary evidence of your lawful status and work authorization until your new card arrives. However, if you are outside the United States and your Green Card is set to expire within six months, you should wait until you return to the U.S. before filing Form I-90. Filing is only allowed from within the United States.
It is also very important to note that if you are a conditional permanent resident, you cannot simply file Form I-90 to replace your Green Card it expires. Instead, you must file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence. Only after USCIS approves this petition will you be able to receive a standard 10-year Green Card. This is one of the most common mistakes people make when applying for a replacement card.
During the waiting period, you may need assistance with your case. The USCIS Contact Center is available online where you can connect with a live representative in English or Spanish for help. If you move to a new address while your application is pending, it is very important to update your information through your USCIS online account so that your new Green Card is mailed to the correct location. For questions related to using your expired Green Card and receipt notice for employment purposes, you can also contact the official I-9 helpline.
Understanding how and when to replace a Green Card is essential for every lawful permanent resident in the United States. Your Green Card is not just proof of identity; it is evidence of your right to live, work, and travel as a permanent resident. If your card is expired, lost, damaged, or stolen, do not delay the process. File Form I-90 as soon as possible, keep your receipt notice safe, and stay compliant with immigration requirements. By following the right steps, you can ensure that replacing your Green Card is a smooth and stress-free experience.
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