Green Card Renewal with Form I-90

What Is Green Card Renewal with Form I-90?

Green card renewal means asking USCIS for a new Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) because your current one is expiring, expired, lost or wrong. You request it with Form I-90. Renewal replaces the plastic card only. Your permanent resident status itself does not expire with the card.

This page is part of our uscis forms hub and focuses on the card replacement process.

The card vs your status

Your lawful permanent resident (LPR) status lasts until you give it up, become a citizen, or lose it through a removal order. The card is only the proof. An expired card still matters, though: employers, airlines and the DMV may refuse it, so keep your proof current.

What "green card renewal application name" refers to

People often search for the official name of the renewal form. It is Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. USCIS uses the word "replace" for renewals, so the same form covers an expiring card, a damaged card and a card with a typo.

Who Needs to File Form I-90?

You need Form I-90 if you are a permanent resident with a 10-year card that is expiring or expired, or if your card was lost, stolen, damaged, never received, or printed with wrong information. Children who got a card before age 14 also file it after turning 14.

Residents with an expiring 10-year card

This is the most common group. Most green cards are valid for 10 years; conditional green cards for 2 years. When the 10-year date nears, you file Form I-90 to get a fresh card. The new card has a new expiration date and a new card number.

Residents replacing a card for another reason

You also use the same green card renewal application if your card is gone or no longer accurate. Examples include a card lost in a move or one showing an old married name.

10-Year Card vs 2-Year Conditional Card

The type of card you hold decides your form. A 10-year card is renewed with Form I-90. A 2-year conditional card, issued after a recent marriage or an investor visa, cannot be renewed. You remove the conditions instead, which leads to a 10-year card if approved.

How to tell which card you have

Look at the dates on the front. If the "Card Expires" date is two years after the "Resident Since" date, you most likely hold a conditional card. The category code on the card also helps: marriage-based conditional codes usually start with "CR," while investor codes often start with "E."

Card types compared

Check which card you hold before you open any form. The table shows the takeaway: a 10-year card is renewed with Form I-90, a 2-year card is not.

Can You Renew a 2-Year Conditional Green Card?

No. A 2-year green card renewal with Form I-90 is not possible. Conditional residents remove conditions with Form I-751 (marriage) or Form I-829 (investment). USCIS warns not to submit I-90 for this purpose, and a wrong filing wastes the fee and time.

The marriage-based path

For a 2 year green card renewal marriage case, you and your spouse usually file Form I-751 together. File in the 90 days before your 2-year card expires. Our I-751 removal of conditions guide covers joint filing, waivers and evidence of a real marriage.

When a conditional resident does use I-90

There is one narrow case. If your conditional card was lost, stolen or damaged while still valid, and you are not yet in the window to remove conditions, Form I-90 can replace it. Even then, the replacement card keeps the same 2-year end date.

Proof once Form I-751 is filed

I-751 receipt notice extends conditional status and work authorization for 48 months. Carry that receipt notice with your expired card. This is a different rule from the I-90 extension, so do not mix up the two time periods.

When Should You File Your Green Card Renewal Application?

File your green card renewal application when your 10-year card is close to expiring or has already expired. USCIS sets the earliest filing window on its I-90 page; filing too early can lead to a rejection. If your card is already expired, file as soon as you can.

If your card expires soon

Check the expiration date on your card and write it on your calendar. Then read the timing note on the official USCIS I-90 page. File I-90 if your card is lost, damaged, wrong, expiring within 6 months, or you turned 14. Filing inside that six-month window is normal and avoids a gap in proof.

How filing early prevents a gap

Filing within the window gives you a receipt notice before the old card runs out, so there is no gap in your proof. Employers and officers then see current proof.

If your card already expired

An expired card does not mean you lost status, and USCIS does not deny an I-90 just because the card has expired. Still, file promptly. Until your receipt notice arrives, you have no valid card to show an employer, airline or border officer.

If you plan to apply for citizenship

Some residents file for citizenship instead of renewing. You can file the N-400 up to 90 days before you reach 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen) as a permanent resident. If you are eligible, read our citizenship application guide. USCIS still expects you to carry valid proof of status while an N-400 is pending.

Who Should Not Use Form I-90?

Form I-90 is the wrong form for conditional residents removing conditions, for people who abandoned residence by living abroad, and for anyone who is not yet a permanent resident. Using it in these cases leads to a rejection or denial and does not fix the underlying status problem.

People without permanent resident status

If you have a pending Form I-485 and no card yet, I-90 does not apply. You wait for the first card from the adjustment case. Family members who still need a petition should start with the i 130 family petition, not a card form.

Residents who lived abroad for a long time

If you stayed outside the United States long enough that your residence may be considered abandoned, a card renewal does not solve that. You may need a returning resident (SB-1) visa from a U.S. consulate. Talk to an immigration attorney before you file anything.

Residents in removal proceedings

If you are in immigration court, or a judge has ordered your removal, your status may be at issue. A new card cannot override that process. Get legal help first, then decide whether a card filing makes sense.

Reasons for Application: Which Box Applies to You?

Part 2 of Form I-90 asks why you are filing, and you pick one reason for application. The reason decides what evidence you send and, in some cases, whether you pay a fee. Pick the box that matches your situation exactly.

The most common reasons

Pick the one row that matches your situation; the reason you choose decides the evidence and sometimes the fee. If two rows fit, choose the more specific reason.

Can You Renew Your Green Card Online?

Yes. You can renew your green card online by filing Form I-90 through a free USCIS online account. Online filing is available for most reasons, costs less than paper, and gives you a receipt number at once. A few special situations still require a paper form.

What you need to start

Create your account at myaccount.uscis.gov/create-account. Have your card or A-Number, your current address, and digital copies of your evidence ready. Scans should be clear, in color where possible, and show both sides of the card. Save your progress as you go.

Online vs paper at a glance

The cost difference comes from the fee schedule. As of October 2026, USCIS lists the I-90 fee as $465 (paper) / $415 (online). Online filing also gives you instant notices and lets you upload evidence later.

How to Renew Your Green Card Online, Step by Step

To renew your green card online, sign in to your USCIS account, start Form I-90, answer each question, upload your evidence, pay, and submit. The system checks required fields before it lets you file, which prevents many rejections. Your receipt appears right away.

Filling in the online form

1. Choose "File a form online" and select Form I-90.
2. Pick your reason for application.
3. Enter your name exactly as it appears on your card, unless you are changing it.
4. Enter your A-Number. Your A-Number is the 'USCIS#' printed on the front of green cards issued after May 10, 2010.
5. Answer the biographic and processing questions honestly.

Uploading, paying and submitting

Upload the front and back of your card, plus any name-change documents. Review the summary page; you cannot edit after submitting. Pay with a bank account or card on the payment screen, then save the confirmation. Your IOE receipt number appears in the account within moments.

After you press submit

The account shows your case, notices and any biometrics letter. If you file on paper, USCIS scans the form and later sends an account notice so you can follow the case online too. See our uscis online account number guide for how that number differs from a receipt number.

Filing Form I-90 on Paper by Mail

A paper Form I-90 is a valid choice if you prefer mail or your situation requires it. You download the current edition from uscis.gov, fill it in, sign it, and mail it with the fee and evidence to the USCIS lockbox address listed on the I-90 page.

Getting the paper form right

As of October 2026, USCIS lists edition 01/20/25. Every page must show that edition at the bottom. USCIS rejects an unsigned form and rejects forms missing required Part 1 fields: your family name, mailing address and date of birth.

Mailing tips that prevent problems

• Use the address on the official I-90 page; USPS and courier addresses differ.
• Mailing to the wrong place can slow your case.
• Send copies, not originals, unless USCIS asks.
• Attach Form G-1145 if you want an email or text when the lockbox accepts your package.

Where Do You Go to Renew a Green Card?

You do not go to an office to renew a green card. You file Form I-90 online or mail it to a USCIS lockbox. The only in-person stop is usually a biometrics appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC), which USCIS schedules for you.

Why there is no walk-in renewal

USCIS processes I-90 cases centrally. Local field offices do not accept renewal forms at the counter. If someone tells you to "go to the immigration office to renew," they likely mean the biometrics visit, which only happens after USCIS mails you an appointment notice.

When an office visit makes sense

You may need an in-person appointment for an urgent need, such as an I-551 stamp for travel. Request an in-person appointment online at my.uscis.gov/en/appointment/v2 or call 800-375-5283. Bring your passport, any USCIS notices and proof of the urgent need.

Documents to Gather Before You File

For most renewals, you need a copy of the front and back of your current card. Add a government-issued photo ID if the card is lost, and legal proof if any details changed. USCIS may ask for more evidence later through a request.

Core documents by situation

• Expiring or expired card: copy of the card.
• Lost or stolen card: passport, driver's license or state ID.
• Name change: marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order.
• Gender marker update: the evidence described in the current instructions.
• USCIS error: the card itself, showing the error.

Translations and copies

Any document not in English needs a full English translation and a signed translator certification. Send clear photocopies. Keep a full copy of your filing. Never send your only original.

Green Card Renewal Filing Checklist You Can Copy

Use this checklist before you submit Form I-90. It covers the points that most often cause rejections or delays. Work through both parts in order. The first part checks your answers while you fill in the form; the second checks the package right before you mail it or press submit online. Print it and tick each line.

Checklist: before you fill in the form

1. Card type confirmed as 10-year (not conditional).
2. Correct reason for application chosen.
3. Name, A-Number and birth date match your records.
4. Current mailing address entered, with apartment number.

If item 1 fails, stop: a conditional card needs a different form.

Checklist: before you submit

5. Card copies (or photo ID) attached.
6. Name-change proof attached, if needed.
7. Fee amount checked against the latest schedule.
8. Form signed and dated.
9. Copy of the full package saved.

Paper filers should also confirm the mailing address for their state.

Replacing a Lost or Damaged Green Card

A lost, stolen or damaged green card is replaced with the same Form I-90. You choose the matching reason, send photo ID instead of the card if it is gone, and pay the listed fee. The new card gets a new card number.

A damaged card

A card that is cracked, faded, bent or unreadable by a scanner should be replaced. Choose the "mutilated" reason. USCIS may ask you to send the damaged card, so keep it safe until you receive instructions.

A lost card and identity theft

If you think someone stole your card, file a police report and watch your credit. Our full lost green card guide covers the steps abroad and at home. You can find your old number details in our green card number guide.

What If Your Card Was Stolen or Never Arrived?

A stolen card is replaced with Form I-90 under the lost, stolen or destroyed reason. A card that never arrived may qualify for a free replacement if USCIS mailed it to the right address and it was not delivered. File a police report for theft.

When the card never reached you

First, check your online status. If it shows "Card Was Mailed To Me," ask the post office about the tracking number. If the card came back to USCIS, you may see a card returned to USCIS message, which needs a different fix.

The address problem

If USCIS mailed the card to an old address because you did not report a move, you usually pay the fee for a replacement. That is why you should report every move within 10 days. Our uscis change of address guide explains how.

Fixing Wrong Information on Your Card

If your card has a spelling error, wrong birth date or wrong gender marker, file Form I-90 to correct it. When the error was made by USCIS, there is often no fee. When the error came from your own application, you usually pay the regular fee.

USCIS error vs your error

The table shows when a corrected card costs nothing and when you pay the full fee again. Errors in USCIS data entry are usually fixed for free.

Proving it was a USCIS error

Send a copy of the card and, if you have it, a copy of the original application showing the correct details. Clear proof makes it easier for the officer to agree the error was not yours.

Turning 14 With a Green Card

Children who received a green card before age 14 generally must replace it after their 14th birthday. The child files Form I-90 so USCIS can take updated biometrics. Depending on when the card expires, the filing may have no fee, as the fee schedule explains.

Checking whether a fee applies

The G-1055 fee schedule lists the no-fee cases for I-90, including the age-14 case where the card expires after the 16th birthday. Our green card renewal fee page walks through each no-fee situation.

What Happens After You File Form I-90?

After you file Form I-90, USCIS sends a receipt notice (Form I-797C), schedules biometrics if needed, reviews your case, and then approves or denies it. On approval, USCIS produces and mails your new card. Keep the receipt notice safe, since it extends your proof of status.

The receipt notice

The receipt notice is your most important document while you wait. I-797C = Notice of Action (receipt, rejection, transfer, appointment, re-open); not proof of status by itself. For I-90 filers, the receipt also extends your card's proof of status, which is explained below.

The Biometrics Appointment for Form I-90

The biometrics appointment is a short visit to an Application Support Center where USCIS takes your photo, signature and fingerprints for the new card. You attend only if USCIS mails or posts an appointment notice. Bring the notice and a photo ID.

What to bring

• Your appointment notice.
• Your current or expired green card.
• A passport or other photo ID.

Arrive on time. Our biometrics appointment guide explains what happens inside and how to reschedule.

If you miss the appointment

Missing biometrics without rescheduling can lead to a denial. If you cannot attend, follow the reschedule instructions on the notice before the date. Keep proof that you asked. Act fast.

Form I-90 Status Sequence: What Each Update Means

An I-90 case usually moves from Case Was Received to fingerprints, review, approval, card production and mailing. The table below explains what each message means for a renewal and what you should do. Not every case shows every step. Skipped steps are normal.

Status sequence table

Find your latest message in the first column. The usual pattern is a long wait before approval, then quick production and mailing updates.

Reading the later stages

When you see new card is being produced, the decision is done. The final step, card was mailed to me, usually includes a USPS tracking number in the status text.

How Do You Check Your Green Card Renewal Status?

You check your green card renewal status by entering your I-90 receipt number at Case Status Online: egov.uscis.gov, or by signing in to your USCIS online account. The account also shows notices and, for I-90, a personalized estimate when available.

Using the receipt number

Your receipt number is printed on the I-797C notice. Enter it without dashes. Our uscis receipt number hub explains the format and the three-letter prefix. The prefix shows which office handles your case.

Using your online account

Online filers see the case automatically. Paper filers can link it. myProgress: personalized estimates in your USCIS online account (I-130, I-485, I-765, I-131, I-821, N-400, I-90). You also see notices there before the mail arrives.

Calling the Contact Center

If the online tools do not work, call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283. Have your receipt number and A-Number ready. Our uscis contact number page lists every line and the best times to call.

Reading the I-797C Receipt Notice for Your I-90

The I-90 receipt notice shows your receipt number, the date USCIS received your application, your name, and the form type. For renewals, it also states that the notice, together with your card, extends proof of your status. Check every detail the day it arrives.

Fields to check first

• Receipt number: you need it for every status check.
• Received date: this is the date the extension counts from in many cases.
• Name and A-Number: errors here should be reported quickly.

Green Card Renewal Time and Fee: The Short Version

Renewal time depends on your case and the office handling it. USCIS posts current estimates at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times, and our page on how long does green card renewal take explains how to read them. The fee is $465 (paper) / $415 (online); see the green card renewal fee guide for no-fee cases.

Can you speed up a renewal?

USCIS accepts expedite requests only for limited reasons, such as an urgent humanitarian need. Read our uscis expedite request guide before asking. Wanting the card sooner is not enough; you need proof such as a medical or travel emergency.

Proving Status While Your Renewal Is Pending

While your I-90 is pending, you prove your status with your expired or expiring card plus the I-90 receipt notice. I-90 receipt notice + expired card = proof of status for 36 months from the card's expiration date. If you have no card at all, you may need an I-551 stamp.

Showing proof to an employer

For employment checks, show the receipt notice with your card. Point them to the USCIS "Replace Your Green Card" page, which explains the extension, and make sure they see the expiration date on your card, because the extra time is counted from that date.

Options compared

Most people never need more than the receipt notice. The figure compares three kinds of proof while you wait: the receipt notice with your expired card, an I-551 stamp, and the new card. Ask for a stamp only if the receipt is refused or your card is lost.

Can You Travel While Your Green Card Renewal Is Pending?

Yes, most permanent residents can travel while Form I-90 is pending, if they carry the expired card and the I-90 receipt notice. Airlines and border officers may still ask questions, so carry your passport and any other USCIS notices too.

Before you book a trip

• Make sure the receipt notice is the original or a clear printout.
• Check that the extension period on the notice covers your return date.
• Do not travel without any card at all; ask for an I-551 stamp first.

Our green card holder travel rules guide covers long trips and reentry.

Can You Work With an Expired Green Card?

Yes, your right to work comes from your permanent resident status, not from the card. For the I-9 employment check, the expired card plus the I-90 receipt notice works as proof during the extension period. Without a receipt notice, an expired card alone may be refused.

What to tell your employer

Explain that you filed Form I-90 and show the receipt. Offer the USCIS page that describes the extension. If they still refuse, refer them to the I-9 Central page or ask USCIS for an I-551 stamp.

Getting an I-551 Stamp (ADIT) as Temporary Proof

An I-551 stamp, also called an ADIT stamp, is temporary proof of permanent residence placed in your passport or on a form. It helps when your card is lost or you need urgent proof. I-551/ADIT stamp: temporary proof of green card status; request through the USCIS Contact Center (800-375-5283).

When to ask for one

• Your card is lost and you need to travel soon.
• Your employer refuses the receipt notice.
• You need proof for a benefit that will not accept the receipt.

Request the stamp through the Contact Center, which can book an appointment.

Learning more

Our i 551 stamp guide explains what the stamp looks like and how long it is valid. That page also covers how to request a new stamp when an old one expires, and what to do if the officer writes a wrong name or date on it.

What If USCIS Asks for More Evidence on Your I-90?

A request for evidence (RFE) means USCIS needs more proof before it decides your I-90. Common examples are a clearer copy of your card, proof of a name change, or proof of identity. Reply by the deadline on the notice with exactly what it asks for.

How to reply well

• Read the full request and list every item.
• Send everything in one response.
• Include the RFE cover page on top.

Our rfe meaning guide covers deadlines and what happens if you miss one.

Why Would a Green Card Renewal Be Denied?

An I-90 is usually denied because the wrong form was used, biometrics were missed, an RFE was not answered, or the officer finds that you are no longer a permanent resident. Most of these are avoidable if you read every USCIS notice promptly.

Common denial reasons

Each row pairs a denial reason with a way to avoid it. Most are preventable by answering every notice on time and filing the right form.

After a denial

A denial of Form I-90 does not always end your status, but it can be a warning sign. Read the notice and see our guide to options after a case is denied.

Common Green Card Renewal Mistakes

Most I-90 mistakes happen before you file, though a few come later while the case is pending. Each one can cause a rejection, a missed notice or a lost card. The lists below split them into errors you make on the form and errors you make while waiting, so you can check both stages.

Mistakes before filing

• Using an old edition of the form.
• Filing I-90 for a conditional card.
• Paying the wrong fee.
• Leaving the form unsigned.

Check the edition (01/20/25) and fee on uscis.gov on the day you file.

Mistakes after filing

• Throwing away the receipt notice.
• Moving without reporting the new address.
• Ignoring mail from USCIS while you wait.

Report a move within 10 days so the new card does not go to your old address.

Green Card Renewal vs Applying for Citizenship

Renewing your card keeps your proof of status current. Applying for citizenship with Form N-400 is a different step that, if approved, ends your need for a green card. Until you take the oath, the card stays your main proof of status, so many people renew it while they wait to become eligible.

Deciding between them

The table compares renewing with naturalizing. If citizenship is not your goal or you are not yet eligible, renewal is the right next step.

Green Card Renewal for Marriage-Based Residents

If your green card came through marriage, the right form depends on your card. A 10-year card from marriage renews with Form I-90 like any other. A 2-year conditional card from a recent marriage needs Form I-751, not a renewal.

Spouses whose card came after removing conditions

Once USCIS approves your I-751, you get a 10-year card. When that card later expires, you file Form I-90. The marriage no longer matters for the renewal itself. File it normally.

Family petitions and sponsorship

If you are also sponsoring a relative, that is a different process. A sponsor may need to sign the affidavit of support for the relative, and that form has its own rules. Your card renewal does not affect it, but keep proof of your status handy.

Does an Expired Green Card Mean You Lost Status?

No. An expired green card does not end your permanent resident status. Your status continues until it is formally ended. However, without a valid card or receipt notice, you may struggle to prove status for work, travel or benefits, so renew promptly.

Why proof still matters

Federal law requires permanent residents to carry valid proof of status. The USCIS I-90 page says applying for naturalization does not change that duty. A receipt notice plus the expired card meets the requirement during the extension period.

When status really is at risk

Status can be lost through long absences, certain crimes, or fraud findings. A renewal will not fix those problems. If any apply to you, speak with an immigration attorney before filing.

When to Get Legal Help for a Renewal

Most green card renewals are simple and can be filed without a lawyer. Get help from an immigration attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative if you have a criminal record, long trips abroad, a past removal order, or a prior denial.

Signs your case is not routine

• An arrest or conviction since you got your card.
• Trips abroad longer than several months.
• A prior immigration court case.
• Doubt about whether your card is conditional.

If any of these apply, talk to an immigration attorney before you file.

Finding trustworthy help

Look for a licensed attorney in good standing or a representative accredited by the Department of Justice. Avoid "notarios" who promise faster results. Our permanent resident basics page explains your rights and duties as a resident.

Protecting Yourself From Renewal Scams

Renewal scams include fake "official" websites, calls demanding payment, and emails threatening deportation. USCIS never asks for payment by gift card, wire transfer or phone. File only on uscis.gov or with a trusted representative. Report scams to the FTC.

Warning signs

• A website that charges far more than the official fee.
• A caller who says your card will be canceled unless you pay now.
• An email from a non-.gov address asking for your A-Number.

Checking a notice is real

If a letter looks suspicious, compare its receipt number with Case Status Online. Our guide on how to verify a USCIS notice shows what genuine notices contain.

Frequently Asked Questions

casestatuscompass.com is an independent publication and is not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency. This page is general information, not legal advice. For denials, court or asylum matters, consult an immigration attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative.