How Does Green Card Renewal Differ If Your Card Is Lost or Stolen?

Key Takeaways

• File Form I-90 immediately if your green card is lost, stolen, or destroyed to avoid legal issues.
• The replacement process differs from renewal; no 36-month extension applies for lost or stolen cards.
• Current Form I-90 fee is about $540, including biometric services; use the latest form edition.

If your green card has been lost, stolen, or destroyed, the process for getting a replacement is different from a routine green card renewal. This guide explains every step you need to take, what documents you’ll need, how long each part might take, and what to watch out for. By following these instructions, you can avoid common mistakes and get your new green card as quickly as possible.

Introduction: Why the Process Is Different When Your Green Card Is Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed

A green card is your proof that you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States 🇺🇸. If your card is lost, stolen, or destroyed, you can’t show proof of your status, which can cause problems with work, travel, or getting benefits. The process for replacing your green card is not exactly the same as renewing an expired one. You need to act quickly and follow special steps to protect your status and avoid legal trouble.

Step 1: Confirm You Need a Replacement, Not Just a Renewal

Before you start, make sure you really need a replacement. You need to replace your green card if:

• Your card was lost (you can’t find it anywhere)
• Your card was stolen (someone took it from you)
• Your card was destroyed (damaged so badly it can’t be used)

If your card is just about to expire, but you still have it, you only need a renewal. But if you can’t show your card because it’s gone or ruined, you must replace it.

Tip: If your card was stolen, consider filing a police report. While USCIS doesn’t require this, it can help protect you from identity theft.

Step 2: Get the Right Form – Form I-90

To replace your lost, stolen, or destroyed green card, you must use Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. This is the same form used for both green card renewal and replacement. The difference is in the reason you select on the form.

• For lost, stolen, or destroyed cards: Select the option that says your card was lost, stolen, or destroyed.
• For renewal: Select the option for an expiring or expired card.

Important: Always use the latest edition of Form I-90. As of June 2025, the correct edition is dated 05/30/2025. Using an old version can cause delays or rejection.

Step 3: File Form I-90 as Soon as Possible

If your green card is lost, stolen, or destroyed, you should file Form I-90 immediately. There’s no waiting period. The sooner you file, the sooner you’ll get your replacement.

• For renewals: You can file up to 6 months before your card expires.
• For lost, stolen, or destroyed cards: File as soon as you know your card is missing or unusable.

Why act fast? Without your green card, you may have trouble proving your status to employers, government agencies, or when traveling.

Step 4: Gather Supporting Documents

For a replacement due to a lost, stolen, or destroyed card, you usually do not need to submit extra documents beyond the application itself. However, keep these points in mind:

• If your card was stolen, a police report is not required but can be helpful.
• If you have a copy of your old green card, include it with your application if possible.
• For renewals, you may need to show your current card, but for replacements, USCIS checks your status in their records.

Checklist:
– Completed Form I-90
– Copy of your lost/stolen/destroyed green card (if available)
– Police report (optional, for stolen cards)

Step 5: Pay the Filing Fee

The current fee for Form I-90 is about $540. This includes the application fee and a biometrics (fingerprints and photo) fee. Fees can change, so always check the official USCIS fee schedule before you pay.

• How to pay: You can pay online by credit card, debit card, or bank transfer. If you mail your application, you can pay by check or money order.
• Fee waivers: Some people with very low income may qualify for a fee waiver, but this is rare for green card replacements.

Warning: If you don’t pay the correct fee, your application will be rejected.

Step 6: Submit Your Application

You can file Form I-90 in two ways:

1. Online: Create a USCIS online account and submit your application at USCIS I-90 Online Filing.
2. By mail: Print and mail your completed form and payment to the correct USCIS Lockbox address. The address depends on where you live, so check the official instructions.

Tip: Filing online is faster and lets you track your case easily.

Step 7: Attend Your Biometrics Appointment

After you file, USCIS will send you a biometrics appointment notice. This is a letter telling you when and where to go for fingerprints, a photo, and your signature.

• What to bring: The appointment notice, photo ID (like a passport or driver’s license), and any documents listed in the notice.
• What happens: USCIS staff will take your fingerprints and photo. This helps them check your identity and background.

Time estimate: You’ll usually get your biometrics appointment notice within 2–4 weeks after filing.

Step 8: Receive Your Receipt Notice

USCIS will send you a receipt notice (Form I-797C) after they accept your application. This notice proves you filed Form I-90 and are waiting for your new card.

• Keep this notice safe. You may need to show it to employers, government agencies, or when traveling.
• The notice includes a receipt number you can use to check your case status online.

Step 9: Wait for USCIS Processing

USCIS will review your application, check your background, and make sure everything is correct. Processing times can change, but as of June 2025, it usually takes 6 to 12 months to get your new green card.

• For renewals: If you filed before your card expired, your receipt notice automatically extends your green card’s validity for 36 months.
• For lost, stolen, or destroyed cards: This 36-month extension does not apply. You must wait for your new card to arrive to have physical proof of your status.

Tip: You can check your case status anytime using your receipt number at the USCIS Case Status page.

Step 10: Receive Your New Green Card

Once USCIS approves your application, they will mail your new green card to the address you gave them.

• Standard validity: Most replacement green cards are valid for 10 years. If you are a conditional resident, your card is valid for 2 years.
• Check your mailbox: Make sure your mailing address is up to date with USCIS. If you move, update your address right away using the USCIS Change of Address tool.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Many people make mistakes that can delay or even stop their green card replacement. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:

• Using an old version of Form I-90: Always download the latest form from the official USCIS website.
• Paying the wrong fee: Double-check the current fee before you pay.
• Not updating your address: If you move, tell USCIS right away or your card could be sent to the wrong place.
• Forgetting to attend your biometrics appointment: Missing this appointment will delay your case.
• Not keeping your receipt notice: This is your proof that you are waiting for a new card.

Troubleshooting: What to Do If You Have Problems

If you run into trouble during the process, here’s what you can do:

• Didn’t get your receipt notice? Wait at least 30 days after filing, then contact the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283.
• Missed your biometrics appointment? Call USCIS right away to reschedule.
• Need to travel outside the United States 🇺🇸 while waiting? You may need a special travel document called a boarding foil. Contact your nearest U.S. consulate or USCIS office for help.
• Employer needs proof of your status? Show your receipt notice and explain that your replacement is in process.

Checklist Summary: Green Card Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed Cards

Before you start, use this checklist to make sure you have everything you need:

• [ ] Confirm your card is lost, stolen, or destroyed (not just expired)
• [ ] Download the latest Form I-90
• [ ] Fill out the form, selecting the correct reason for replacement
• [ ] Gather a copy of your old green card (if available)
• [ ] Prepare a police report (optional, for stolen cards)
• [ ] Pay the correct fee (about $540)
• [ ] Submit your application online or by mail
• [ ] Attend your biometrics appointment
• [ ] Keep your receipt notice safe
• [ ] Check your case status online
• [ ] Update your address with USCIS if you move
• [ ] Watch your mailbox for your new green card

Time Estimates for Each Step

• Filing Form I-90: 1–2 hours (including gathering documents)
• Biometrics appointment notice: 2–4 weeks after filing
• Biometrics appointment: 1 day (appointment itself)
• USCIS processing: 6–12 months
• Receiving new card: 1–2 weeks after approval

Recent Policy Updates and What They Mean for You

USCIS made several changes in 2025 to make the process smoother:

• May 22, 2025: USCIS updated guidance to require the latest edition of Form I-90.
• January 22, 2025: Officers now issue fewer Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs), which may speed up some cases.
• 36-month extension: Applies only to renewals, not to lost, stolen, or destroyed cards.

USCIS is also working to prevent fraud by tightening form requirements and checking applications more carefully. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these changes are meant to help honest applicants while stopping people who try to cheat the system.

Practical Tips and Advice

• File as soon as possible after your card is lost, stolen, or destroyed.
• Keep a copy of your green card in a safe place, in case you need to show it while waiting for a replacement.
• Tell your employer if you are waiting for a new card. Show them your receipt notice as proof.
• If you need to travel, check with USCIS or a U.S. consulate before leaving the United States 🇺🇸.

What to Expect in the Future

USCIS may update Form I-90 every year or even more often. They are also working to make the process more digital, so you may see more online tools and faster service in the future. Fees and rules can change, so always check the official USCIS Green Card Replacement page for the latest information.

Official Resources

• USCIS Green Card Replacement page: Official instructions and updates
• Form I-90 and filing instructions: Download the form and file online
• USCIS Contact Center: 1-800-375-5283 for help
• USCIS Case Status: Track your application

Final Takeaways

Replacing a lost, stolen, or destroyed green card is different from a simple renewal. You must use Form I-90, pay the correct fee, and follow each step carefully. There is no automatic extension of your card’s validity while you wait, so act quickly to avoid problems with work, travel, or benefits. Always use the latest form, keep your receipt notice safe, and check your case status online. If you have questions, use the official USCIS resources or speak with an immigration attorney.

By following these steps and tips, you can get your new green card as smoothly and quickly as possible, even if your old one is lost, stolen, or destroyed.

Learn Today

Form I-90 → The official USCIS form used to renew or replace a green card.
Biometrics → Fingerprinting and photo process verifying identity during green card replacement.
Receipt Notice → USCIS confirmation proving acceptance of your green card replacement application.
Boarding Foil → A special travel document allowing reentry to the U.S. while your card is replaced.
USCIS Lockbox → Authorized USCIS facility where mailed green card applications and fees are processed.

This Article in a Nutshell

Lost, stolen, or destroyed green cards require immediate replacement using Form I-90. Follow precise steps, pay fees, attend biometrics, then wait 6–12 months for processing to regain proof of legal status in the U.S. Avoid errors, update your address, and use USCIS resources to expedite your new card.
— By VisaVerge.com