US Green Card Renewal and Replacement (Form I-90)

A US Permanent Resident Card (green card) does not last forever: it must be replaced with Form I-90 when it expires or is lost, or when your details change. This page describes United States rules. Based on the official USCIS guidance, September 2026.

Why a card is replaced, not "renewed"

• You are a lawful permanent resident (LPR) or a conditional permanent resident (CPR).
• Replacing the card updates the document; it does not change your immigration status.

When you must replace the card

• The card has expired or will expire within 6 months.
• It is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed.
• You obtained it before turning 14 and have now turned 14 (unless it expires before you turn 16).
• You changed from commuter to actual residence status, or the reverse.
• Your status was automatically converted to permanent residence.
• You hold an older card version (AR-3, AR-103 or I-151).
• The card has incorrect information.
• You legally changed your name or other biographic information.
• You never received the card.

For conditional permanent residents, replacement applies where the card is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed, has incorrect information, reflects a name change, or was never received.

The I-90 process

1. Confirm that you must replace the card.
2. File Form I-90 online or on paper.
3. Pay the fee (fee waivers or reduced fees must be requested on paper, using Form I-912).
4. Complete Part 1 and sign the form — otherwise it is rejected.
5. Attend a biometrics appointment if you are asked to.
6. USCIS mails the new card. While a renewal is pending, your receipt plus expired card proves status for 36 months.

Fees and filing

The official fee schedule (Form G-1055) and its current version hold the authoritative amounts. USCIS field offices have different processing times, so no single processing period is stated here.

Common pitfalls

• Leaving Part 1 incomplete (surname, mailing address, date of birth) — leads to rejection.
• Not signing the form.
• Requesting a fee waiver online instead of on paper.
• Assuming the card never expires.
• Not reporting a move on Form AR-11.
• Withdrawing the application has no fee refund.

Frequently asked questions

Is a green card permanent?
Not automatically. A Permanent Resident Card expires and must be replaced with Form I-90 in situations such as an expired card or a card expiring within six months.

When must I replace my card?
Among the required cases: the card has expired or will expire within six months; it is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed; you turned 14; you changed your name or other biographic details; you hold an older card version; or you never received the card.

How much is the I-90 fee?
The online filing fee is $415. A fee waiver or reduced fee must be requested on paper, not online.

Can I prove my status while the replacement is pending?
For a renewal, your I-90 receipt notice together with your expired green card proves identity and work authorisation for 36 months from the card's expiry date. If you have no card, you may request an ADIT stamp.

Why might an application be rejected?
If Part 1 is incomplete (surname, mailing address and date of birth) or the form is unsigned, USCIS rejects it.

What if I move?
You must report a change of address on Form AR-11.

Related: the the US naturalization (N-400) guide guide, the US first passport checklist, and the guides hub.

Source: USCIS (uscis.gov), Form I-90 and "Replace Your Green Card" pages, the G-1055 fee schedule and the USCIS fee rule published in the Federal Register — retrieved 2026-09-29. Rules and fees change, so confirm the current position on the official page at the time you apply.