To replace a lost or stolen green card, file Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card) with USCIS. You can submit it online through your USCIS account or by mail, and you'll need to attend a biometrics appointment and provide a government-issued photo ID. Replacement is a standard process, but USCIS processing times vary by location. The median processing time across the agency was 7.1 months in fiscal year 2026, and you'll need to budget for a $540 filing fee unless USCIS or the postal service failed to deliver your original card.
Table of Contents
- How to File Your Replacement Application
- Cost and Fees
- The Biometrics Appointment and Processing Timeline
- What to Do While Your Replacement Is Being Processed
- Documents You'll Need
- Frequently Asked Questions
How to File Your Replacement Application
File Form I-90 online through your USCIS account or by mail, whichever suits your situation. Online filing is faster, but it's not available if you're requesting a fee waiver—in that case, mail your application instead. You'll provide basic information about yourself, why your card needs replacement (lost, stolen, mutilated, or destroyed), and details about your green card.
Filing by mail is an option if you're not comfortable with online accounts or need to request a fee waiver due to financial hardship. Either way, USCIS will send you a receipt notice confirming they received your application.
Cost and Fees
The standard fee for replacing a lost, stolen, mutilated, or destroyed green card is $540, consisting of a filing fee of $455 plus an $85 biometric services fee. You pay this upfront when you submit your application. The only exception is if USCIS or USPS made an error and your original card was never delivered—in that case, no fee applies. If you cannot afford the fee, USCIS allows fee waiver requests, though you'll need to mail your application and provide evidence of financial hardship.
The Biometrics Appointment and Processing Timeline
after USCIS receives your application, they'll schedule you for a mandatory biometrics appointment at a local Application Support Center. At this appointment, you'll provide a fresh photograph, signature, and fingerprints. You must complete your biometrics within 90 days of your scheduled appointment date; if you miss this deadline, USCIS may deny your application for abandonment.
Once biometrics are done, USCIS will process your application. The median processing time is 7.1 months, though this varies by jurisdiction—some offices are faster, others slower. Processing times are available on the USCIS website for your specific service location.
What to Do While Your Replacement Is Being Processed
Your current green card is automatically extended for 36 months from the date you filed your I-90 application. This means you can continue working and traveling without an active card in hand. Your receipt notice (Form I-797C) serves as proof of your continued status and work authorization while you wait for your replacement. Keep this receipt with you alongside your expired green card—employers and travel authorities accept this combination as evidence of your right to work.
Documents You'll Need
Prepare a government-issued photo ID containing your name, date of birth, photograph, and signature—a valid passport, driver's license, or military ID all work. If you still have your original green card (even if it's damaged), you can submit a copy of it instead of a photo ID. These documents prove your identity during the replacement process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I travel outside the U.S. while waiting for my replacement green card?
Yes. Your Form I-797C receipt notice serves as proof of your status. Some travelers carry it alongside their expired green card, though it's wise to verify current entry requirements with your destination country before traveling.
What if I miss my biometrics appointment?
Contact USCIS immediately to reschedule. You have 90 days from your scheduled appointment to complete biometrics. Missing this deadline without rescheduling may result in your application being denied for abandonment.
Do I need to file a police report for a stolen green card?
The Form I-90 instructions do not require a police report. However, if your card was stolen as part of identity theft, filing a police report creates a record you can use with credit bureaus and other agencies to protect yourself.