Who this is for
- Permanent residents whose 10-year green card has expired or will expire within the next 6 months.
- People whose card was lost, stolen, destroyed or damaged.
- People whose legal name or other biographic information changed, or whose card has a USCIS error.
- Permanent residents who never received a card USCIS mailed to them.
- Permanent residents who are turning 14 and must replace a card issued before that age (with some exceptions).
Forms involved
| Form | Official name | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| I-90 | Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card | The application to renew a 10-year green card or replace a lost, stolen, damaged or incorrect card. |
| I-751 | Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence | Used instead of the I-90 by people with a 2-year conditional card based on marriage. |
| I-829 | Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status | Used instead of the I-90 by investors with a 2-year conditional card. |
Step by step
- Confirm which card you haveCheck whether your card is a 10-year card or a 2-year conditional card. Conditional residents usually need to remove conditions rather than file Form I-90.
- Choose your reason for filingForm I-90 asks why you are applying, such as an expiring card, a lost card, a name change or a USCIS error. The reason affects which documents you include.
- File Form I-90Submit the form online or by mail with the filing fee and supporting evidence. USCIS sends a receipt notice after accepting it.
- Keep your receipt noticeFor renewals, the I-90 receipt notice is generally designed to work together with your expired card as temporary proof of status for the period stated on the notice.
- Attend biometrics if scheduledUSCIS may schedule a fingerprint and photo appointment, or reuse biometrics it already has.
- Receive your new cardIf approved, USCIS mails the new card to the address on file, so keep your address up to date.
Documents usually requested
- Copy of your current or expired green card (front and back), if you have it
- Government-issued photo ID if the card was lost or stolen
- Legal name change document, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order
- Evidence of the USCIS error, if the card has incorrect information
- Police report, if available, for a stolen card
- The damaged card itself, if replacing a damaged card
- Any previous USCIS notices related to your card
How long it takes
Timing depends on the reason for filing, whether biometrics are needed, and USCIS workload. Check current estimates on the USCIS processing times page.
Government filing fees
Form I-90 generally carries a filing fee, with limited exceptions such as certain USCIS errors or cards that were never delivered. Fees change, so confirm the current amount on the USCIS fee schedule (uscis.gov/g-1055).
Working and traveling while you wait
You remain a permanent resident while the I-90 is pending and can generally keep working and traveling with your expired card and receipt notice. If you need other proof, for example to travel, you can generally ask USCIS for an appointment to get a temporary stamp in your passport.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Filing Form I-90 for a 2-year conditional card instead of filing to remove conditions.
- Letting the card expire and assuming status is lost — the card expires, not your permanent residence, but an expired card can cause problems with jobs and travel.
- Losing the receipt notice, which often serves as temporary proof of status alongside the expired card.
- Not updating your address with USCIS, so the new card or notices go to the wrong place.
- Filing a renewal when you may already be eligible for citizenship — some people choose to apply for naturalization instead; an attorney can help weigh the options.
How MyUSVisa helps
- Answer a guided questionnaire in your language and upload your documents once — we read, sort and assemble them into a clear case file and timeline.
- Your organized case is offered to licensed U.S. immigration attorneys who handle this type of case. Interested attorneys send you offers, and you compare and choose — or don't.
- Once you choose, you and your attorney work in one place: messages, documents, deadlines and automatic USCIS status updates, on the web and in the mobile app.
Frequently asked questions
Am I still a permanent resident if my green card expires?
Yes, an expired green card does not end your permanent resident status. The card is proof of status, not the status itself. Still, an expired card can make it harder to show employers or airlines your status, so most people renew on time.
When can I renew my green card?
You can generally file Form I-90 to renew once your 10-year card is within 6 months of expiring, or after it has expired. Filing early within that window helps avoid gaps in proof of status.
What can I use as proof of status while my renewal is pending?
In most cases, your I-90 receipt notice together with your expired green card serves as temporary proof of status for the period shown on the notice. If you need something more, such as for international travel, you can generally contact USCIS to request a temporary passport stamp.
I have a 2-year green card. Do I use Form I-90?
Usually no — a 2-year conditional green card is generally not renewed with Form I-90. Most conditional residents file Form I-751 (marriage-based) or Form I-829 (investor) to remove conditions before the card expires. Form I-90 may still apply in limited cases, such as replacing a lost conditional card.
Can I travel while my green card renewal is pending?
Many permanent residents travel while an I-90 is pending, using the expired card and receipt notice. Airlines and border officers may still ask questions, so some people get a temporary stamp before traveling. An attorney can help if you have long trips or other concerns.
Official sources
Last reviewed: October 2026
This guide is general information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney–client relationship. Immigration rules, forms and fees change often — always check the official sources above. MyUSVisa is not a law firm and is not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency; legal advice comes only from the licensed attorney you choose.