Green Card Renewal: Everything You Need to Know

The Green Card (permanent resident card) must be renewed every 10 years. The renewal is completed through Form I-90 with USCIS. It is essential to renew it before it expires to maintain proof of lawful immigration status and avoid problems when traveling or working.

• Expired or expiring Green Card: Request renewal 6 months before expiration
• Damaged Green Card: If deteriorated, illegible, or containing incorrect information
• Lost or stolen Green Card: Request replacement immediately
• Name change: If you have legally changed your name and need to update your card
• Turning 14 years old: Residents who received their card before age 14 must renew

• Form I-90: Complete and signed application
• Current Green Card: Copy of valid or expired card
• Photographs: 2 recent passport-size photos
• Identification: Valid government-issued photo ID
• Fee: Pay the filing fee with USCIS

1. 1
   Submit I-90Online through myUSCIS or by mail.
2. 2
   Receive receipt noticeServes as temporary extension for 24 months.
3. 3
   Biometrics appointmentFingerprints and photo.
4. 4
   Wait for approval8-12 months processing.
5. 5
   Receive new Green CardBy postal mail.

If your Green Card has already expired, do not worry: you do not lose your permanent resident status because of an expired card. The Green Card is simply physical proof of your status, but your permanent residency does not have an expiration date (unless it is conditional). However, an expired card can cause significant practical complications. You can and should still file Form I-90 to renew it. Once USCIS receives your application, they will send you a receipt notice (I-797C) that extends the validity of your Green Card for an additional 24 months from the original expiration date. For employment verification purposes (Form I-9), you can present your expired Green Card along with the I-797C receipt as proof of work authorization. For international travel, it is recommended not to travel with an expired Green Card without the I-90 receipt, as airlines and customs officers may question your status. If you need to travel urgently and your card is expired without a receipt, you can request a temporary residency stamp (ADIT stamp) at your local USCIS office by presenting your case.

• Current or expired Green Card: Copy of both sides of your permanent resident card, whether valid or expired. If it was lost or stolen, include a statement explaining the circumstances.
• Two passport-size photographs: Recent 2x2 inch photos with a white background, taken within the last 30 days. Write your registration number (A-Number) in pencil on the back of each photo.
• Completed Form I-90: Application to replace permanent resident card, fully completed and signed. You can submit it online through myUSCIS or by postal mail.
• Filing fee: Payment by personal check, money order, or credit/debit card (Form G-1450). Applicants 75+ are exempt from the biometric fee.
• Government-issued photo ID: Valid driver's license, passport, or other government-issued identification document with a photograph to verify your identity at the biometrics appointment.
• Name change documents (if applicable): If your legal name has changed since you received your last Green Card, include a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing the change.
• Police report (if stolen): If the Green Card was stolen, include a copy of the police report as evidence of the circumstances of the loss.