Form I-90 guide: replacing or renewing a permanent resident card (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card)

Wang Law Firm, LLC · David Wang, Managing Attorney · Attorney-reviewed · Updated October 2026

The official title of Form I-90 is Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, and it is handled by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). When a permanent resident's (green card holder's) green card (Form I-551) has expired or is about to expire, or is lost, stolen, damaged, contains incorrect information, or needs to be updated for reasons such as a name change, the I-90 is used to apply for a new card.

First, a basic concept: an expired green card does not mean expired permanent resident status. The expiration date on a 10-year green card is only the card's validity period; permanent resident status itself does not disappear because the card expires. But the card is your main proof of status, work eligibility and ability to travel, and an expired or lost card causes many practical problems at work, when traveling and in daily life, so you should replace it promptly. The I-90 only "replaces the card"; it does not examine whether you are eligible for permanent resident status. However, USCIS does run background checks while processing it, so people with criminal records or long absences from the United States should have a lawyer assess their situation before filing.

At a glance

Who needs to file an I-90

Under 8 CFR 264.5 and the I-90 instructions, common situations include:

• Your 10-year green card has expired or will expire within 6 months;
• Your green card has been lost, stolen or damaged;
• You never received the green card USCIS mailed (for example, it was lost in the mail);
• The card contains incorrect information: divided into errors caused by USCIS (such as a misspelled name or wrong date of birth) and errors not caused by USCIS;
• Your name or other personal information has legally changed (such as a married name or a court-ordered name change);
• You obtained the green card before age 14 and have now turned 14: you must replace the card after your 14th birthday; but if the original card will expire before your 16th birthday, it is generally handled as a normal renewal at expiration; follow the form instructions;
• A change in status: such as becoming a commuter, or a commuter taking up residence in the United States;
• You hold an older version of the green card that must be replaced under the rules; follow the official instructions.

When not to use the I-90

• Your two-year conditional green card is about to expire: instead of the I-90, file the I-751 (marriage-based) or I-829 (EB-5 investors) within the 90 days before expiration to remove conditions. See the comparison below.
• You are outside the United States and your green card has been lost or damaged: first use the I-131A to apply for carrier documentation to return to the United States, then file the I-90 after you return.
• You have already given up permanent resident status (for example, by filing an I-407), or have naturalized as a U.S. citizen.
• You want to move from a green card to citizenship: if eligible, consider filing an N-400 to naturalize; see the naturalization guide.

The difference between the I-90 and the I-751

One of the questions readers ask most often is, "Do I also use the I-90 to renew a two-year green card?" The answer is no. A two-year conditional green card (conditional residence) is different in nature from a 10-year green card:

The same applies to two-year conditional green cards obtained by EB-5 investors: they must file the I-829, not the I-90. If a conditional resident loses the card before the window for removing conditions opens, the I-90 can be used to replace it; if it is already time to remove conditions, file the I-751 or I-829, and a new card will be issued after approval.

Completing the form (by main section)

Information about the applicant

• The A-Number must be accurate (the USCIS# on the front of the green card);
• Name: use your current legal name; if you are replacing the card because of a name change, also state the old name on the card and include proof of the name change;
• Make sure the mailing address will receive the new card; if you move, report it promptly (see AR-11).

Application type and reason

• First select your status type: permanent resident, conditional resident, etc.;
• Then select the specific reason: lost / stolen / damaged, never received, incorrect information, name change, turned 14, renewal at expiration, etc. Choosing the wrong reason affects processing and whether a fee is required.

Background questions

• Includes how you originally obtained the green card (adjustment of status or consular processing), and the place and date you obtained it;
• Whether you have ever been in removal proceedings, whether you have ever filed to abandon permanent resident status, etc. Answer truthfully and attach an explanation where needed.

Biographic information and signature

• Enter biographic information such as height, weight, eye and hair color, and race;
• The applicant signs personally; for children under 14, a parent or legal guardian signs.

Evidence and documents to include

• Renewal at expiration, replacement at age 14, becoming a commuter, etc.: a copy of the front and back of your current green card;
• Lost or stolen: if available, a copy of the green card or another document showing your A-Number (such as an approval notice), plus a government-issued photo ID; for a stolen card, a police report may be included (not required, but helpful);
• Damaged: return the damaged original card (if you still have it);
• Incorrect information: the original card, plus documents proving the correct information (such as a passport or notarial birth certificate);
• Name change: the original card, plus proof such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree or court name-change order; Chinese-language documents must include an English translation (see Translation and notarization requirements);
• Card never received: the USCIS approval notice and other related documents.

How to file and fees

• Online filing: the I-90 can be filed through a USCIS online account with evidence uploaded, which makes it easier to track;
• Paper filing: mail it to the address designated by USCIS, following the current instructions on the official page;
• Fees: follow the current G-1055. In special situations, such as incorrect card information caused by a USCIS error, the fee requirements differ from ordinary applications; follow the official fee schedule and form instructions. Eligible applicants can request a fee waiver (I-912). For how to check fees, see How to check fees and processing times;
• Form edition: use an accepted edition listed on the official page.

What happens after filing

1. Receipt notice (I-797C): for renewals at expiration, since September 2024 USCIS has stated on the receipt notice that the receipt, together with the expired green card, serves as proof of permanent resident status for an extended 36 months (counted from the expiration date on the card). It can be used to prove work eligibility (I-9) and for travel. Keep the original receipt safe and carry it when traveling;
2. Biometrics: most applicants must go to an Application Support Center as scheduled for fingerprints, photo and signature; whether previously collected biometrics can be reused is up to USCIS and will be stated in the notice you receive, so do not assume you will be exempt;
3. Request for evidence (RFE): see How to respond to an RFE;
4. Interview: generally not required, but USCIS may schedule one if there are status issues;
5. The new card is mailed.

Check processing times on the USCIS processing times page; for checking status, see How to check your USCIS case status. If you urgently need proof of status while waiting (for example, for emergency travel, or because your card has been lost), you can contact the USCIS Contact Center to request an appointment at a local office to obtain temporary proof of status (such as an I-551 stamp or a similar document).

A green card lost abroad: the I-131A

If your green card is lost, stolen or damaged while you are traveling outside the United States, you cannot file an I-90 from abroad. The correct approach is usually:

1. Apply for "carrier documentation" with Form I-131A (Application for Carrier Documentation), a document that allows the airline to let you board a flight back to the United States;
2. Pay the fee online as USCIS instructs, then make an appointment and go to the local U.S. embassy or consulate to submit the application and supporting documents;
3. Once approved, return to the United States with the carrier documentation;
4. After returning to the United States, file the I-90 to replace your green card.

The I-131A generally applies to permanent residents who have been abroad less than one year and whose green card was lost, stolen or damaged; or to people holding a reentry permit who have been abroad less than two years and whose reentry permit was lost, stolen or damaged. If your green card has merely expired and you have been abroad less than one year, airlines usually allow you to board under CBP guidance and you generally do not need an I-131A, but it is best to check with the airline before departure.

If you have been abroad more than one year (without a valid reentry permit), or beyond the validity of your reentry permit, the I-131A generally does not apply. In that case you may need to apply to a U.S. embassy or consulate for a returning resident visa (SB-1, Form DS-117), showing that the delay was caused by circumstances beyond your control and that you always intended to return; the review is strict. For time abroad and related risks, see Traveling abroad as a green card holder.

Common problems and reasons for denial

• A conditional resident mistakenly files an I-90 instead of an I-751 / I-829 and misses the deadline to remove conditions;
• The wrong reason was selected, or the corresponding supporting documents (such as proof of a name change) are missing;
• Failure to attend biometrics;
• The background check reveals issues that may make the applicant removable (such as certain criminal convictions) or signs of abandonment of status, in which case USCIS may deny the application and refer the case to immigration court;
• Filing while outside the United States.

After an I-90 denial, you can generally file a motion to reopen or reconsider (see I-290B). An I-90 denial by itself does not mean your permanent resident status has been revoked, but if the reason for denial involves status issues, consult a lawyer immediately.

Frequently asked questions

Official sources

• USCIS: Form I-90 official page (form, instructions, accepted editions, online filing)
• USCIS: announcement extending green card validity to 36 months with the I-90 receipt
• USCIS: Form I-131A official page (carrier documentation abroad)
• USCIS: Form I-751 official page
• eCFR: 8 CFR 264.5 (replacement of permanent resident card)

Related reading

• Form I-751 guide
• Traveling abroad as a green card holder
• Form I-131 travel document guide
• N-400 naturalization guide

This article is general information and is not legal advice. Laws and policies can change; rely on the latest official information and on an attorney's advice for your specific situation.