How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Green Card, Step-by-Step

Losing your green card—or having it stolen—can feel like a crisis, especially when it’s your proof of lawful status in the U.S. Whether you’re applying for a job, re-entering the country, or simply need to renew your driver’s license, not having your physical card can disrupt daily life.

The good news: replacing it is possible, and the process is straightforward if you know what to expect.

When You Need to Replace Your Green Card

You should replace your green card if:

• It was lost, stolen, or damaged
• It contains incorrect information (wrong name, birth date, etc.)
• You never received your original green card
• You legally changed your name or other personal information
• Your card was issued before you turned 14, and you’re now 14 or older (and your card will expire after you turn 16)
• You have an outdated version of the card (such as Form AR-3, Form AR-103, or Form I-151)
• Your card has no expiration date (common among cards issued between 1979 and 1989)

It’s worth noting that if your green card is expired or will expire within six months, you should apply for a renewal rather than a replacement. The process is similar, but the reasoning is different.

Step 1: File Form I-90

The first step in replacing a lost green card is filing Form I-90, “Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.” You have two options for filing:

Online Filing

Filing online offers several advantages:

• Immediate receipt confirmation
• Faster processing in some cases
• Ability to check status updates online
• Direct communication with USCIS through your online account

To file online, create or log in to your USCIS online account, complete Form I-90, upload your supporting documents, and pay the filing fee (if applicable).

Paper Filing

If you prefer paper filing or your situation requires it, you’ll need to:

• Download and complete Form I-90
• Gather all required supporting documents
• Mail your application package to the appropriate USCIS address

The broken U.S. immigration system often makes paper filing more complicated than necessary, with different mailing addresses depending on which shipping method you use. Be sure to check the current USCIS instructions for the correct mailing address.

Step 2: Pay the Filing Fee

As of 2025, the standard filing fee for Form I-90 is:

• $465 for paper filing
• $415 if you file online

However, you may be eligible for a fee waiver if you can demonstrate financial hardship. Also, in certain situations, such as when USCIS made an error on your original card, the fee may be waived.

Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documentation

The supporting documents you’ll need depend on why you’re replacing your green card:

For a Lost or Stolen Green Card:

• Copy of another government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license)
• Copy of your previous green card (if available)
• Police report (if your card was stolen)

For a Damaged Green Card:

• The damaged card
• Copy of another government-issued ID

For a Card with Incorrect Information:

• The incorrect card
• Documentation proving the correct information (birth certificate, marriage certificate, court order, etc.)

For Name Changes:

• Your current green card
• Legal document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order)

All foreign-language documents must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

Step 4: Attend Your Biometrics Appointment

About 1-2 weeks after USCIS receives your application, you’ll receive a notice with the date, time, and location of your biometrics appointment. At this appointment, USCIS will take your fingerprints, photograph, and signature.

Make sure to bring:

• Your biometrics appointment notice
• Your current green card (if you have it)
• Another form of government-issued photo ID

Step 5: Wait for Processing and Decision

After completing the above steps, you’ll need to wait for USCIS to process your application. Processing times can vary significantly, ranging from several months to over a year, depending on USCIS workload and your local office.

You can check the status of your application on the USCIS website using your receipt number.

What to Do While Waiting for Your Replacement Card

The waiting period for a replacement green card can be lengthy, and you might need proof of your permanent resident status during this time. If so, you have options:

Get an I-551 Stamp (ADIT Stamp)

You can schedule an InfoPass appointment at your local USCIS office to get a temporary proof of status—an I-551 stamp (also called an ADIT stamp) in your passport. This stamp serves as temporary proof of your permanent resident status and is typically valid for one year.

Use Your I-90 Receipt Notice

Starting September 2024, USCIS extended the validity period of green cards for individuals with pending I-90 applications to 36 months (increased from the previous 24 months). Your I-90 receipt notice, when presented together with your expired green card, serves as evidence of your continued status as a permanent resident and authorization to work in the United States.

What If Your Green Card Is Lost While Traveling?

If you lose your green card while outside the United States, the process becomes more complicated. Here’s what to do:

• Report the loss to local police and get a police report
• Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate
• Apply for a boarding foil (travel document) using Form I-131A and pay the $575 filing fee
• Once back in the United States, file Form I-90 to replace your green card

Without a green card, you may face difficulties boarding your return flight and additional scrutiny when entering the United States. In some cases, you may even be denied entry, which is why contacting the U.S. embassy immediately is crucial.

What If Your Replacement Request Is Denied?

If USCIS denies your Form I-90, you’ll receive a letter explaining why. Common reasons include:

• Incomplete information on your application
• Insufficient supporting documentation
• Eligibility issues

While you cannot appeal this decision, you can file a motion to reopen or reconsider by submitting Form I-290B within 30 days of the decision. This form requires a $675 filing fee.

Given the complexity of addressing a denial, we strongly recommend consulting with an immigration attorney before proceeding.

How the Law Office of Lina Baroudi Can Help

Replacing a lost green card may seem straightforward, but complications can arise:

• USCIS may request additional evidence
• Documentation issues may delay processing
• Errors in your application can lead to denials
• Special circumstances may require additional steps

Our experienced immigration attorneys can:

• Properly prepare and file your Form I-90
• Gather and organize the appropriate supporting documentation
• Respond to any requests for evidence
• Help you obtain temporary proof of status while waiting
• Address any complications that arise during the process

The U.S. immigration system doesn’t make it easy to navigate even seemingly simple processes like replacing lost documents. Working with an experienced immigration attorney gives you peace of mind that your application is being handled correctly, potentially saving you time, money, and stress in the long run.

Take Action Now

If you’ve lost your green card, don’t delay in starting the replacement process. The longer you wait, the longer you’ll be without this essential document. And remember, the law requires permanent residents to carry proof of status at all times.

Contact the Law Office of Lina Baroudi today to schedule a consultation and let us help you replace your lost green card quickly and efficiently. Our experienced team is ready to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you have the documentation you need to live, work, and travel with confidence.