Form I-90: Green Card Replacement Process
If your green card will expire soon or has been lost, stolen, or damaged, it’s time to file Form I-90 to get a green card replacement or renew your permanent resident card. The process is basically just procedural, but even so, making mistakes or filling out the wrong form can cause unnecessary delays and complications. Learn more about when Form I-90 is needed, how the green card replacement process works, and when it’s time to talk to an attorney. Ready to discuss your case with the team at Lira Bravo Law? Call us at 214-390-6294 now.
Table of Contents
Renew or Replace Your Green Card
with Confidence
What is Form I-90?
Whether you need to know how to replace a lost green card, renew an expiring card, or update incorrect information, the process usually starts the same way: by filing Form I-90 with USCIS. This form includes information about you, your Alien Registration number, how you obtained your green card, application type, and other relevant information.
The form does require some information from your initial green card application, such as where you originally submitted your application, where it was approved, and your final destination when you entered the United States. The form also requires you to indicate why you are applying, with reasons like:
- Card was lost, stolen, or destroyed
- Card was issued but never received
- Card was mutilated
- Card has incorrect data
- Name or other information has changed
When to Renew or Replace a Green Card
You may need to file I-90 if your green card’s expiration date is approaching, your card was lost or stolen, your card was damaged or is otherwise unreadable, or you legally changed your name.
Having proper documentation is crucial when you are seeking employment verification or traveling. Filing I-90 promptly ensures that there are no gaps in valid documentation.
When You Should Not File Form I-90
Form I-90 is the appropriate form for most permanent residents in most situations, but it isn’t always the right one. You may need another form if:
- You are a conditional permanent resident—this requires Form I-751 or Form I-829
- You abandoned permanent resident status
- You’re applying for permanent resident status
- You’re in removal proceedings and are trying to resolve status issues
Filling out the wrong form can cause complications and delays, and if you’re facing issues with your status, submitting the wrong form costs you time that could have been spent filling out the right forms and navigating the next step in the process.
How the Green Card Replacement Process Works
The process begins when you submit Form I-90 to USCIS. If they approve your application without any other evidence needed, they will mail it to you. If you need proof of your legal status in the interim, you can use your expired green card with your Form I-90 receipt.
Green Card Replacement Fee
You may need to pay a green card replacement fee of $415 to $465, depending on the reason for your application and whether you apply online or in person.
In some cases, USCIS may determine that you need a biometrics appointment. USCIS will send you a biometrics appointment notice with the time and place of your appointment. After your biometrics appointment, USCIS will send your green card if your application is approved.
USCIS may also deny your application, and if they do, they will send you a letter explaining the reason for their denial. You cannot appeal a denial, you can only submit a motion to reopen or reconsider to the office that decided against you or apply again.
Green Card Replacement Processing Time
The green card replacement processing time depends on why you filed Form I-90, whether USCIS requires biometrics, and whether there are any mistakes or missing documents in your application. There is not one fixed timeline for every case. USCIS directs applicants to use its case processing time tool for the most current estimate, since wait times can change based on agency workload and the office handling the application.
In many cases, green card replacement processing time can take several months, and recent 2026 reporting commonly places Form I-90 cases in roughly the 8 to 14 month range, although some cases move faster and some take longer.
If you are worried about proof of status while you wait, filing Form I-90 still gives you important protection. USCIS states that lawful permanent residents who properly file Form I-90 receive an automatic extension of green card validity for 36 months, which can help with employment verification and other situations while the replacement is pending.
Delays are more likely when applicants choose the wrong filing category, submit inconsistent information, miss a biometrics appointment, or fail to include required supporting documents. Filing accurately the first time is one of the best ways to avoid extra delay in the green card replacement processing time.
Need Help Renewing Your Green Card?
Common Issues and Delays With I-90 Applications
Although Form I-90 is fairly straightforward and procedural in nature, there are issues that can result in denial or leave you without a green card for an extended period of time. Common problems include:
- Choosing the wrong filing category
- Sending in incomplete or inconsistent information (including information different from what you indicated on your initial green card application)
- Not including required documentation
- Issues with immigration status or criminal charges that cause USCIS to deny or look deeper into your application
- Extended USCIS processing times
- Not signing the application—if you do not sign the application, USCIS will deny it outright
Choose Lira Bravo Law For Green Card Replacement
Maintaining proof of your legal status is essential, particularly if you are planning on traveling or applying for jobs. The team at Lira Bravo Law can help you prepare for the replacement or renewal process, particularly if you have any concerns regarding your eligibility for renewal.
For example, if you have pending criminal charges, extensive travel outside the United States, or existing immigration violations that you think may affect your eligibility, we can help you identify concerns and address them before filing. Our goal is to help you renew or replace your card as quickly and easily as possible so you always have proof of legal status.
When it’s time to replace or renew your green card, we’re here to help. Schedule a consultation now by contacting us online or calling us at 214-390-6294.
