Green Card Renewal / Replacement (Form I-90)
Complete guide to USCIS Form I-90 — purpose, requirements, fees, processing times.
Legal basis
8 CFR § 264.5 — Application for a replacement cardGreen Card Renewal / Replacement (Form I-90)
Under the April 2024 USCIS fee schedule, Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, costs $465 for paper filing or $415 online — biometrics are now included, with no separate $85 fee. The form is used to renew a green card expiring within 6 months, replace a lost, stolen, or damaged card, or update personal information.
Download the official form
USCIS publishes Form I-90 as a free PDF. Always download the current version directly from USCIS — third-party copies may be outdated.
- Download Form I-90 (PDF) — official USCIS source
- Download Instructions for Form I-90 (PDF) — read before filling out the form
- File Form I-90 online with USCIS (where supported)
What is it for?
Renew a green card expiring in 6 months or less, replace a lost/stolen/damaged green card, or update personal information (name change).
Who needs it?
Lawful permanent residents whose card is expiring, was lost, stolen, damaged, or needs updating.
Processing time
Typical range: 8-13 months (normal renewal). I-551 stamp in passport available at ASC appointment if you need proof of residency while waiting.
⚠️ Verify current time: USCIS Processing Times · Your case status
Fee
$465 paper / $415 online (biometrics included since the April 2024 fee schedule)
How to file
Online (myUSCIS) — recommended for most cases. Mail also available.
Required documents
- Completed Form I-90
- Copy of current green card (front and back) — if you have it
- If replacement for lost/stolen: police report (if stolen) + statement explaining circumstances
- If name change: legal name change document (court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree)
- Fee payment
Current USCIS processing times
USCIS publishes the time in which 80% of cases complete, per form, category, and office. The table below renders from our automatically maintained copy of the official data — always verify against the live system before relying on a deadline.
The time in which 80% of cases complete, by category and office. Data from the official USCIS system (2026-05-26) · verify live
| Category | Office | 80% complete within |
|---|---|---|
| Initial issuance or replacement | Service Center Operations (SCOPS) | 7 Months |
| 10-year renewal | Service Center Operations (SCOPS) | 10.5 Months |
Frequently asked questions
When should I renew my green card?
USCIS recommends starting renewal when you have 6 months or less of validity. Some renew up to 1 year ahead. If your card already expired, you don’t lose permanent resident status, but replacement is priority.
Do I lose my residency if my green card expires?
No. Your permanent resident status is independent of the physical card. The card only proves the status. But without a valid card you’ll have problems with: traveling and re-entering, proving work authorization (I-9), driver’s license renewal, etc.
Can I travel while waiting for replacement?
Yes, with limitations. If your green card expires during processing, you can request an I-551 stamp (passport stamp serving as temporary green card evidence for 1 year) at an USCIS ASC appointment. Call USCIS Contact Center to schedule.
Do I need biometrics again?
Depends. For normal renewal (no info change), USCIS typically reuses previous biometrics. For lost/stolen/name change, yes you need them.
Can I keep working while waiting?
Yes, if you have your original green card (even if expired). The I-797 receipt notice from I-90 automatically extends green card validity for 24 months for I-9 employment purposes and international travel with receipt + expired green card.
Related information
Last verified: 2026-05-24. General information — not legal advice. Always verify at USCIS.gov.
Related procedural information
- Consulate of your country in the US — passport renewal, consular ID, document apostille
- ITIN — file federal taxes without SSN — required regardless of immigration status
- USCIS form library — federal immigration forms (I-130, I-485, N-400, etc.)
- Find an immigration attorney — pro bono lists + AILA + BIA-recognized
- Know Your Rights — ICE encounters — constitutional protections
Frequently asked questions
When should I renew my green card?
Do I lose my residency if my green card expires?
Can I travel while waiting for replacement?
Do I need biometrics again?
Can I keep working while waiting?
The rules change. Hear about it first.
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General information, not legal advice. MigrantUSA is an independent publisher and is not a law firm; using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship, and this content is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific situation. US federal, state, and local government procedures, fees, and forms change. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting. For immigration, tax, or other legal matters specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or BIA-accredited representative.
