Immigrants & Immigration
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Lawful permanent residents (LPRs) are issued a permanent resident card as proof of their LPR status. This is commonly known as a “green card.” To get a replacement, the LPR must file the Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processes the application and issues the new green card.
The Form I-90 can be used to request a replacement green card for a variety of reasons. This how-to focuses on how an LPR should apply for a replacement card because theirs got lost, destroyed, or is expiring. This how-to does not cover what permanent residents in commuter status or conditional permanent residents should do.
You will need to submit a copy of your current green card with the I-90 application. If your green card was lost or destroyed, and you do not have a copy of it saved, you must submit a copy of a government-issued form of identification. The identification must include your name, date of birth, photograph, and signature. Examples of acceptable forms include your passport, your driver’s license, or military identification card.
If you are filing online, scan a copy of the front and back of your green card and any government-issued identification you are submitting. These files will need to be uploaded to your online application.
If you are filing by paper, make a copy of the front and back of your green card and any government-issued identification you are submitting.
This form can be submitted online or by paper filing. Note that the cost to file online is cheaper than filing by mail. Visit the USCIS website for the most updated fee information.
Online filing
To file online, you must create a USCIS online account. Then, go to the Form I-90 page on the USCIS website, and click the “File Online” button. You will be prompted to sign into your myUSCIS account. From there, you can begin filling out the Form. You will need to upload photos or scans of your green card or your government-issued photo identification, if your green card is not available. Note: You cannot request a fee waiver if you file online. You must complete your application by paper.
Paper filing
Download a copy of the Form I-90 from the USCIS website. It is important to download the form directly from the USCIS website. This ensures you are using the correct form edition. The application will be rejected if an old form is submitted.
You may download and print a blank form, and handwrite your answers. Your handwriting must be clear and legible. You can also download the form, and fill it out using a PDF editor like Adobe Acrobat Reader. Then you can print out the filled in form. You must sign and date the form. Include copies of your green card or your government-issued photo identification, if your green card is not available.
Form specific instructions
Fill in your information in Part 1.
For Part 2, select box 1.a. Lawful Permanent Resident. Under “Reason for Application Section A”, select the appropriate box:
- Item 2.a. My previous card has been lost, stolen, or destroyed. Select this if your card is no longer in your possession because it was lost, stolen, or completely destroyed.
- Item 2.c. My existing card has been mutilated. Select this if your card is partially destroyed and it’s difficult to read the information.
- Item 2.f. My existing card has already expired or will expire within six months.
For Part 3, "Processing information”, include:
- Item 1. Location where you applied for an immigration visa or adjustment of status. If you lived outside of the US when you applied for your green card, list the location of the US Embassy or Consulate where you applied for your green card. You likely had to travel to this location for an interview before having your visa approved. If you were living in the US when you applied for your green card, list the USCIS office where you filed your adjustment of status application. If you were an Illinois resident at the time you applied for your green card, you likely applied to the USCIS Chicago office.
- Item 2. Location where your immigrant visa was issued or USCIS office where you were granted adjustment of status. This may be the same location as where you applied for your immigrant visa or green card. If you were an Illinois resident at the time you applied for your green card, you likely applied to the USCIS Chicago office.
- Item 3. Only complete this if you were outside of the US when your immigrant visa was granted. The destination is where you planned to live when you arrived, and the port-of-entry is where you first entered the US. For example, if you planned to live in Springfield, Illinois when you arrived, you would list this as your destination. If you flew into Chicago directly from outside of the US, you would put “Chicago, IL” in the port-of- entry field. If you had a connecting flight, you would put the location of the first airport you landed at and was inspected by US Customs and Border Protection. For example, if you flew from your home country to Phoenix, Arizona and connected to Chicago, you would put “Phoenix, AZ” in the port-of-entry field.
Complete the rest of the Form I-90.
Visit the USCIS website for the most updated fee information. As of December 1, 2025, the filing fee for the Form I-90 is $415 if you file online, and $465 if you file by paper.
Online filing
If you are filing online, you can make your payment directly in your myUSCIS account. You must make a payment by credit card, debit card, or direct bank transfer (ACH).
Paper filing
If you are filing by paper, you must mail a completed Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transaction with your application. A credit card, debit card, or prepaid card can be used to pay for your fee. The card must be issued by a US-based bank. Cards issued by a foreign bank will not be accepted. If you want to pay using an ACH bank transfer, you must submit a completed Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Transactions. Always print the latest forms directly from the USCIS website.
Important: Be sure to place Form G-1450 or G-1650 on top of your application when you file it. If it is not the first page in the application, USCIS might reject your application because it looks like you didn’t pay.
In limited circumstances, a person can request that they pay by check or money order. A person must meet specific exemptions and file a Form 1651, Exemption for Paper Fee Payment along with their paper fee payment.
If you are filing by paper, you may also request a fee waiver. A completed Form I-912 must be included in your Form I-90 application. It must be placed on top of your application along with the supporting documents. If the fee waiver is denied, the application will be sent back to you with a request for you to submit a fee. Learn more about filing immigration documents for free.
Online filing
Submit your completed application with your payment in your myUSCIS account. Ensure a copy of your green card or the government-issued photo identification card has been uploaded to the application.
Paper filing
Mail your completed application with payment or fee waiver and supporting evidence to USCIS. There are two addresses.
If you are filing using the US Postal Service USPS, mail your application here:
USCIS
Attn: I-90
P.O. Box
21262
Phoenix, AZ 85036-1262
If you are using a private mailing service (such as FedEx, UPS, and DHL), mail your application here:
USCIS
Attn: I-90 (Box 21262)
2108 E. Elliot Rd
Tempe, AZ 85284-1806
It is strongly recommended you purchase a mailing service with tracking so you can ensure your application was delivered.
Next Steps
You will receive a receipt notice when USCIS receives your application. If you applied for a fee waiver, you will first receive a decision on that request. If they approve your request for a waiver, the approval serves as your receipt notice.
A few weeks later, USCIS will send you a notice to attend a biometrics appointment. There, your fingerprints and photos will be taken for the purpose of conducting a background check. Sometimes, people get notices from USCIS saying they will reuse their information. If that is the case, you don’t need to attend a biometrics appointment. USCIS may also request more documents or information to make a decision on your application.
You can check current processing times on the USCIS website. Or, check the status of your application on the USCIS Case Status page by inputting your receipt number. The receipt number is located at the top of any notice sent to you by USCIS.
If USCIS approves your application, you will be mailed your replacement green card. The replacement is sent to the mailing address listed on your application. Make sure the address listed is correct. If you move, submit an address change to USCIS to ensure your card arrives safely. If your card is not delivered, you may have to submit another application and pay again.
If USCIS denies your application, you will receive an explanation as to why they denied the application. If you receive a denial, it’s important to speak with an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. They can tell you what your options are.
