Form I-90: What To Do If You Need To Replace Or Renew Your Green Card

Imagine you lost your Green Card, it was stolen, or it got mangled in your overstuffed wallet.

No need to stress — you can get a new one by filing Form I-90.

We’ll walk you through when to file, outline the process step-by-step, and answer common questions our clients often ask.

Bradford H. Bernstein

This article was written and reviewed by Bradford H. Bernstein, a second-generation leader at Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein, P.C., who has helped over 100,000 clients with immigration and personal injury issues. Brad joined the firm in 1993, became a partner in 1997, and assumed leadership in 2000 after Harry Spar retired.

View Brad's Bio

Bradford H. Bernstein

What Is Form I-90?

Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), is a document used by lawful permanent residents to replace or renew their Green Card (Form I-551).

This can happen if the Green Card is:

• Lost
• Stolen
• Damaged
• Expired
• About to expire

Form I-90 is also used when the Green Card holder needs to update their information due to:

• Legal name change
• Incorrect information caused by an error from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Who Can File Form I-90?

The people who are eligible to file I-90 include:

• Lawful permanent residents who need to replace or renew their 10-year Green Card
• Lawful permanent residents whose Green Cards have been lost, stolen, or damaged

I-90 cannot be used by conditional permanent residents seeking to remove conditions from their 2-year Green Card.

To remove conditions, they must use other forms in the process such as:

• Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, if they have a marriage-based conditional Green Card
• Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status, if they have an investment-based conditional Green Card

Form I-90: The Process

Any immigration process may seem challenging, that’s why breaking it into steps can make it accessible and more understandable. This is exactly what we have done below.

1. Determine Eligibility

Confirm you have the right to file I-90. If you are in doubt, contact our knowledgeable immigration attorneys at Spar & Bernstein to clarify your situation.

2. Complete Form I-90

Download the form from the USCIS website or fill it out online using a USCIS account.

Be sure to fill in all required fields, including:

• Your personal details such as name and date of birth
• Your mailing address
• The reasons for filing

Failure to provide required information can lead to rejection of your application.

Ensure you sign I-90 as all unsigned forms will be rejected.

3. Prepare Supporting Documents

Collect the necessary documents to submit with your application.

These may include:

• A court order for legal name change
• A police report for a stolen card or lost card
• A marriage certificate for a name update

4. Pay The I-90 Fee

Check the USCIS Fee Schedule page for the most current information on the I-90 filing fee. The cost will depend on the reason for filing (see the next section for more details).

Pay the I-90 fee via credit/debit card, check, or money order.

5. Submit Your I-90

You can submit I-90 online or by mail.

If you have an online account, file it electronically. Electronic submissions are not allowed if you are applying for a fee waiver.

Alternatively, send it by mail to the following address:

U.S. Postal Service (USPS):

USCIS
Attn: I-90
P.O. Box 21262
Phoenix, AZ 85036-1262

FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:

USCIS
Attn: I-90 (Box 21262)
2108 E. Elliot Rd.
Tempe, AZ 85284-1806

If you do not use the right address, your application may be delayed.

6. Wait For USCIS Confirmation

To confirm they have received Form I90, USCIS will send you a receipt notice, also known as Form I-797C. Check out the time it takes to get a receipt from USCIS.

Keep I-797C in your records as it:

• Serves as an official confirmation your I-90 was received
• Allows you to track your application status using the receipt number on Form I-797C
• Serves as evidence you have applied for a Green Card replacement

7. Attend A Biometrics Appointment

If required, go to a biometrics appointment scheduled by USCIS to provide your photograph, fingerprints, and signature.

Do not forget to bring your valid ID and appointment notice.

8. Wait Until USCIS Processes I-90

If USCIS requests additional evidence, such as proof of residence or evidence of name change, respond promptly to avoid processing delays.

9. Receive Your New Green Card

Once your I-90 is approved, you will receive your new Green Card by mail. Always update USCIS on address changes to ensure delivery.

To ensure you haven’t missed any important details, refer to the USCIS checklist for additional evidence.

Form I-90: Cost

Depending on the way you file I-90, you will pay:

• $465 for paper filing
• $415 for electronic filing

The same fees apply if you are 14 years old and your current card is set to expire before you turn 16 years old.

In some cases, you will not need to pay a fee if:

• The Green Card replacement is due to a Department of Homeland Security error
• USCIS issued your card, but you never received it and still live at the address provided
• If you are 14 years old and your current Green Card will expire after you turn 16 years old

If you’re eligible to waive the I-90 fee, you’ll need to submit additional documents. Follow USCIS instructions or consult our experienced immigration team at Spar & Bernstein.

Form I-90: Processing Time

The processing time for I-90 is affected by different factors, including the specifics of your application and USCIS workload.

• Processing replacement applications takes 22 months on average.
• Processing applications for Green Card renewal takes 26 months.

Need Help With Form I-90? Schedule A Consultation

For more than six decades, the experienced immigration team at Spar & Bernstein has helped thousands of people achieve their dream of living and working in the U.S.

We approach each application with knowledge and compassion to ensure accurate completion and filing of USCIS immigration forms and a smooth immigration journey.

If you need help filing Form I-90, our attorneys will:

• Confirm your eligibility
• Guide you through accurate form completion
• Assist in organizing supporting documentation
• Prepare responses for any additional evidence requests from USCIS
• Track the status of your I-90
• Keep you updated on changes in fees and processes

Form I-90: FAQs

If you have more questions about filing Form I-90, explore our FAQ section for clear answers and guidance.

Can I work and travel while my I-90 application is pending?

Yes, you can work and travel with a pending I-90 application. Just be sure to carry a copy of your I-797C receipt notice as proof that your case is under review by USCIS.

Can USCIS deny my I-90 application?

Yes, for several reasons, including:

• Incomplete or incorrect I-90
• Ineligibility for filing
• Failure to respond to a request for evidence
• Missing or insufficient application fee

Talk to our experienced team of attorneys at Spar & Bernstein about your next steps.

Can I file a fee waiver for I-90?

Yes, you can file a fee waiver provided you meet specific criteria related to income or financial hardship. Submit Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver following USCIS instructions and attach it to your application.

What should I do if I made a mistake when filling in I-90?

If you realize you have made a mistake and you have already submitted your I-90, contact USCIS to correct it.

What happens if I change my address while my I-90 is pending?

If you move to another address while your I-90 is pending, notify USCIS of the change using Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card.

Will I receive a temporary document while my Form I-90 is pending?

USCIS may issue an I-551 stamp in your passport as proof of lawful permanent resident status. This can be used when applying for a new job or in other situations where evidence of your legal status is required.

How can I check updates on my I-90 application?

For updates on your I-90, visit the case status page on the USCIS website.

Can I file Form I-90 if I have a criminal conviction?

It depends on the nature of the conviction. Some criminal offenses may affect your eligibility to file Form I-90. Contact our knowledgeable attorneys at Spar & Bernstein for personalized legal advice.

Do I need an immigration lawyer to file I-90?

You can file Form I-90 on your own, as legal representation is not required. However, working with a trusted attorney ensures your application is completed accurately and includes all necessary documentation.