Do I need to Replace My Green Card If It’s Lost or Stolen?

Some permanent residents make the mistake of believing their status is secure even if they lose their green card. This is not the case. You must replace your green card as soon as possible if it’s lost or stolen. You will also need a new green card if your personal details change.

When Must You Apply to Replace Your Green Card?

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) sets out 10 scenarios when you should apply to replace your green card. The replacement process is the same for the renewal or replacement of green cards.

1. It has been lost, stolen, destroyed, or mutilated. Some wear and tear is expected for a card you are meant to carry on your person.
2. Your green card has expired or will expire within the next six months.
3. You received your last permanent resident card before the age of 14 and you have reached your 14th birthday (unless your card expires before you reach 16).
4. You have been a commuter and you are now taking up residence in the United States.
5. You have been a permanent resident living in the United States and are now taking up commuter status.
6. Your status has been automatically converted to that of a permanent resident. This category includes special agricultural workers who are becoming permanent residents.
7. You have a previous version of the alien registration card which is no longer valid to show your immigration status.
8. Your green card contains incorrect information.
9. You legally changed your name or other biographic information changed since you received your last green card.
10. You never received your previous green card.

Green card renewal or replacement is a costly process. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, biometric appointments are taking as long as 11 months. Our immigration lawyers help many people replace lost or stolen green cards. Don’t wait until your missing green card becomes an issue during a job application or the immigration authorities won’t let you back into the country.

Use Form I-90 to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged green card. You can apply online by setting up an account with USCIS. You can also apply by mail.

You should also use this form if your personal information changed since USCIS issued your last green card. In most cases, this will be a name change. Your address is not on your green card. However, permanent residents should inform USCIS of an address change. You should file Form-190 for a replacement green card after a sex change.

Applicants for a replacement green card can use their Form I-90 receipt notice as evidence of their lawful permanent residence status if their previous card was lost or stolen. You can check the progress of your application online.

If you are the holder of a two-year conditional green card, you must also file I-90 if your card was lost, stolen, or details such as your name changed. However, you cannot renew a conditional green card and must file Form I-751 to remove the conditions.

USCIS uses the same process for renewals and replacements of green cards. That means lengthy delays for a biometrics appointment and many other uncertainties. The attorneys at Gardner & Mendoza can help answer all questions and assist you if you lost your green card or it was stolen. Please call us as soon as possible for a consultation at (757) 464-9224.

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