What is Form I-90?

If you are a lawful permanent resident, your Permanent Resident Card (also known as a Green Card) is proof of your legal status in the U.S. But Green Cards don’t last forever, and when you need a new card, you’ll need to file an I-90 form.

Let’s break down everything you need to know about Form I-90, including what this form is, what it requires, who should file it, its filing costs, and what to expect during processing.

Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), is the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) form for Green Card holders who need to replace or renew their permanent resident card. It plays an important role in keeping your proof of permanent residency valid, accurate, and up-to-date.

Who Needs to File Form I-90?

As a permanent resident, you’ll need to file Form I-90 whenever you need to replace or renew your Green Card. Here are some common reasons for filing and what you can expect when you file:

Your Green Card expires within the next six months or has expired.

Most Green Cards are valid for 10 years. If you’ve been granted conditional permanent resident status, your new Green Card will be valid for two years.

When you file your I-90 form to renew an expired or expiring Green Card, USCIS will extend your Green Card validity for an additional 36 months. They will issue a new card once they’ve successfully processed your application.

Your Green Card is lost, stolen, or damaged.

You’ll need to provide a form of government-issued ID, such as a passport or driver’s license, if you don’t have a copy of the Green Card. When USCIS receives and processes your application, it will provide a replacement Green Card.

Your legal name or other biographical information has changed.

You’ll need to file Form I-90 if any information on your Permanent Resident Card changes—for example, a name change after marriage or adoption. USCIS will issue you a new card with the updated information.

Your Green Card has an error.

If the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) makes an error on your Green Card, you can request a corrected replacement.

You never received your Green Card after approval.

If your application to become a permanent resident was approved but your Green Card hasn’t arrived on schedule, you may need to file Form I-90. You may also need to file a new Form I-90 if your previous I-90 application was approved but you never received your Green Card replacement.

You received your Green Card before your 14th birthday and have turned 14 years old.

Permanent residents must register, provide biometrics, and submit Form I-90 no more than 30 days after their 14th birthday. You must indicate on your Form I-90 whether your existing Green Card will expire before or after your 16th birthday.

You have an outdated version of the Green Card.

Some previous versions of the Alien Registration Card, like USCIS Form AR-3, Form AR-103, or Form I-151, are no longer valid proof of immigration status. If you have an outdated version, you’ll need to file Form I-90 to replace it with a current Green Card.

You plan to live in Mexico or Canada and commute to work in the U.S.

You’ll need to file Form I-90 if you’re a legal permanent resident and your commuter status changes. That means you’ll live in a contiguous country but commute to work at a location within the U.S. You’ll also need to file I-90 if you’re currently in commuter status and move back to the U.S.

You were automatically converted to lawful permanent resident status.

If you were automatically converted to lawful permanent resident status, you may need to file Form I-90 to replace your documentation and obtain a standard Green Card reflecting your updated status.

How Much Does It Cost to File Form I-90 in 2025?

The filing fee depends on how you submit the application. USCIS charges $415 to file online and $465 to file by mail.

Some applicants may qualify for a fee waiver in limited circumstances, depending on eligibility and the basis for filing.

If you are requesting a replacement Green Card because DHS made an error, you may not need to pay a filing fee—provided you submit evidence that the error was made by DHS.

Always confirm the current filing fees and instructions on USCIS before submitting, as fees and policies can change.

What Supporting Documents Do You Need to File Form I-90?

USCIS requires supporting documentation based on why you are filing Form I-90. Your evidence should match your filing category and clearly support your request.

Common examples include a copy of your current Green Card (front and back), a government-issued photo ID if your card is missing, and documents supporting any name or biographical changes.

If you are filing for a child who received a Green Card before age 14 and is now turning 14, USCIS may require a birth certificate or other proof of identity/age.

If you are requesting a correction due to a DHS error, include proof of the error and any supporting records USCIS requests.

How to File Form I-90

You can file Form I-90 online through a USCIS online account or by mail. Online filing is typically cheaper and can make it easier to track status updates and receive notices electronically.

When completing the form, ensure your information matches your existing records and your filing basis. Mistakes or missing evidence can lead to delays or Requests for Evidence (RFEs).

Before submitting, confirm that you are using the correct form edition and that you have included the right fee and supporting documents for your category.

Processing Times for Form I-90

Form I-90 processing times vary depending on USCIS workload, the filing basis, and whether USCIS requests additional evidence.

While you are waiting, your receipt notice may help demonstrate continued status and extended card validity (where applicable).

What Happens After You File Form I-90?

After you submit Form I-90, USCIS will typically issue a receipt notice confirming the case was received.

USCIS may schedule a biometrics appointment, where you will provide fingerprints, a photo, and a signature.

USCIS may approve the application, issue an RFE if additional documentation is needed, or deny the application if eligibility is not met or evidence is insufficient.

If USCIS approves, they will produce and mail your new Green Card to the address on file.

Take the First Step:

If you’re ready to file (or you’re not sure whether Form I-90 is the right path for your situation), start by organizing your documents and confirming your filing basis.

A careful, evidence-driven submission reduces the chance of RFEs and can help keep your proof of permanent resident status current and accurate.