Green Card Renewal: When and How to File Form I-90

A green card, formally called a Permanent Resident Card, is the everyday proof that you have the right to live and work permanently in the United States. Even though your status as a lawful permanent resident does not expire when the card does, the physical card itself has an expiration date printed on the front. An expired card creates real, practical problems.

Employers are required by law to verify that employees are authorized to work in the U.S. An expired green card cannot be used to satisfy that requirement during a Form I-9 employment verification check. Many airlines, TSA checkpoints, and foreign consulates also require a valid card. If your card is expiring soon or has already expired, renewing it promptly keeps your life running smoothly.

Beyond expiration, there are other situations that require you to file for a new card:

• Card expires within six months or is already expired. USCIS recommends filing at the six-month mark to give the agency time to process your application before your current card becomes outdated.
• Card is lost, stolen, or destroyed. You cannot simply request a duplicate; you must file a full replacement application.
• Card is damaged or mutilated. If the card is difficult to read or the embedded chip no longer works, it must be replaced.
• Card contains incorrect information. Errors in your name, date of birth, or other data require a corrected card.
• You received your card through a conditional green card process and are now a permanent resident. When conditions are removed, a new ten-year card is issued.
• Your name or other personal information changed legally. A court-ordered name change, for example, should eventually be reflected on your card.
• You turned 14 years old and your card shows no expiration date. Older cards issued to children under 14 with no expiration date must be renewed when the holder turns 14.

Keeping your card accurate and valid is one of the most straightforward ways to protect your status and avoid unnecessary hassles at work, at the airport, or at any government office.

Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, is the official form used by lawful permanent residents to renew or replace their green card. It is filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You are not applying for a new immigration status—you already have permanent residence—you are simply asking for a new physical document.

Who should NOT use Form I-90:

• Conditional permanent residents whose two-year card is expiring must instead file Form I-751 (for those who obtained status through marriage) or Form I-829 (for investor-based residents) to remove conditions. Only after conditions are removed does a ten-year card issue.
• People who never received a card that was approved—there is a separate process for those situations.
• Naturalized U.S. citizens—they no longer need a green card and should not file I-90.

Who should use Form I-90:

Any ten-year (or certain older) green card holder who needs a renewal or replacement for the reasons listed in the section above. The form asks for basic biographical information, your current and previous alien registration numbers (also called A-numbers), and an explanation of why you are filing.

You have two options for filing:

1. Online through your USCIS online account. This is the method USCIS encourages because you can track your case status in real time, upload documents electronically, and receive electronic notices.
2. By mail using a paper form. You print and complete the form, gather supporting documents, and mail everything to the USCIS Lockbox that serves your state. Always use the current version of the form—check uscis.gov for the edition date before printing.

For Illinois residents, the specific USCIS Lockbox address for paper I-90 filings depends on how you are paying and whether you are using a courier service. Always confirm the correct mailing address at uscis.gov/i-90 before sending your application, as addresses can change.

Filing Form I-90 requires a fee that covers both the application itself and the biometrics appointment where USCIS will capture your fingerprints and photograph. Because USCIS adjusts its fee schedule periodically, do not rely on any unofficial source for the current amount—always check the official fee table at uscis.gov before you file. Paying the wrong amount is one of the most common reasons an application is rejected before it is even reviewed.

Can the fee be waived?

In limited circumstances, USCIS may waive the filing fee for Form I-90. A fee waiver is generally available if paying the fee would cause you financial hardship. You request this by filing Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, along with your I-90. Be prepared to provide documentation of your financial situation. Fee waivers are not automatically approved, and your I-90 will not be processed until either the fee is paid or the waiver is granted.

Supporting documents to gather:

• A copy of both sides of your current or most recent green card (even if expired, lost, or damaged).
• If your card was lost or stolen, a brief written explanation or, in some jurisdictions, a police report—while USCIS does not universally require a police report, having one can support your account.
• Documents showing any legal name change (court order, marriage certificate) if you are filing because your name changed.
• Your passport or other government-issued photo ID.
• If you are filing on behalf of a person who is mentally or physically incapacitated, you will need to provide documentation explaining the situation.

What happens after you file:

Once USCIS receives your application and fee, it will mail (or send electronically, if you filed online) a Form I-797 receipt notice. This notice is important—it proves USCIS has your application and, combined with your expired card, can serve as temporary evidence of your continued lawful status in many situations. Keep this receipt in a safe place.

For online filers, you can log into your USCIS account at any time to check your case status. For paper filers, you can use the case status tool at uscis.gov using the receipt number printed on your I-797.

After your I-90 application is accepted, USCIS will schedule you for a biometrics appointment at an Application Support Center (ASC). At this appointment, a USCIS employee will take your photograph, fingerprints, and signature. This information is used to produce your new card and to conduct required background checks.

Your appointment notice will arrive by mail (or appear in your online account) and will tell you the specific ASC location, date, and time. You must bring the appointment notice and a valid photo ID to your biometrics appointment. If you need to reschedule, do so promptly through your online account or by calling the USCIS Contact Center—missing an appointment without rescheduling can cause delays or denial.

For permanent residents in Illinois, biometrics appointments are typically scheduled at one of the USCIS Application Support Centers serving the Chicago metropolitan area and surrounding regions. Illinois is also served by the USCIS Chicago Field Office, located in the Chicago area, which handles in-person appointments for certain immigration benefits and InfoPass-style scheduled visits when needed. While the I-90 process is largely administrative and does not usually require an in-person interview at the field office, knowing that Chicago has a full field office is reassuring—if USCIS needs additional information or if a problem arises with your application, the Chicago Field Office can be involved in resolving it.

For the most current ASC locations and hours in Illinois, visit the USCIS website and use the office locator tool. Locations and operating hours can change, so always verify before traveling to an appointment.

Once biometrics are completed, USCIS will produce your new card and mail it to the address on your application. This is why it is critical to keep your address updated with USCIS at all times—you can update it using Form AR-11 or through your online account.

One of the most common worries people have after filing Form I-90 is: What do I show my employer, or TSA, or anyone else who needs to see my green card while I wait for the new one? This is a legitimate concern, but there are official options that protect you during the processing period.

The I-797 receipt notice + expired green card combination: For employment verification purposes, USCIS has issued guidance confirming that in many circumstances, an expired green card combined with a valid I-90 receipt notice (the I-797) together satisfy the Form I-9 list of acceptable documents. Employers are expected to honor this combination. If an employer is unfamiliar with this rule, you can point them to the official I-9 Central guidance at uscis.gov.

USCIS may issue an ADIT stamp: In situations where you need immediate travel or other urgent proof of status—for instance, if your card expired and you need to return to the U.S. after international travel—you may be able to schedule an appointment at a USCIS field office for an Arrival/Departure Record (ADIT) stamp placed in your passport. This stamp serves as temporary evidence of your permanent resident status. Contact the USCIS Contact Center or your local field office to explore this option if it applies to your situation.

Re-entry permits for extended travel: If you plan to travel internationally while your I-90 is pending, be aware that a pending I-90 application does not automatically grant you any travel permission beyond what your current documentation allows. If your card is expired and you need to travel internationally, speak with an immigration attorney about your specific situation before booking travel.

Keep your address current: Federal law requires permanent residents to notify USCIS of any address change within ten days of moving. Use Form AR-11 or update online at uscis.gov. A card mailed to an old address may be returned or—if not retrieved—destroyed, requiring you to start the process over.

Processing times vary: USCIS processing times for Form I-90 can fluctuate based on application volume and other factors. Do not rely on any fixed estimate; instead, check the USCIS processing times tool at uscis.gov, which is updated regularly and shows current estimates for the I-90 specifically. If your case has been pending longer than the posted processing time, you may submit a case inquiry through official USCIS channels.

Filing Form I-90 is one of the more straightforward immigration processes, but small mistakes can cause delays. Here are practical steps to keep things on track.

Before you file:

• Gather your documents first. Having everything ready before you start the application—especially your A-number, card number (if available), and supporting documents—makes the process faster and reduces errors.
• Use the current version of the form. USCIS periodically updates forms. Filing an outdated version will result in rejection. Always download the form directly from uscis.gov/i-90.
• Double-check your personal information. Errors in your name, date of birth, or A-number can cause significant delays. If the information on your old card was wrong to begin with, this is the time to get it corrected—but flag it clearly in your application.
• Consider filing online. The online filing system at my.uscis.gov helps prevent common errors, calculates the correct fee, and gives you instant access to your receipt notice and case status.

During the process:

• Respond to any USCIS requests promptly. If USCIS sends a Request for Evidence (RFE) or other notice, respond by the deadline given. Missing a deadline can result in denial.
• Attend your biometrics appointment. Missing this appointment without rescheduling is one of the most avoidable reasons for delay or denial.
• Keep copies of everything. Maintain a file with copies of your application, receipt notice, biometrics appointment notice, and any correspondence from USCIS.

After your card arrives:

• Check the card carefully the moment it arrives. Verify that your name, date of birth, A-number, and photo are all correct. If there is an error that was caused by USCIS (not by you), contact USCIS promptly—you can file a new I-90 at no charge to correct a USCIS error.
• Store your card safely. A fireproof home safe or a safety deposit box is a practical choice. Do not laminate your green card—laminating it can damage the embedded security features and render it invalid.

Green card renewal is a routine part of life as a permanent resident. Taking a calm, organized approach—and filing well before the expiration date—makes the process manageable and keeps your documentation solid for work, travel, and everything else that matters in your daily life.