How to Get Your Green Card If You Misplaced It

When you are born in a country other than the United States, you are required to obtain a permanent resident card (called a green card) to live and work in the United States. Once you obtain a green card, it is valid for an indefinite period of time as long as you maintain a United States residence. If you lose your card, it can easily be replaced. However, the replacement is quite costly. As of May 2011, the cost to replace a lost card is $365.

Things You'll Need

• Form I-90
• Processing fee
• Photo ID
• Fingerprints

Instructions

Online

1. Visit the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services website. Click the "Forms" tab. Select "File My Application Online." Click the "Log In To E-filing" link located on the upper right hand side of the page.

2. Enter your user ID and password into the designated fields. Click "Log In."

   If you have never used the online portal, click the "I Am A New User" link. By doing so, you can register to use the site and create a user ID and password. To register, enter information, such as your name, address, telephone number and date of birth.

3. Complete form I-90 by entering information such as your current legal name, the name that appears on your green card, mailing address, date of birth, birth location, social security number, alien registration number and parents' names.

4. Enter valid credit card information to pay the required processing fee.

   If you don't want to pay with a credit card, use your checking or savings account instead. To pay with a checking or savings account, you need your bank account number and nine digit routing number.

5. Click "Submit" to submit your completed form. Wait for your receipt number to be generated. The receipt is confirmation that your I-90 form has been submitted successfully.

6. Mail any supporting documentation that is required to the Nebraska Service Center, Attn: E-Filed I-90 Application, P.O. Box 87090, Lincoln, Nebraska 68502-7090.

   Supporting documentation is only required if your name or other biographical information has legally been changed since your original green card was issued. You must including supporting documentation with your application to prove the changes. An example of supporting documentation includes a court order, marriage certificate or divorce decree.

7. Wait to receive your biometrics appointment notice in the mail. It can take several weeks for you to receive your biometrics appointment.

8. Visit the local biometrics office to have your fingerprints taken. When attending your appointment, take a government-issued photo ID to verify your identity. Your permanent resident card will be mailed to you as soon as your biometrics have been submitted and processed.

Postal Mail

1. Download and print form "I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card." This form can be downloaded from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

2. Complete form I-90 by entering information such as your current legal name, the name that appears on your green card, mailing address, date of birth, birth location, social security number, alien registration number and parents' names.

3. Mail the completed form to USCIS, P.O. Box 21262, Phoenix, Arizona 85036. Include the processing fee.

   If your name or other biographical information has legally been changed since your original green card was issued, you must including supporting documentation with your application to prove the changes. An example of supporting documentation includes a court order, marriage certificate or divorce decree.

4. Wait to receive your biometrics appointment notice in the mail. This can take several weeks from the date your I-90 is received and processed.

5. Visit the local biometrics office to have your fingerprints taken. Take a government issued-photo ID to your appointment to prove your identity. Your permanent resident card will be mailed to you as soon as your biometrics have been submitted and processed.

References

• United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
• United States Citizenship and Immigration Services: File My Application Online
• United States Citizenship and Immigration Services: E-Filing Reference Guide
• United States Citizenship and Immigration Services: Paying Fees For E-Filed Applications
• United States Citizenship and Immigration Services: Instructions for I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card

Resources

• United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
• I-90 Application To Replace Permanent Resident Card