How to Get a New Green Card

If you already have a Green Card, “getting a new Green Card” usually means replacing the card in your hands. It usually does not mean starting the immigration process for an initial Green Card.

The form used for this kind of green card replacement is Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. USCIS accepts Form I-90 online or by mail. You may use it for several card problems, including an expired card or a lost card.

The exact filing steps, fees, evidence rules, and processing information can change. Check the latest USCIS instructions before you submit anything.

What “getting a new Green Card” usually means

A Green Card is a Permanent Resident Card. It shows that you have been granted permission to live and work permanently in the United States.

People often search for “how to get a new green card” when they need to:

• Replace a card that was lost
• Replace a card that was stolen or damaged
• Renew an expired card
• Correct information on a card
• Get an updated card after a change that affects the card record

These situations are different from applying for permanent residence for the first time. If you do not already have permanent resident status, Form I-90 may not be the right starting point.

For an existing Green Card holder, the main question is usually simple:

> Do I need to replace my current Permanent Resident Card?

If the answer is yes, review the current Form I-90 instructions and choose either online filing or paper filing.

When to use Form I-90 to replace a Permanent Resident Card

Form I-90 is the application used to replace a Permanent Resident Card. It can apply when the card is expired, lost, or needs another type of correction or replacement.

Before you begin, identify the reason for the application. USCIS uses that reason to determine what information or supporting documents you need to provide.

Common reasons include:

• The card expired: You need a current card to replace the expired one.
• The card was lost: You no longer have the physical card.
• The card was stolen or damaged: The card cannot be used as needed.
• The card contains incorrect information: The printed information does not match the correct record.
• Your information changed: You need to ask for a card that reflects the updated information.

Read the form instructions for your specific reason. The evidence USCIS asks for may differ depending on what happened to the card.

You should also use the current version of Form I-90. Immigration forms and filing instructions can be updated. An old copy may contain outdated questions or directions.

What to prepare before filing

Have your current or previous card information available if you still have the card. If the card is lost, gather whatever information you can use to identify your permanent resident record.

You should also be ready to provide:

• Your personal information
• Your current mailing address
• The reason you are replacing the card
• Any supporting documents the current instructions require
• The required filing payment, if one applies

Do not guess about the current fee or payment method. Confirm both on the USCIS website before filing.

How to file Form I-90 online

Online filing can be useful if you want to complete the application electronically and keep track of the case through the USCIS online system.

The general process is:

1. Go to the USCIS website. Find the current Form I-90 page.
2. Review the eligibility and filing information. Make sure Form I-90 fits your situation.
3. Create or sign in to the required online account. Follow the current USCIS account instructions.
4. Complete the application. Enter your information carefully and select the reason you need a new card.
5. Upload any required evidence. Use the file types and document rules listed in the online application.
6. Review every answer. Check names, dates, addresses, and card information before submitting.
7. Pay the required amount, if applicable. Use a payment method USCIS currently accepts.
8. Submit the application. Save the confirmation and any receipt information.

An online filing can reduce problems caused by unreadable handwriting. It also gives you an electronic record of what you submitted. Still, online filing does not remove the need to answer every question accurately.

Keep copies or screenshots of your submitted application and confirmation. You may need them later if USCIS asks about the filing.

USCIS may send notices after receiving the application. Read each notice and follow the instructions. If the agency requests more information, respond by the deadline listed in that notice.

Submit Form I-90 on paper

You can also complete Form I-90 as a paper application and send it by mail. This may be the better choice if you cannot use the online system or prefer to keep a physical application packet.

Start with the current paper form and its instructions. Then:

1. Complete the form clearly and truthfully.
2. Select the correct reason for replacing the card.
3. Gather the supporting documents listed in the instructions.
4. Prepare the required payment, if one applies.
5. Make a complete copy of the application and documents for your records.
6. Send the packet to the USCIS filing address listed in the current instructions.

Do not rely on an old mailing address. USCIS filing locations can depend on the form and delivery method, so verify the address immediately before mailing the packet.

Use a delivery method that gives you a record of when the package was sent and delivered. Keep that delivery record with your copy of the application.

A paper packet can be delayed by missing pages, an incorrect payment, incomplete answers, or documents sent to the wrong address. A final check before mailing can prevent many basic problems.

Replacing an expired or lost Green Card

An expired Green Card and a lost Green Card create different practical problems, but both can lead to Form I-90.

If your Green Card expired

An expired card is a common reason to renew or replace a Permanent Resident Card. Use Form I-90 if the current USCIS instructions say it applies to your situation.

Do not wait until the last minute if you know the card is expiring. Start by checking the current Form I-90 instructions, filing options, and any notices USCIS provides about the application process.

Because current procedures can change, verify what evidence or proof USCIS provides after filing. Do not assume that an old card, a receipt, or another document will be accepted for every purpose. The organization asking for proof may have its own requirements.

If your Green Card was lost

If you no longer have your card, you can still review Form I-90 as the replacement route. Select the reason that matches the loss and provide the information requested by the current form.

Write down what happened while the details are fresh. If the card was stolen, keep any related report or record that may be relevant to your application. Follow the current USCIS instructions rather than adding documents that are not requested.

The main goal is to tell USCIS clearly that the physical Permanent Resident Card is no longer in your possession and that you need a replacement.

How long a Green Card replacement may take

The available information does not provide one reliable processing time for every Form I-90 application. Timing can vary, and USCIS may update its estimates or procedures.

For that reason, be careful with websites that promise a set number of days or weeks. A general estimate may not match your case.

After you file, keep track of:

• Your submission confirmation or delivery record
• Any USCIS receipt notice
• Requests for more evidence
• Appointment notices, if USCIS sends one
• Any later decision or card-production notice

Check the current USCIS case-tracking instructions for the accepted way to follow your application. If your address changes, review the current USCIS process for updating your information so important notices do not go to the wrong place.

Do not make travel, work, or identification plans based only on an expected delivery date. If you need proof of status while waiting, verify what USCIS currently provides and what the requesting agency will accept.

Renewing a Green Card or applying for citizenship

Renewing a Green Card and applying for citizenship are separate paths.

Form I-90 is used to renew or replace an existing Permanent Resident Card. It deals with the card itself and problems such as expiration, loss, damage, or incorrect information.

Applying for citizenship is a different immigration process. The information provided here does not establish who qualifies, what requirements apply, or whether citizenship is the better choice for you.

That means there is no one answer to the question, “Should I renew my Green Card or apply for citizenship?” A person may need a replacement card now even while considering citizenship later. Another person may need advice about citizenship eligibility before deciding what to do.

Do not let an interest in citizenship stop you from dealing with an expired, lost, or incorrect card. Also, do not assume that filing Form I-90 begins a citizenship application. It does not.

If you are comparing the two options, check the current USCIS information for citizenship applications separately. For a personal decision, consider speaking with a qualified immigration lawyer or an accredited representative.

Questions about current rules for Green Card holders

How often do Green Card holders renew their cards?

The available information does not provide a renewal interval. The timing can also depend on the type of card and the current USCIS rules.

Check the expiration date on your card and confirm the latest renewal guidance on the USCIS website. Use Form I-90 only after reviewing the current instructions for your situation.

Is there a new rule for Green Card holders?

The information available here does not identify a specific new rule or policy change. Online claims about a “new rule,” including claims linked to a particular president or administration, may be incomplete or wrong.

Do not rely on social media posts or headlines alone. Check current USCIS announcements and official government information for any rule that could affect you.

Can I replace a lost card online?

USCIS accepts Form I-90 online or by mail, and a lost card is one situation the form can cover. Confirm that online filing is available for your exact case and review the evidence instructions before submitting.

What if the information on my card is wrong?

Review Form I-90 and choose the reason that matches the error or change. The current instructions should tell you what proof to provide and whether another process could apply.

Before submitting, compare every name, date, and address on the application with your official documents. A small mistake can create extra work later.

The safest last step is to check the latest Form I-90 instructions, filing options, payment details, and mailing information on the official USCIS website before you submit your application.