How to Renew Green Card in Us

The first question is not “Should I file online or by mail?” It’s “Is Form I-90 the right form for my situation?” For most permanent residents with a standard 10-year Green Card that is expiring, expired, lost, damaged, or incorrect, the answer is yes.

USCIS accepts Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, online or on paper by mail. The details can change, especially the filing fee and processing information, so check the current USCIS instructions before you submit anything.

When to use Form I-90 to renew or replace a Green Card

Form I-90 is the main form for renewing or replacing a standard 10-year Green Card. “Renew” usually means the card is reaching its expiration date. “Replace” covers other problems with the physical card.

You may need Form I-90 if your card is:

• About to expire
• Already expired
• Lost
• Stolen
• Damaged
• Printed with incorrect information
• Changed because your personal information needs to be updated on the card

The form is still called an application to replace a Permanent Resident Card even when your goal is simply to renew it. That wording can be confusing, but it refers to the same Form I-90 process for a standard 10-year card.

A quick decision check

Before starting your application, ask:

1. Is this a standard 10-year Green Card?
2. Are you replacing the card itself rather than changing your immigration status?
3. Is the problem an expiration, loss, damage, or error on the card?

If the answer is yes, Form I-90 is generally the form to review.

If your card is connected to conditional permanent residence, stop before filing. You may need a different form instead.

Cases that may require Form I-751 or Form I-829 instead

Form I-90 is not the right answer for every Green Card holder.

Some people have conditional permanent residence. This is a different situation from holding a standard 10-year Permanent Resident Card. Depending on the basis for that conditional status, you may need Form I-751 or Form I-829 instead of Form I-90.

• Form I-751 may apply to someone whose conditional residence is based on marriage.
• Form I-829 may apply to someone whose conditional residence is connected to an investor case.

The key point is simple: replacing the physical card is different from removing the conditions on your residence. Form I-90 handles the first situation. Form I-751 or Form I-829 may handle the second.

Do not choose a form only because your card is close to expiring. First check whether the card shows conditional resident status and review the current USCIS instructions for your case. If you are unsure which category applies, consider getting advice from a qualified immigration professional before filing.

What to prepare before starting the application

A little preparation can prevent a frustrating filing. Start by gathering the information that appears on your current or most recent Green Card.

Review:

• Your full name as shown on immigration records
• Your date of birth
• Your address and contact details
• Your Alien Registration Number, if shown on your documents
• The card’s expiration date
• The reason you are filing Form I-90
• Any changes or errors that need to be reported

You should also think about how you will file. USCIS provides two options:

• Online filing through the USCIS online system
• Paper filing by mail

Choose the method that lets you enter information carefully and keep a clear record of what you submitted. Online filing may be easier for someone who is comfortable using an online account. Mail may work better if you prefer a paper packet or cannot use the online system for your situation.

Before you begin, check the latest Form I-90 instructions. They explain the current filing requirements, document rules, fee, and submission details. Do not rely on an old checklist saved from a previous application.

How to renew a Green Card online

Green Card renewal online starts with Form I-90 through the USCIS online filing system. The exact screens and instructions can change, so follow the prompts shown when you begin.

A practical online filing process looks like this:

1. Confirm that Form I-90 fits your case

Make sure you are dealing with a standard 10-year Green Card. If you are a conditional resident, review Form I-751 or Form I-829 before moving forward.

2. Enter your information carefully

Complete each section using your immigration records and current details. Check names, dates, identification numbers, and addresses before moving to the next section.

Small typing errors can create delays or force you to explain a mismatch later. If a question does not fit your situation, read the form’s instructions instead of guessing.

3. Select the reason for the application

Form I-90 covers several replacement situations. Choose the reason that matches what happened to your card, such as expiration, loss, damage, or an incorrect card.

Your reason can affect what documents USCIS expects. Review the instructions for the option you select.

4. Upload the requested documents

The online system will show what supporting material applies to your filing. Use clear copies or images and make sure the information can be read.

Do not upload unrelated files just to make the application look complete. Follow the current document instructions for your specific reason.

5. Review before submitting

Read the full application again. Look for:

• Misspelled names
• Wrong dates
• An old address
• Incorrect card information
• A wrong replacement reason
• Missing attachments

This is the best time to fix an error. After submission, changes may be harder to make.

6. Pay the current filing fee and submit

The online system will show payment instructions. Confirm the current amount before paying. Save the submission confirmation and any case information USCIS provides.

Keep electronic copies of the completed form and uploaded documents. You may need them later when checking your case.

How to renew a Green Card by mail

To file by mail, use the current paper version of Form I-90 and follow the latest USCIS instructions. The correct mailing details and document rules are time-sensitive, so confirm them before sending the packet.

A paper filing usually involves these steps:

1. Download or obtain the current Form I-90.
2. Complete the form neatly and accurately.
3. Review the instructions for the filing reason you selected.
4. Make copies of the documents the instructions request.
5. Include the correct payment method and current fee.
6. Sign the form where required.
7. Check the current USCIS mailing address.
8. Keep a complete copy of the packet.
9. Use a mailing method that gives you proof of delivery.

Do not send your only original identity or immigration document unless the current instructions specifically require it. In most situations, you should keep copies of everything you mail.

A common mistake is using a mailing address found on an older form or website page. USCIS filing locations can depend on the form and delivery method. Check the current Form I-90 instructions right before mailing the application.

Documents and information to review before submitting

There is no single document list that fits every Form I-90 case. What you need can depend on why you are replacing the card.

For that reason, the question “What documents do I need to renew my Green Card?” should be answered by checking the current Form I-90 instructions for your exact situation.

Before filing, review these areas:

Your current or most recent Green Card

If you still have the card, check its details against your application. Look for the name, date of birth, card number, expiration date, and any other information that appears on it.

If the card is lost or stolen, do not claim that you have it. Select the reason that accurately describes the problem and follow the instructions for that situation.

Proof related to the problem

A damaged card, a printing error, and a lost card are different replacement reasons. USCIS may ask for different supporting information depending on the reason you choose.

Read the form instructions instead of using a generic online checklist. If your card contains an error, be clear about what is wrong. If your personal information has changed, review what the current instructions say about showing that change.

Your personal details

Use current contact information so USCIS can reach you about the application. Review your address carefully, especially if you have moved since the last card was issued.

Your filing record

Before submitting, keep:

• A copy of the completed Form I-90
• Copies of all supporting documents
• Proof of payment
• Online confirmation or mailing proof
• Any USCIS receipt or case information you receive

These records make it easier to answer questions and check the application later.

Green Card renewal fees and how to verify the current amount

The Green Card renewal fee in 2026 is a time-sensitive detail. The supplied information does not provide a current dollar amount, so do not rely on a number from an old article, a social media post, or a previous application.

Instead, verify the fee in the current USCIS Form I-90 instructions and fee information before filing. Check the amount for your filing method and reason. Also review whether the instructions describe any separate payment or filing requirements.

The fee is part of the filing decision, but it is not the only thing to check. A form can still be rejected or delayed if information is missing, the wrong form is used, or the payment does not follow the current instructions.

If you qualify for a fee-related exception or need to ask about a fee issue, use the current USCIS guidance for that question. Do not assume that a fee rule from another immigration form applies to Form I-90.

What to do if the card is lost, damaged, incorrect, or already expired

An expired card does not turn into a different type of case just because the expiration date has passed. If it is a standard 10-year Green Card, Form I-90 is generally the form to review for renewal or replacement.

The same form may also apply when the card is:

• Lost
• Stolen
• Damaged
• Incorrectly printed
• No longer accurate because information changed

The important step is selecting the truthful reason for filing. Do not choose “expired” if the card was lost. Do not choose “lost” if USCIS printed an error on the card.

If the card is damaged, keep it if you still have it and follow the current instructions about what to submit. If it is lost, explain that situation through the appropriate Form I-90 option and provide the information requested by USCIS.

If your card is a conditional resident card, the issue may not be a regular Green Card renewal. Review the Form I-751 or Form I-829 question before submitting Form I-90.

How long Green Card renewal may take and what to check after filing

There is no processing estimate provided here that can safely be used as a promise. The time can change, so check the current USCIS processing information after you file and while your case is pending.

The best way to keep track of your application is to save your confirmation, receipt, or other case information. Then use the official USCIS case tools and instructions connected to your filing method.

If you filed online, keep a copy of the online confirmation and submitted application. If you mailed the form, keep proof that you sent the packet and proof of delivery when available.

Questions people often ask

#### How do I renew my USA Green Card?

For a standard 10-year Green Card, review Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. USCIS offers online filing and paper filing by mail.

#### How long does it take to renew a Green Card in the USA?

The available information does not give a fixed processing time. Check the current USCIS processing information instead of planning around a guaranteed number of days or months.

#### Are there new requirements for Green Card renewal?

The supplied information does not identify a specific set of new requirements. Review the current Form I-90 instructions, including the document and payment rules that apply to your filing reason.

#### How much does it cost to renew a Green Card every 10 years?

The current fee amount is not provided here. Confirm it in the latest USCIS fee information before submitting Form I-90. The amount and payment rules are details you should verify at the time you file.

Start with the decision, not the payment screen: confirm that you have a standard 10-year Green Card and that Form I-90 fits your situation. Then review the current USCIS Form I-90 instructions, fee information, and filing options before submitting your application.