How to Obtain a Replacement For a Lost or Stolen Green Card

Obtaining a replacement for a lost or stolen green card is essential, as this document shows proof of your residency status in the United States and is often used to show evidence of your eligibility to work and live legally in the country. It’s important to file for a replacement for a lost or stolen green card as soon as possible after realizing that this document is missing. Our article gives you detailed steps on obtaining a replacement for your green card.

In this guide we will cover these questions:

• Why Is Replacing Your Green Card Important?
• How to Obtain a Replacement For Your Lost or Stolen Green Card
• What Is the Process for Replacing Your Green Card?
• What if Your Green Card Is Lost or Stolen While Traveling Abroad?
• How Long Does It Take To Get a Replacement Green Card?
• What if Your Green Card Application Is Denied?
• Where Can You Obtain a Certified Translation?

Why Is Replacing Your Green Card Important?

Replacing your green card is important as you need this document to show your legal proof of residency in the United States and demonstrate your eligibility to live or work legally. Without your green card, you may not be able to travel easily inside or outside of the country, obtain government services, and easily take advantage of your legal rights. It’s important to replace your lost or stolen green card as soon as possible to avoid any serious issues.

How to Obtain a Replacement For Your Lost or Stolen Green Card

Obtaining a replacement for your lost or stolen green card might seem like an overwhelming process at first. Our guide helps break down the steps in this process so you easily understand what to do after your green card is lost or stolen.

What Is the Process for Replacing Your Green Card?

The process for replacing your green card involves filling out Form I-90, application to replace a permanent resident card, and submitting it to the USCIS along with the application fee of $455 and the biometrics fee of $85 (a total fee of $540). This form can be submitted either online or through the mail, but we give you the steps for submitting this form through an online USCIS account below.

1. Create an online USCIS account or log into your existing account.
2. Follow the instructions found in your online account to complete Form I-90, upload any supporting documents, and pay the application fee of $540.
3. Once your application is submitted, the USCIS will notify you if any further information is needed, if interviews need to be scheduled, and how to complete any biometrics services.
4. Keep track of your application and its results via your online account and communicate with USCIS directly if you have any other application questions.

After you submit your Form I-90, you can use the receipt number along with your Form I-55I, your permanent residence card, to provide valid proof of your residency status.

If you don’t have your green card, as is the case when your card is lost or stolen, you may be issued an Alien Documentation, Identification & Telecommunications (ADIT) stamp while waiting for your replacement green card.

If you would like to submit your green card replacement application through the mail instead, review the information listed under the “where to file” option found on the Form I-90 information page.

What if Your Green Card Is Lost or Stolen While Traveling Abroad?

If your green card is lost or stolen while you are traveling abroad, your first step should be to contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. You may be required to submit Form I-131A, application for travel document in order to travel back into the United States. You may also be authorized a temporary I-551 stamp depending on your situation.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Replacement Green Card?

As of 2023, it takes approximately 18 months to obtain a replacement green card. This time might be shorter or longer depending on your specific situation. You can check average processing times for certain forms the USCIS issues and reviews online.

What if Your Green Card Application Is Denied?

If your green card replacement application is denied, the USCIS will issue you a letter stating why. You cannot appeal a denial, but you may be able to submit a motion to reopen the case or a motion to reconsider. In these cases, you may also want to consider obtaining legal assistance from an attorney that specializes in immigration law in order to help you navigate the process.

More information on green card application denials and your next steps can be found on USCIS’s appeals and motions information page.

Where Can You Obtain a Certified Translation?

As you complete Form I-90 and submit any required supplemental documentation, you may find that your important documents also need an English translation if they are to be accepted.

You can obtain a certified translation of these vital documents via our online store to give your green card replacement application the best chance of being accepted and processed as fast as possible, including:

• Criminal records
• Birth certificates
• Death certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Divorce decrees
• Academic transcripts

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