Form I-90 — How to Renew or Replace Your Green Card in 2025: Complete Guide

Your Green Card is the primary proof of your lawful permanent resident status in the United States. If your card is expiring, lost, damaged, or contains incorrect information, you must file Form I-90 to renew or replace it.

This is the official USCIS process, and understanding each step is crucial to avoid delays, RFEs, or delivery issues. In this guide, you’ll find a complete breakdown of the I-90 process for 2025, including required documents, timelines, fees, common mistakes, and expert tips.

What Is Form I-90?

Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, is used to:

• renew an expiring Green Card

• replace a lost or stolen card

• replace a damaged card

• correct USCIS errors

• update your name after marriage or divorce

• update personal information

• replace an older card without expiration date

Conditional residents (2-year Green Cards) do not use I-90. They must file Form I-751

When You Must File Form I-90

You should file I-90 if:

• your Green Card expires within 6 months,

• your card is already expired,

• your card was lost or stolen,

• your card is damaged,

• USCIS made a mistake,

• you changed your legal name,

• you never received your card after approval,

• you have an outdated Green Card version.

How Much Does It Cost to File Form I-90?

As of 2025, the current USCIS fees are:

Online filing:$415, which already includes the biometric services (the separate biometric fee for Form I-90 has been eliminated).

Paper filing (by mail):$465, also inclusive of biometrics.

❗ If the error on your green card was caused by USCIS, you do not pay any fees.

Important Notes

• These fees apply only to regular 10-year permanent resident cards. Conditional residents (2-year green cards) do not use Form I-90 — they must file Form I-751 or Form I-829 instead.

• Always verify the current fee on the official USCIS Form I-90 page before filing, as future fee adjustments or a small biometric surcharge may be introduced.

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How to File Form I-90

✔ File Online (recommended)

Faster processing, real-time updates.

✔ File by Mail

Used for complex submissions or additional documents.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Create Your USCIS Account

Go to my.uscis.gov and register.

2. Select the Correct Reason

Choosing the wrong category causes delays.

3. Complete the Form

Use only the latest edition.

4. Upload Required Documents

Typically required:

• passport copy

• your previous Green Card

• police report (if stolen)

• marriage/divorce certificate

• proof of USCIS error

5. Pay the Filing Fee

Credit/debit cards and ACH accepted.

6. Biometrics Appointment

Scheduled within 3–8 weeks.

7. Receive Your New Green Card

Track through your USCIS account.

Processing Times in 2025

• Online filing: 3–7 months

• Mail filing: 4–9 months

Most Common Mistakes

• wrong filing category

• missing supporting documents

• incorrect name spelling

• wrong address

• unreadable scans

• missing copy of previous card

• unpaid fees

These lead to RFEs or denials.

What If Your Green Card Is Expired?

Your permanent resident status does NOT expire. However:

• you may struggle with employment verification,

• may not be able to renew your driver’s license,

• travel is risky.

File I-90 and use your I-797 Extension Letter as temporary proof.

Checklist for I-90 Filing

• passport

• previous Green Card

• police report (if lost/stolen)

• marriage certificate

• proof of USCIS error

• completed I-90

• payment receipt

  
  

FAQ — I-90

Can I work with an expired Green Card?

Yes, but employers may request updated proof.

Can I travel while my I-90 is pending?

Use an I-551 stamp for safe travel.

Do I need a lawyer?

No, I-90 is simple.

What if my card never arrived?

Submit a case inquiry through USCIS.