How Do I Replace a Lost or Stolen Green Card?
By Pinal Dave | Last updated: 2026-08-02
TL;DR: File Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, with USCIS to get a replacement — the same form used for expired or damaged cards. If your card was stolen or you suspect identity theft, also file a police report and consider notifying USCIS through its identity-theft guidance. Losing your card doesn't erase your lawful permanent resident status, but you'll need a temporary I-551 stamp or your receipt notice as interim proof of status if you need to prove work authorization or travel before the new card arrives.
The Claim
A lost, stolen, or destroyed green card is a documentation problem, not a status problem — your underlying lawful permanent resident status doesn't disappear — but you do need to promptly replace the physical card and take extra precautions if theft or identity fraud is involved.
The Evidence
USCIS designates Form I-90 as the application for a permanent resident to replace or renew their Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), covering reasons including loss, theft, mutilation, and normal 10-year expiration. When your card is stolen rather than simply lost, USCIS and law enforcement guidance generally recommend filing a local police report, both to create a record and because a stolen green card can be used for identity theft or fraud. While your I-90 is pending, your filing receipt, along with other documentation, can help demonstrate your status is being processed, though for urgent needs — like proving employment authorization to an employer or travel documentation — you may need to schedule an appointment for a temporary I-551 stamp in your passport at a local USCIS field office.
Comparison: I-90 Filing Reasons
| Reason for Filing I-90 | Extra Steps Beyond the Form |
|---|---|
| Card lost | None beyond the standard I-90 filing |
| Card stolen | File a police report; consider added vigilance for identity theft |
| Card expired (10-year card) | Standard I-90 renewal filing |
| Card damaged or mutilated | Include the damaged card if requested by USCIS |
| Never received your card after approval | Contact USCIS first to check if it was returned as undeliverable before filing I-90 |
| Name or biographic info changed | File I-90 noting the change, with supporting legal documentation (e.g., marriage certificate, court order) |
Step-by-Step: Replacing Your Green Card
- File a police report immediately if the card was stolen, both for your own protection against identity theft and as a record.
- File Form I-90 with USCIS, online or by paper, selecting the correct reason (lost, stolen, mutilated, expired, etc.).
- Pay the applicable fee, unless you qualify for one of USCIS's limited fee exemptions for certain I-90 filing reasons.
- Attend a biometrics appointment if required for your filing.
- If you need immediate proof of status — for example, for employment or urgent travel — contact USCIS to request an appointment for a temporary I-551 stamp in your passport while your I-90 is pending.
- Track your case status online using your receipt number, and update your address with USCIS if you move while the application is pending.
Why Speed and Caution Both Matter
A missing green card creates two separate risks: you may struggle to prove your status or work authorization in the short term, and a stolen card in someone else's hands can be misused for identity theft or immigration fraud. Filing I-90 promptly addresses the first risk; a police report and basic identity-theft vigilance (like monitoring your credit) addresses the second. Don't wait for a job or travel deadline to force the issue — start the replacement process as soon as you realize the card is missing.
FAQ
Does losing my green card mean I lose my permanent resident status? No. Your lawful permanent resident status is independent of the physical card. The card is evidence of your status, not the status itself, but you still need a valid card for routine proof of status, employment verification, and travel.
How do I prove my status while my replacement green card is being processed? Your I-90 receipt notice can help in some situations, but for urgent needs like employment verification or travel, you may need to schedule an appointment at a USCIS field office for a temporary I-551 stamp in your passport.
Should I file a police report if my green card was just lost, not stolen? It's not required for a simple loss, but if there's any chance it was stolen or you're concerned about misuse, filing a police report creates a useful record and supports any identity-theft protection steps you take.
Is there a fee to replace a lost or stolen green card? Generally yes, though USCIS has limited fee exemptions for certain I-90 filing reasons (such as card issued with a government error). Check the current G-1055 fee schedule and I-90 instructions for your specific situation.