Vault Guardian renewal education
How to replace a lost green card (Form I-90 guide)
A lost, stolen, or damaged green card doesn't affect your legal permanent resident status — but you need the physical card for I-9 employment, travel, and government services. File Form I-90 as soon as possible.
A lost, stolen, or damaged green card doesn't affect your legal permanent resident status — but you need the physical card for I-9 employment, travel, and government services. File Form I-90 as soon as possible.
File Form I-90 online (recommended)
Create a USCIS online account at my.uscis.gov and file I-90 electronically. Filing fee: $465 (as of 2025) plus $85 biometrics for most applicants.
You'll upload: a copy of the lost/damaged card if you have one, government-issued photo ID, and any police report (recommended if stolen, not required if just lost).
Proving your status while you wait
USCIS mails a Form I-797C receipt notice within 2–4 weeks. This extends your green card's validity for 24 months and is accepted for I-9 employment.
For international travel or urgent I-9 needs, book an InfoPass appointment for an ADIT stamp (I-551 stamp) in your passport — proof of LPR status valid for 1 year.
Typical processing times (2025)
Standard I-90 processing: 8–13 months. Biometrics appointment: 4–8 weeks after filing.
USCIS field office wait times vary by location. Check current times at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times.
If your card was stolen
File a police report — it's not required for the I-90 but is critical for identity theft protection.
Place a credit freeze at all 3 credit bureaus and monitor for accounts opened using your A-number or SSN.
Keep a secure digital copy of your green card, I-797 receipts, and A-number. VaultGuardian's Emergency Access can share them with your immigration attorney or family in a crisis.
Download Vault Guardian to track renewals at 90, 60, and 30 days.