Form I-90: How to Renew or Replace Your Green Card — Complete 2026 Guide

If your green card is expiring, expired, lost, stolen, or damaged, you need to know about the I-90 form green card renewal process. Form I-90, officially titled the Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, is the form every lawful permanent resident uses to request a new or corrected green card from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This guide covers everything you need to file correctly in 2026 — eligibility, fees, required documents, step-by-step instructions, and what to expect after you submit.

The good news: USCIS now automatically extends your green card validity for 36 months when you file Form I-90, which means you stay protected throughout the process even as I-90 processing time 2026 stretches to 8–14 months for many applicants. Here is everything you need to get started.

Also on applicationformportal.us: Form I-485: How to Apply for a US Green Card — the adjustment of status application for those seeking permanent residence for the first time.

What Is Form I-90?

The form I-90 application 2026 is the official USCIS form used by lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to renew or replace a Permanent Resident Card — commonly known as a green card. It is filed directly with USCIS, either online or by mail, and it covers a wide range of situations beyond simple expiration.

📥 Download Form I-90 from the Official USCIS Website →

Critically, Form I-90 does not grant permanent resident status — it assumes you already have it. The form simply updates or replaces the physical card that proves your status. Whether your card expired last month or you lost it five years ago, the I-90 is the correct path to getting a valid card back in your hands.

Who Should File Form I-90?

You must file Form I-90 if you are a lawful permanent resident and any of the following apply:

• Your 10-year green card has expired or will expire within the next 6–12 months
• Your green card was lost or stolen green card replacement is needed
• Your card was damaged and is no longer usable for identification purposes
• Your card contains incorrect information (a name misspelling, wrong date of birth, or a USCIS data entry error)
• You have legally changed your name and your card no longer matches your identity documents
• You were issued a card without an expiration date (older format) and need a current one
• You received a green card with a 10-year validity but it was issued before you turned 14, and you are now 14 or older
• You are a commuter resident who has changed your commuter status

Who Should NOT File Form I-90

Not every permanent resident renews with Form I-90. Do not file this form if:

• You have a conditional (2-year) green card. Conditional residents must file Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) within 90 days before their 2-year anniversary — not Form I-90.
• You are applying for U.S. citizenship. File Form N-400 instead.
• You never had a green card and are applying for the first time. File Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) or follow the consular processing route.

I-90 Filing Fee 2026

Understanding the I-90 filing fee 2026 is straightforward this year. USCIS restructured its fee schedule in 2024 to bundle the biometrics fee into the main filing fee, making the process simpler and more affordable than before.

Filing Method	Total Fee (2026)	Biometrics Included?
Online (myUSCIS account)	$415	Yes — no separate charge
Paper (mail)	$465	Yes — no separate charge
USCIS error on card	$0	N/A

Before April 1, 2024, applicants paid a $455 filing fee plus a separate $85 biometrics fee — a total of $540. The current bundled structure saves most applicants money while simplifying the payment process. Online filing is recommended: it costs $50 less than paper and reduces the chance of administrative errors that can delay your case.

Fee waiver: If you cannot afford the filing fee, you may request a fee waiver using Form I-912. USCIS grants fee waivers based on financial hardship, receipt of means-tested benefits, or income at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. Fee waivers are only available for paper filings — you cannot request one through the online portal.

Payment methods (paper filing): Money order, personal check, cashier’s check payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, or a credit/debit card using Form G-1450. Do not send cash.

Green Card Renewal Documents Checklist

Having the right paperwork ready before you file prevents delays and rejections. The green card renewal documents checklist varies depending on your reason for filing. Here is what most applicants need:

All Applicants (Required in Every Case)

• Completed and signed Form I-90
• Copy of both sides of your current or most recent green card (even if expired, damaged, or a prior card)
• Your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) — found on the front of your green card
• Filing fee payment ($415 online or $465 by mail)

Additional Documents by Situation

Reason for Filing	Additional Documents Needed
Standard 10-year renewal (expiring card)	Copy of expiring green card (front and back)
Lost, stolen, or destroyed card	Police report (if stolen); affidavit explaining loss; any prior card copy if available
Damaged card	Submit the damaged card itself with your application
Name change (legal)	Court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing the legal name change
USCIS error on card	Original card with the error; evidence showing correct information (passport, birth certificate)
Card issued before age 14, now 14+	Evidence of age (birth certificate or passport)
Older card without expiration date	The old-format card itself

USCIS uses a “flexible evidence” standard for Form I-90, meaning you should submit whatever documentation best supports your specific situation. When in doubt, include more documentation rather than less.

How to Fill Out Form I-90: Step-by-Step

Learning how to renew green card 2026 starts with understanding the eight parts of Form I-90. Here is what each section requires:

Part 1 — Information About You

Enter your full legal name, any prior names used, mailing and physical address, Alien Registration Number (A-Number), USCIS online account number (if you have one), date of birth, place and country of birth, gender, Social Security number, and your parents’ names. Use your name exactly as it appears on your green card unless you are filing specifically to correct a name error.

Part 2 — Application Type or Filing Reason

This is the most critical section. You must select exactly one reason for filing from the list provided. Choosing the wrong reason affects your eligibility, fee, and required documents. Common options include:

• 1.a — My previous card has been lost, stolen, or destroyed
• 1.b — My previous card was issued but never received
• 1.c — My existing card has been mutilated or damaged
• 1.d — My existing card has incorrect data due to DHS error
• 1.e — My name or other biographic data has been legally changed
• 1.f — My existing card is expiring or has expired (standard 10-year renewal)
• 1.g — I have reached 14 years of age and my card has no expiration or was issued before age 14

Part 3 — Processing Information

Provide your location at the time of your last entry into the United States, the date of that entry, your immigration status at entry, your current immigration status, and the date your permanent resident status was granted. Answer every question honestly — inconsistencies with your immigration record can trigger a Request for Evidence (RFE) or cause delays.

Part 4 — Accommodations for Individuals with Disabilities

If you require a disability accommodation for your I-90 biometrics appointment — such as an interpreter, wheelchair access, or other assistance — select “Yes” and describe your needs. Leave this section blank if no accommodation is needed.

Part 5 — Applicant’s Statement, Contact Information, and Signature

This section is mandatory. Sign and date the form. An unsigned Form I-90 will be rejected by USCIS. Provide your daytime phone number and email address so USCIS can contact you about your case. Electronic signatures are accepted for online filings.

Parts 6, 7, and 8 — Interpreter and Preparer Information

If someone translated the form for you into English, they must complete Part 6. If someone else (other than an attorney) helped you complete the form, they complete Part 7. If an attorney or accredited representative helped you, they complete Part 8 and must also file Form G-28 (Notice of Entry of Appearance). Leave these sections blank if they do not apply to you.

How to File Form I-90: Online vs. Mail

USCIS accepts Form I-90 filings two ways. Online filing through your myUSCIS account is strongly recommended for most applicants.

Factor	Online Filing	Paper (Mail) Filing
Fee	$415	$465
Processing speed	Generally faster	Slower due to manual handling
Error checking	Built-in prompts catch missing fields	No error checking — manual review only
Case tracking	Real-time status updates online	Manual check via USCIS case status tool
Fee waiver	Not available	Available (Form I-912)
Best for	Most applicants	Fee waiver applicants or those without internet access

To file online: Create or log in to your myUSCIS account at my.uscis.gov, select Form I-90, complete all sections, upload supporting documents, pay the fee, and submit. You will receive a receipt notice electronically.

To file by mail: Download the current Form I-90 from uscis.gov/i-90, complete it in black ink, assemble your documents and payment, and mail to the address listed in the current Form I-90 instructions. Always use the instructions that accompany the exact version of the form you are using — mailing addresses can change.

I-90 Processing Time 2026

As of June 2026, the I-90 processing time 2026 typically ranges from 8 to 14 months from the date USCIS receives your application. USCIS reports that it takes approximately 10.5 months to process 80% of I-90 applications filed. However, processing times vary by service center, application volume, and individual case complexity.

Here is the typical I-90 timeline from start to finish:

Stage	Typical Timeframe
Receipt notice (Form I-797C) issued	1–3 weeks after USCIS receives your application
Biometrics appointment notice mailed	4–6 weeks after filing
Biometrics appointment (fingerprints, photo, signature)	Usually within 20 minutes at an Application Support Center
USCIS background & security review	Longest stage — several months
Card production and mailing	1–3 weeks after approval
Total estimated time	8–14 months (as of June 2026)

Check current official processing times at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times and track your individual case at egov.uscis.gov/casestatus using the receipt number on your I-797C notice.

The 36-Month Automatic Green Card Extension

One of the most important updates in recent years is the green card renewal 36 month extension that USCIS automatically grants when you properly file Form I-90. Effective September 10, 2024, USCIS extended this automatic validity period from 24 months to 36 months.

Here is how it works: once USCIS accepts your I-90 application, your Form I-797C receipt notice — combined with your expired green card — serves as valid proof of your lawful permanent resident status for up to 36 months beyond the expiration date printed on your card. This means you can:

• Continue working legally (use the receipt notice for Form I-9 employment verification)
• Travel internationally (check with airlines and your destination country, as policies vary)
• Prove your permanent resident status to government agencies, banks, and landlords

Keep your I-797C receipt notice in a safe place and carry it with your expired green card whenever you need to prove your status. Do not discard either document until your new green card arrives.

The I-90 Biometrics Appointment

Most I-90 applicants are required to attend an I-90 biometrics appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC). USCIS will mail your appointment notice approximately 4–6 weeks after accepting your application. The appointment itself takes less than 20 minutes and involves collecting your fingerprints, a digital photograph, and your signature.

Bring to your biometrics appointment:

• Your biometrics appointment notice (Form I-797C with the appointment details)
• A valid government-issued photo ID (passport, state driver’s license, or your expired green card)

Attend as scheduled. Rescheduling is possible through your myUSCIS account or by calling the USCIS Contact Center, but it adds weeks to your processing time. Note that USCIS may waive the biometrics requirement for some applicants and reuse biometrics on file from prior applications — you will be notified if this applies to you.

When to File Form I-90: Timing Your Application

For a standard 10-year green card renewal, USCIS recommends filing Form I-90 approximately 6 months before your card’s expiration date. You may file up to 1 year before expiration. Do not file earlier than 1 year before expiration — USCIS will reject the application as premature.

If your card is already expired, file immediately. The 36-month automatic extension kicks in once USCIS accepts your application, but you are technically out of status on your card until then. Having an expired green card without a pending I-90 can cause complications with employment verification, travel, and some government services.

For lost or stolen green card replacement situations, file as soon as possible. If your card was stolen, file a police report first and include a copy with your I-90 application.

Common I-90 Mistakes to Avoid

• Selecting the wrong filing reason. Part 2 of the form requires you to choose one specific reason. Selecting the wrong one can result in an incorrect fee, a rejection, or a Request for Evidence that delays your case for months.
• Submitting an outdated form. Always download Form I-90 directly from uscis.gov. USCIS will reject applications submitted on old form editions.
• Missing your A-Number. Your Alien Registration Number is required throughout the form. It is the 8- or 9-digit number that begins with “A” on the front of your green card.
• Not signing the form. An unsigned I-90 is automatically rejected. If filing a paper application, sign in black ink.
• Filing the wrong form for a conditional green card. If your card says “CR1” or “CR6” or expires after 2 years, you likely have a conditional card. You need Form I-751, not Form I-90.
• Sending the original green card when you should not. Only submit the original card if your card is damaged — USCIS instructs you to include the damaged card with your application. For all other situations, send a copy only.

Other Application Forms You May Need

Navigating U.S. immigration paperwork often requires more than one form. Here are two related guides that permanent residents frequently need alongside the I-90:

• 📄 Form I-485 — The adjustment of status application for those applying for a green card for the first time from within the United States.
• 📄 Form N-400 — The application for U.S. naturalization (citizenship). If you have held your green card for 5 years (or 3 years as the spouse of a U.S. citizen), the N-400 may be your next step.

Frequently Asked Questions About Form I-90

Can I travel outside the U.S. while my I-90 is pending?

Yes, in most cases. Your I-797C receipt notice combined with your expired green card serves as proof of status for up to 36 months. However, international travel while an I-90 is pending carries some risk — re-entry is subject to inspection by Customs and Border Protection. Some countries and airlines may not accept an expired card as a travel document, so carry your receipt notice and check requirements before you travel.

What is the difference between the I-90 and Form I-751?

Form I-90 is for renewing or replacing a standard 10-year green card. Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) is for converting a 2-year conditional green card to a 10-year permanent card. If your green card expires after 2 years, you almost certainly have a conditional card and need I-751 — not I-90.

How much does it cost to renew a green card in 2026?

The I-90 filing fee 2026 is $415 online or $465 by mail. Biometrics are included in both fees — there is no separate biometrics charge. If USCIS made an error on your current card, there is no fee at all.

How long does Form I-90 processing take in 2026?

As of June 2026, most applicants wait 8–14 months. USCIS processes 80% of I-90 applications within approximately 10.5 months. Check live processing times at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times for the most current data.

What if my I-90 is denied?

USCIS will send a written denial notice explaining the reason. Depending on the basis for denial, you may be able to file a motion to reopen or reconsider, or in some cases appeal to the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO). Consult an immigration attorney promptly if your application is denied, as response deadlines are strict.

Can I expedite my Form I-90?

Expedited processing of Form I-90 is possible but rarely granted. USCIS considers expedite requests based on severe financial loss, urgent humanitarian need, U.S. government interest, or clear USCIS error. Submit an expedite request through your myUSCIS online account or by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283. Premium processing is not available for Form I-90.

Do I need a lawyer to file Form I-90?

For a straightforward standard renewal (expiring 10-year card, no complications), most people can file Form I-90 themselves. The form is relatively simple and USCIS provides clear instructions. However, if your situation involves a USCIS error, an immigration court history, prior removal proceedings, criminal record, or other complications, consulting an immigration attorney is strongly recommended.

Official I-90 Resources from USCIS

• 🟢 Form I-90 — Official USCIS Page & Download
• 🟢 myUSCIS Online Filing Portal
• 🟢 USCIS Processing Times Tool
• 🟢 USCIS Case Status Online

Disclaimer: This guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration laws and USCIS procedures can change. Always verify information at uscis.gov or consult a qualified immigration attorney for advice specific to your situation.