How to Renew Green Card: The Complete Guide

Your green card is good for 10 years, and the renewal window opens six months before it expires. Miss that window and your expired card will stop working for jobs, travel, and identification, even though your underlying status never lapses.

To prevent this from happening to you, the experienced Austin green card attorneys at Nanthaveth & Associates explain how to renew your green card, what it costs, and how long you can expect to wait.

Can You Renew Your Green Card Yourself?

Yes. Lawful permanent residents can file Form I-90 on their own, and the fastest way to do so is through USCIS’s online portal, which lets you track your application status and receive updates in real time.

It’s also wise to work with an immigration attorney. Our team will check your file for criminal issues or long absences from the U.S. that could affect renewal. If you've spent extended time abroad, we’ll confirm that you have the right documentation, such as a re-entry permit, before your application goes in. And we’ll do it all before you file, not after USCIS flags a problem.

Renewal vs. Replacement: Which One Do You Need?

Renewal and replacement aren't the same thing, though both use Form I-90.

You pursue renewal when your 10-year green card is about to expire or has already expired. By contrast, you might seek replacement if your card is lost, stolen, or damaged to the point that it's no longer valid.

If you have a two-year conditional green card, neither option applies to you. In this case, you'll need to use Form I-751 or Form I-829 to remove the conditions on your residence.

#cta_start

Schedule a Consultation with Nanthaveth & Associates

Get a brief consultation from our team. With our experienced immigration attorneys by your side, you’ll get the personalized guidance necessary for success.

#cta_end

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Renew Green Card

Filing online is the fastest way to renew, and it lets you track your case status the moment USCIS receives your documentation. The process consists of six steps, from creating your USCIS account to waiting for your new card to arrive.

Step One: Create or Sign In to Your USCIS Online Account

Sign in to your USCIS account if you already have one, or create one if you don't. New users can sign up with an email address, verify it through the confirmation link USCIS sends, accept the Terms of Use, and set a password and verification method.

Save your two-step backup code somewhere safe; you'll need it if you're ever locked out. Keep in mind that every family member needs a separate account, including minor children.

Step Two: Fill Out Form I-90

Form I-90 is a seven-page application. It asks for your A-Number, personal and biographical details, class of admission, where you applied for your immigrant visa or adjustment of status, and the reason you need a new card. Review the form carefully before deciding whether to file it yourself or with an attorney's help.

Step Three: Upload the Required Evidence

You'll need to scan the front and back of your current green card (even if it's expired), along with the biographic page of your passport. Depending on your situation, you may also need to upload proof of continuous U.S. residence, such as tax returns, a lease, or utility bills, plus a photo that meets USCIS’s requirements.

Step Four: Digitally Sign Your Application

An application without a signature won’t be accepted. USCIS rejects unsigned filings automatically, so double-check that you’ve properly signed before you submit.

Step Five: Pay the Fees If Required

The general filing fee for replacing a green card is $415 if you file online and $465 if you submit a paper application. Some applicants may qualify for a reduced fee or a full waiver. It’s a good idea to look up the current fee using USCIS’s fee calculator before you file so you know what to expect at checkout.

Step Six: Submit Your Application and Wait for Processing

After submitting the required materials, you'll receive a receipt notice and can track your case status through your USCIS account.

You can also apply by mail. This route requires a photocopy of your current or expired green card and payment of your fees by check, money order, or Form G-1450 for credit card payments.

Documents You’ll Need to Renew Your Green Card

USCIS reviews renewal filings based on the documents submitted with Form I-90, and missing or mismatched paperwork is one of the most common causes of delay. With that in mind, make sure to gather the following before you start:

• A copy of your current or expired green card, front and back;
• A government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport;
• The biographic page of your passport;
• A photo that meets USCIS’s photo requirements;
• A police report or sworn statement if your card was lost, stolen, or damaged;
• Legal name change documents if applicable;
• Proof of continuous U.S. residence if USCIS requests it (tax returns, a lease, utility bills, etc.).

If your card simply expired, you’ll generally only need the first three items. The rest of the documents only apply to specific situations, such as name changes, lost cards, or USCIS follow-up requests for additional evidence.

How Much Does It Cost to Renew a Green Card?

Filing Form I-90 currently costs $415 ($465 if renewing by mail). If paying that cost would create a hardship, you can file Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, with your application.

USCIS typically grants waivers to applicants who meet one of the following criteria:

• Already receive a means-tested benefit like Medicaid or SNAP;
• Have a household income that falls at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines;
• Can document a specific hardship, such as high medical expenses or sudden unemployment.

How Long Does the Renewal Process Take, and What Happens After You File?

Processing for Form I-90 may take anywhere from 6 to 13 months, depending on your service center's caseload. You can check current estimates on USCIS's processing times page.

Shortly after filing, you'll receive Form I-797C, Notice of Action, a receipt confirming that your case is in the system, with a number to track it. If your card has already expired, this notice extends its validity 36 months from the expiration date, so you can use it with the I-797C as proof of status while your renewal is pending.

If you move in the meantime, make sure to update your address right away through your USCIS account or Form AR-11, Alien's Change of Address Card. A missed notice over an outdated address could delay or even jeopardize your case. If you need proof of status before your new card arrives, request an ADIT stamp at a local USCIS office.

#cta_start

Worried Your Green Card Renewal Might Be Denied?

A criminal record, address issues, or incomplete documentation can all put your renewal at risk. Our attorneys will review your case and protect your permanent resident status.

#cta_end

What Happens If You Don't Renew on Time?

One of the most common green card renewal mistakes is waiting until the last minute.

You can file up to six months before your card expires, but a lot of people don't realize their card has expired until they need to travel or try to renew a driver's license. It’s best to start the process as soon as the six-month window opens, especially if you’re planning any international travel.

Your permanent resident status never expires (only the physical card does), and there's no fine or penalty for renewing late. However, under Section 264 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which requires permanent residents to carry valid proof of status, an expired card can cause real issues.

Employment

Employers verify work authorization using Form I-9. Presenting an expired card paired with your I-797C receipt notice is generally permissible, but not every employer will accept this combination, which could stall a job offer.

Travel

Re-entering the U.S. with an expired card, even with a valid receipt notice, can mean extra questioning or delays at the border. It’s always prudent to start the renewal process early if you expect to have to travel outside the country.

State IDs

Many DMVs won't renew a driver's license if the holder’s green card has expired. As such, failing to renew on time could impact your driving privileges.

Can You Renew Your Green Card When You’re Outside the United States?

You can renew your green card if you’re outside the United States, although it may be better to file for renewal early. Naturally, you can’t do that if your travel was unexpected, but if possible, you should renew your green card while you’re at home. If you’re outside the U.S. when your card expires, you’ll need to contact the nearest U.S. consulate in your area before you file your renewal form.

How to Renew Green Card If You Changed Your Legal Name

If you've legally changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or another reason, you'll need to update your green card to match.

To do so, you must submit Form I-90 along with evidence of the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, as well as a copy of your current green card. USCIS may request additional documentation if anything's missing, so double-check your application before submitting.

Remember that while your permanent resident status doesn't expire, an outdated card can complicate things that require up-to-date identification, such as employment verification or renewing a driver's license.

Do You Need to Speak with an Attorney About Renewing Your Green Card?

A missed deadline, incomplete form, or overlooked document could leave you without valid proof of your status for months. You can’t afford to let such an oversight disrupt your life in the United States.

Nanthaveth & Associates has been guiding individuals, families, professionals, and investors through the U.S. immigration system since 2008. We handle the full range of immigration matters, from family-based green cards and employment petitions to adjustment of status, naturalization, and waivers, with multilingual support in English, Spanish, Lao, and Thai.

Contact us today and keep your permanent resident status secure.

Common Questions About Green Card Renewals

Below are the most common questions about green card renewal. If your question isn't answered here, call our office directly.

Can you renew a conditional green card?

No. Conditional residents (typically those with marriage-based or investment-based status) can’t file Form I-90 to renew. Instead, they must file Form I-751 or Form I-829 to remove the conditions on their residence in the 90-day window ahead of their card's expiration.

What if your green card is lost, stolen, or damaged?

If your card is stolen, lost, or damaged beyond acceptable use, file Form I-90 along with evidence of your identity and permanent resident status as soon as possible. If you're outside the U.S. when this happens, report the loss to the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy first, as they can issue temporary documents that let you travel home.

Can USCIS deny a green card renewal?

Yes. Common reasons for denial include immigration violations, serious criminal issues, or USCIS determining that the visa holder no longer meets the legal definition of a permanent resident, such as after an extended absence from the U.S. A denial doesn't automatically mean you've lost your status, but it does mean USCIS found a specific problem with your case.

What if you need your new card immediately?

If you have an urgent need, such as a job opportunity that requires proof of status right away, USCIS may issue an ADIT stamp in your passport while your renewal is pending. This stamp serves as temporary evidence of your lawful permanent resident status until your new card arrives.

What happens if you miss your renewal deadline?

Nothing happens automatically since your permanent resident status itself never expires, and there are no fines for filing late. However, it’s still critical to renew as soon as possible because an expired card will limit your ability to verify your status for employment, travel, and identification purposes in the meantime.