Form I-90 Filing Fee Explained: Green Card Renewal, Replacement & Fee Waivers
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Form I-90 Filing Fee at a Glance
Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, is the USCIS form used to renew or replace a Green Card. For most applicants, the filing fee is $415 when filing online or $465 when filing a paper application. However, the amount you pay depends on your filing reason. Certain filing categories—such as correcting a USCIS-issued error or replacing a Green Card that was returned to USCIS as undeliverable—do not require a filing fee.
Key Takeaways
- Form I-90 is used to renew or replace a Green Card.
- The standard filing fee is $415 online or $465 by mail for most applicants.
- Some filing categories qualify for a no-fee filing.
- Form I-90 generally does not require a separate biometrics fee.
- Always verify the latest fee before submitting your application.
The table below shows the current USCIS filing fees for Form I-90 based on your filing category and whether you file online or by mail.
Current Form I-90 Filing Fees
| Filing Category | Paper Filing Fee | Online Filing Fee |
|---|---|---|
| General Form I-90 filing (renewal or most replacement requests) | $465 | $415 |
| Reached age 14 and your Green Card expires before age 16 | $465 | $415 |
| Reached age 14 and your Green Card expires after age 16 | No fee | No fee |
| Green Card returned to USCIS as undeliverable | No fee | No fee |
| Correcting a USCIS-issued error on your Green Card | No fee | No fee |
Most Green Card renewal and replacement applicants fall under the General Form I-90 filing category and will pay $415 for online filing or $465 for paper filing. The no-fee categories apply only in specific situations defined by USCIS.
Note: USCIS may still require you to attend a biometrics appointment if needed. Under the current USCIS fee schedule, Form I-90 generally does not have a separate biometrics fee.
Is the Form I-90 Filing Fee the Same for Green Card Renewal and Replacement?
Yes. In most cases, the Form I-90 filing fee is the same whether you’re renewing an expired Green Card or replacing one that has been lost, stolen, or damaged. USCIS uses Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, for both renewal and most replacement requests, and these applications generally fall under the General Form I-90 filing category.
The filing fee is not determined by whether you’re renewing or replacing your Green Card. Instead, USCIS bases the fee on your filing reason. For example, renewing an expired 10-year Green Card and replacing a lost or stolen Green Card generally require the standard Form I-90 filing fee. However, certain filing reasons—such as correcting a USCIS-issued error or replacing a Green Card that was returned as undeliverable—may qualify for a no-fee filing.
Form I-90 Filing Fee by Filing Reason
| Filing Reason | Form | Standard Filing Fee Applies? |
|---|---|---|
| Renew an expired 10-year Green Card | Form I-90 | Yes |
| Renew a Green Card that will expire soon | Form I-90 | Yes |
| Replace a lost Green Card | Form I-90 | Yes |
| Replace a stolen Green Card | Form I-90 | Yes |
| Replace a damaged or destroyed Green Card | Form I-90 | Yes |
| Correct a USCIS-issued error on your Green Card | Form I-90 | No* |
| Replace a Green Card returned to USCIS as undeliverable | Form I-90 | No* |
* Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements outlined by USCIS for a no-fee filing.
When Do You Have to Pay the Form I-90 Filing Fee?
Most applicants must pay the standard Form I-90 filing fee when renewing or replacing a Green Card. Whether payment is required depends on the reason for filing, not simply on whether you’re renewing or replacing your card.
Generally, you’ll pay the standard filing fee if you’re filing Form I-90 to:
- Renew an expired or expiring 10-year Green Card.
- Replace a Green Card that has been lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed.
- Replace a Green Card after a legal name change or other biographic information update.
- Replace a Green Card because the card contains incorrect information that was not caused by a USCIS error.
However, some applicants may be eligible to file Form I-90 without paying the standard filing fee. This typically applies in situations where:
- USCIS issued your Green Card with incorrect information due to its own error.
- USCIS mailed your Green Card, but it was returned as undeliverable and you never received it.
- Another no-fee filing category described in the current Form I-90 instructions applies to your case.
Common Form I-90 Filing Scenarios
| Filing Reason | Is the Standard Filing Fee Required? |
|---|---|
| Renew an expired Green Card | Yes |
| Renew a Green Card before it expires | Yes |
| Replace a lost Green Card | Yes |
| Replace a stolen Green Card | Yes |
| Replace a damaged Green Card | Yes |
| Update your name or other personal information | Usually Yes |
| Correct a USCIS-issued error | No, if eligible |
| Replace a Green Card returned as undeliverable by USCIS | No, if eligible |
Important: Filing Form I-90 under the wrong filing reason can delay your application or result in an incorrect fee submission. Before filing, review the eligibility requirements for your selected filing category and confirm that the applicable filing fee matches your situation.
Need help preparing Form I-90?
FileRight’s guided online application walks you through each step of the Green Card renewal or replacement process and helps you prepare your application accurately. You can also choose an optional lawyer review before filing. Start Your Form I-90 Application.
How to Pay the Form I-90 Filing Fee
USCIS allows you to pay the Form I-90 filing fee based on how you submit your application.
If You File Online
When filing Form I-90 through your USCIS online account, you can pay the filing fee using:
- Credit card
- Debit card
- Prepaid card
- ACH debit transaction (direct payment from a U.S. bank account)
Your application is submitted after your payment is successfully processed.
If You File by Mail
If you submit Form I-90 by mail, USCIS no longer accepts payments made by personal checks, business checks, money orders, or cashier’s checks for most paper-filed forms unless you qualify for an exemption.
Instead, you can pay by:
- Credit, debit, or prepaid card by submitting Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions
- ACH debit (U.S. bank account) by submitting Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Transactions
Before You Submit Your Payment
Before filing Form I-90, make sure you:
- Select the correct filing category.
- Verify the current filing fee for your filing method.
- Use an accepted payment method.
- Complete Form G-1450 or Form G-1650 if you’re filing by mail and paying electronically.
Important: USCIS payment policies may change. Before submitting Form I-90, review the official USCIS Filing Fees and Payment Instructions page to verify the current filing fee and accepted payment methods.
Can You Get a Fee Waiver for Form I-90?
Depending on current USCIS policy, some Form I-90 applicants may qualify for a USCIS fee waiver, allowing them to submit their application without paying the standard filing fee if they meet the eligibility requirements.
A fee waiver is different from a no-fee filing. A no-fee filing is based on your reason for filing—such as correcting a USCIS-issued error—while a fee waiver is based on your financial eligibility and must be approved by USCIS.
To request a fee waiver, you must submit Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, along with evidence showing that you meet the current USCIS eligibility requirements.
USCIS may consider factors such as:
- Receiving a qualifying means-tested public benefit.
- Having a household income at or below the USCIS income threshold.
- Demonstrating financial hardship due to circumstances such as unexpected medical expenses, unemployment, or other qualifying situations.
If USCIS does not approve your fee waiver request, you may need to resubmit your application with the required filing fee.
Important: Before requesting a fee waiver, review the latest USCIS guidance to verify your eligibility. Applicants requesting a fee waiver cannot file Form I-90 online and must submit a paper application.
Common Form I-90 Filing Fee Mistakes to Avoid
Paying the correct filing fee is an important part of submitting Form I-90. These common mistakes can delay your application or result in USCIS rejecting your filing.
- Filing by Mail Without the Required Payment Authorization: If you’re filing Form I-90 by mail, USCIS generally requires electronic payment authorization using Form G-1450 (credit, debit, or prepaid card) or Form G-1650 (ACH payment from a U.S. bank account). Using an unsupported payment method may result in your application being rejected.
- Paying the Wrong Filing Fee: The filing fee depends on your filing method and filing category. Before submitting your application, verify the current fee to avoid underpaying or overpaying.
- Selecting the Wrong Filing Category: Your filing reason determines whether the standard filing fee or a no-fee filing applies. Choosing the wrong filing category may result in an incorrect payment or processing delays.
- Assuming Every Green Card Replacement Is Free: Most Green Card replacement requests—including replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged card—require the standard Form I-90 filing fee. Only specific filing categories identified by USCIS qualify for a no-fee filing.
- Requesting a Fee Waiver Without Meeting the Eligibility Requirements: If you’re applying for a fee waiver, make sure you meet the current USCIS eligibility criteria and include all required supporting documentation. Incomplete or unsupported requests may delay or prevent your application from being accepted.
- Not Checking the Latest USCIS Filing Fee: USCIS filing fees and payment policies can change. Before filing Form I-90, always verify the current filing fee, accepted payment methods, and filing instructions using the official USCIS guidance.
Tip: Spending a few minutes confirming your filing category, fee amount, and payment method before submitting Form I-90 can help you avoid unnecessary delays and ensure your application is accepted for processing.
FAQs About Form I-90 Filing Fees
How much does it cost to renew a Green Card?
For most applicants, the USCIS filing fee to renew a Green Card using Form I-90 is $415 when filing online or $465 when filing a paper application. The applicable fee depends on your filing method and filing category.
How much does it cost to replace a Green Card?
Replacing a lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed Green Card generally requires the same Form I-90 filing fee as renewing a Green Card. However, if you’re replacing a card because of a USCIS-issued error or another qualifying no-fee category, you may not have to pay the standard filing fee.
Is there a separate biometrics fee for Form I-90?
No. Under the current USCIS fee schedule, Form I-90 generally does not require a separate biometrics fee. However, USCIS may still schedule you for a biometrics appointment if additional information is needed to process your application.
Can I file Form I-90 online?
Yes. Eligible applicants can file Form I-90 through a USCIS online account. Online filing has a lower filing fee than paper filing under the current USCIS fee schedule.
Can I get a fee waiver for Form I-90?
Some applicants may qualify for a USCIS fee waiver if they meet the current eligibility requirements. To request a fee waiver, you must submit Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, along with the required supporting documentation. If you are requesting a fee waiver, you cannot file Form I-90 online and must submit a paper application.
How long does it take to renew a Green Card?
Processing times for Form I-90 vary depending on USCIS workload and your filing category. After submitting your application, you can check the latest estimated processing times on the USCIS website or read our Green Card Renewal Processing Time Guide for a detailed explanation.
Can I travel while my Green Card renewal is pending?
In many cases, lawful permanent residents can travel while a Form I-90 application is pending, but you should ensure you have valid evidence of your permanent resident status before leaving the United States. Learn more in our Travel While Green Card Renewal Is Pending Guide.
Is the Form I-90 filing fee refundable?
No. USCIS filing fees are generally non-refundable regardless of the decision on your application.
Conclusion
Understanding the current Form I-90 filing fee, payment requirements, and eligibility for no-fee filing or fee waivers can help you avoid delays and submit your application correctly the first time. Most applicants renewing or replacing a Green Card pay the standard USCIS filing fee, while certain filing categories may qualify for a no-fee filing or fee waiver if eligible. Always verify the latest USCIS fee and filing requirements before submitting your application.
If you’re ready to renew or replace your Green Card, FileRight’s online do-it-yourself software guides you through Form I-90 step by step and helps you prepare your application with confidence. For additional peace of mind, you can also choose lawyer review services to have your completed application reviewed before filing.
Ready to file Form I-90? Prepare your Green Card renewal or replacement application with FileRight’s guided online software and choose an optional lawyer review to file with greater confidence.
