What Is Form I-90 and Who Needs It? (2026 Guide)
- By Fileright
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Introduction
If you’re a lawful permanent resident and your Green Card is expired, expiring soon, lost, stolen, damaged, or contains incorrect information, Form I-90 may be the application you need. Officially known as Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, it is the USCIS form used to renew or replace a Green Card in eligible situations.
Many permanent residents are unsure whether Form I-90 is the correct application for their circumstances. For example, you may be wondering whether you should renew your Green Card, replace it, remove conditions on your residence, or apply for U.S. citizenship instead. Choosing the wrong USCIS form can lead to unnecessary delays or rejected applications, making it important to understand when Form I-90 applies.
This guide explains what Form I-90 is, who should file it, who should not use it, and the situations in which it can be used. You’ll also learn what to expect after filing and find links to detailed guides covering eligibility, supporting documents, filing fees, processing times, and the complete Green Card renewal process.
Quick Answer: What Is Form I-90?
Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, is the official USCIS form used by eligible lawful permanent residents to renew or replace a Green Card. If your Green Card has expired, is expiring soon, is lost, stolen, damaged, or contains incorrect information, Form I-90 may be the appropriate application, depending on your circumstances.
The table below provides a quick overview.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is Form I-90? | The USCIS application used to renew or replace a Green Card (Permanent Resident Card). |
| Who files it? | Eligible lawful permanent residents (LPRs). |
| What does it do? | Renews an expiring or expired Green Card or replaces a lost, stolen, damaged, or incorrect Permanent Resident Card. |
| Who shouldn’t use it? | Conditional permanent residents, U.S. citizens, and individuals applying for an initial Green Card through USCIS. |
Key Takeaway: If you already have lawful permanent resident status and need a new Green Card because it is expiring, expired, lost, stolen, damaged, or contains incorrect information, Form I-90 is generally the USCIS application you’ll use.
What Is Form I-90?
Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, is the official application published by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for eligible lawful permanent residents who need to renew or replace their Green Card. It is one of the most commonly used USCIS forms for maintaining current proof of lawful permanent resident (LPR) status.
A Green Card, officially called a Permanent Resident Card, serves as evidence that you have been granted lawful permanent resident status in the United States. While your immigration status generally continues unless it changes under U.S. immigration law, your Green Card itself may expire, become damaged, be lost or stolen, or require replacement because of changes to the information printed on the card.
Form I-90 is used in two primary situations:
Green Card Renewal
If your 10-year Permanent Resident Card is approaching its expiration date or has already expired, you can generally use Form I-90 to apply for a renewed Green Card, provided you remain eligible as a lawful permanent resident.
Green Card Replacement
Form I-90 is also used to request a replacement Green Card when your current card has been lost, stolen, damaged, destroyed, contains incorrect information, or needs to be updated due to certain changes, such as a legal name change or other qualifying circumstances.
Although the same USCIS form is used for both renewal and replacement, the reason for filing Form I-90 determines the information you provide and the supporting documentation you may need with your application.
Key Takeaway: Form I-90 does not grant permanent resident status. It updates or replaces the physical Green Card that serves as evidence of an existing lawful permanent resident status.
Who Should File Form I-90?
Form I-90 is intended for eligible lawful permanent residents (LPRs) who need to renew or replace their Green Card. Whether you should file depends on your specific situation. The table below provides a quick overview of when Form I-90 is generally the appropriate USCIS application.
| Situation | Should You File Form I-90? |
|---|---|
| Your Green Card expires within six months | Yes |
| Your Green Card has already expired | Yes |
| Your Green Card is lost | Yes |
| Your Green Card is stolen | Yes |
| Your Green Card is damaged or unreadable | Yes |
| Your Green Card contains incorrect information | Yes |
| You legally changed your name or other biographic information shown on the card | Yes |
| You never received the Green Card that USCIS issued | Depends on the reason |
Below is a closer look at each situation.
Your Green Card Expires Within Six Months
USCIS generally recommends renewing your Green Card within six months before its expiration date. Filing during this timeframe helps ensure you continue to have current proof of your lawful permanent resident status. Learn more about When Should You Renew Your Green Card? in our guide.
Your Green Card Has Already Expired
If your Green Card has expired, you can generally still file Form I-90, provided you remain a lawful permanent resident. An expired Green Card does not automatically end your permanent resident status, but renewing it promptly helps restore current proof of your status. Read Can You Renew an Expired Green Card? for more information.
Your Green Card Is Lost
If your Green Card has been lost, Form I-90 is generally used to request a replacement card. Filing promptly helps restore current proof of your lawful permanent resident status while you remain a lawful permanent resident.
Your Green Card Is Stolen
If your Green Card has been stolen, you can generally file Form I-90 to request a replacement card. Depending on your circumstances, you may also choose to report the theft to local law enforcement for your records.
Your Green Card Is Damaged or Unreadable
If your Green Card is damaged, mutilated, or no longer readable, Form I-90 is generally used to request a replacement so you continue to have usable proof of your lawful permanent resident status.
Your Green Card Contains Incorrect Information
If your Green Card contains incorrect information, such as an error in your name or date of birth, you can generally use Form I-90 to request a corrected card. The supporting documents you submit will depend on the nature of the correction.
You Legally Changed Your Name
If you’ve legally changed your name or other qualifying biographic information, Form I-90 is generally used to request an updated Green Card. You’ll typically need to submit documentation that verifies the legal change.
You Never Received Your Issued Green Card
If USCIS issued your Green Card but you never received it, whether you should file Form I-90 depends on the reason the card wasn’t delivered. In some situations, you may be eligible to request a replacement without an additional filing fee, while in others, a new Form I-90 application may be required.
Key Takeaway: The reason you’re filing Form I-90 matters. While the same application is used for both Green Card renewal and replacement, the supporting documents and information you provide may differ depending on your situation.
Who Should NOT File Form I-90?
Although Form I-90 is the correct application for many Green Card renewal and replacement situations, it is not the right USCIS form for everyone. Filing the wrong application can delay your case or result in your application being rejected.
The table below highlights some common situations where a different USCIS form or immigration process applies.
| Your Situation | Should You File Form I-90? | What You Should Do Instead |
|---|---|---|
| You have a conditional Green Card based on marriage | No | File Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence. |
| You have conditional permanent residence through investment | No | File Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status. |
| You became a U.S. citizen | No | Green Card renewal is no longer required after naturalization. |
| You’re applying for your first Green Card | No | Follow the appropriate USCIS or consular immigration process for obtaining permanent residence. |
| You’re applying for Adjustment of Status | No | File the applicable adjustment of status forms, such as Form I-485, if eligible. |
You Have a Conditional Green Card
If you have a 2-year conditional Green Card based on marriage, you should not use Form I-90 to renew your card. Instead, you’ll generally need to file Form I-751 to request the removal of the conditions on your permanent resident status.
You’re a Conditional Permanent Resident Through Investment
If you obtained conditional permanent residence through a qualifying investment, Form I-90 is not the correct application. In most cases, you’ll need to file Form I-829 to remove the conditions on your permanent resident status.
You Became a U.S. Citizen
Once you become a U.S. citizen, you’re no longer a lawful permanent resident. Because of this, you do not renew or replace your Green Card using Form I-90 after naturalization.
You’re Applying for Your First Green Card
Form I-90 is only for individuals who already have lawful permanent resident status. If you’re applying for your first Green Card, you’ll need to follow the appropriate USCIS or consular process based on your immigration category.
You’re Applying for Adjustment of Status
If you’re applying to become a lawful permanent resident from within the United States, Form I-90 does not apply. Eligible applicants generally use Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, rather than Form I-90.
Key Takeaway: Before preparing Form I-90, confirm that it matches your immigration status. Using the wrong USCIS form may delay your case or require you to restart the application process.
What Can Form I-90 Be Used For?
Form I-90 is used to renew or replace a Green Card in a variety of situations. Depending on your circumstances, you may use it to renew an expiring or expired Permanent Resident Card or replace one that has been lost, stolen, damaged, contains incorrect information, or needs to be updated.
The table below summarizes the most common reasons for filing Form I-90.
| Reason for Filing Form I-90 | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Renew an expiring or expired Green Card | Apply for a new Permanent Resident Card when your current Green Card is expiring or has already expired. |
| Replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Green Card | Request a replacement if your Green Card has been lost, stolen, damaged, destroyed, or is no longer readable. |
| Correct incorrect information | Request a corrected Green Card if it contains errors. |
| Update your name or other biographic information | Request an updated Green Card after a legal name change or other qualifying update. |
| Replace a Green Card you never received | Request a replacement if USCIS issued your Green Card but it was not delivered, depending on the circumstances. |
Renew an Expiring or Expired Green Card
One of the most common reasons for filing Form I-90 is to renew a 10-year Permanent Resident Card that is nearing its expiration date or has already expired. Renewing your Green Card helps ensure you continue to have current proof of your lawful permanent resident status.
Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Green Card
Form I-90 is generally used to replace a Green Card that has been lost, stolen, damaged, destroyed, or is no longer readable. Filing promptly helps restore current proof of your lawful permanent resident status.
Correct Errors or Update Information
Form I-90 can also be used to request a corrected or updated Green Card if it contains incorrect information or if you’ve legally changed your name or other qualifying biographic information. Supporting documentation is typically required to verify the requested correction or update.
Replace a Green Card You Never Received
If USCIS issued your Green Card but you never received it, Form I-90 may be the appropriate application. The process and any applicable filing fee may depend on why the card was not delivered and whether USCIS or the applicant was responsible.
Key Takeaway: Form I-90 is used for a variety of Green Card renewal and replacement situations. Before filing, identify the reason that best matches your circumstances, as your filing reason determines the information and supporting documents USCIS expects with your application.
What Happens After Filing Form I-90?
After you submit Form I-90, USCIS reviews your application and processes it through several stages before issuing a new Green Card. While every case is different, most applications follow a similar process.
Form I-90 Process at a Glance
Complete Form I-90
↓
Submit Your Application (online or by mail)
↓
Receive a USCIS Receipt Notice
↓
Attend a Biometrics Appointment (if required)
↓
USCIS Reviews Your Application
↓
Application Approved
↓
New Green Card Produced
↓
Green Card Mailed
What to Expect During the Process
- Complete and Submit Form I-90: Begin by completing Form I-90 and submitting it to USCIS with the required supporting documents and applicable filing fee, if required.
New to the renewal process? Read our Green Card Renewal Guide for step-by-step instructions on completing Form I-90, gathering supporting documents, paying the filing fee, and understanding what to expect after you apply. - Receive Your Receipt Notice: After USCIS accepts your application, you’ll receive a receipt notice confirming that your Form I-90 has been received and is being processed. Keep this notice for your records.
- Attend a Biometrics Appointment (If Required): Depending on your case, USCIS may schedule a biometrics appointment. Not every applicant is required to attend one.
- USCIS Reviews Your Application: USCIS reviews your application and supporting documents. If additional information is needed, you may receive a Request for Evidence (RFE).
- Receive Your Decision: If approved, USCIS will produce and mail your new Green Card to the address on file.
Planning international travel while your application is pending? Learn what documents you may need and what to expect in our guide on Can You Travel While Renewing Your Green Card?
Want to know how long each stage may take? Read our Form I-90 Processing Time Guide to learn about current USCIS processing times, factors that may affect your case, and how to check your application status.
Key Takeaway: Every Form I-90 case is different. Some applicants complete the process without additional requests, while others may receive a biometrics appointment or a Request for Evidence before USCIS makes a decision.
Related Costs and Processing Time
Form I-90 Filing Fee
Most Form I-90 applications require a USCIS filing fee, although some applicants may qualify for a fee exemption or may not need to pay a fee in certain situations. Learn about the current filing fee, payment methods, fee exemptions, and other cost-related information in our Form I-90 Filing Fee Guide.
Form I-90 Processing Time
The time it takes USCIS to process Form I-90 varies based on factors such as application volume, case complexity, and the service center handling your case. See our Form I-90 Processing Time Guide to learn about current processing times, factors that affect your case, and how to check your application status.
Form I-90 FAQs
What is Form I-90 used for?
Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, is the USCIS form used by eligible lawful permanent residents to renew or replace a Green Card. It can be used to renew an expiring or expired Green Card or replace one that is lost, stolen, damaged, or contains incorrect information.
Can I file Form I-90 online?
Yes. Many eligible applicants can file Form I-90 online through a USCIS online account. USCIS also accepts paper applications by mail. The filing method you choose depends on your circumstances and eligibility.
Who is eligible to file Form I-90?
In general, lawful permanent residents (LPRs) who need to renew or replace their Green Card may file Form I-90. This includes applicants with an expiring or expired Green Card, as well as those whose card has been lost, stolen, damaged, or needs to correct or update the information on their Permanent Resident Card.
Can I file Form I-90 if I legally changed my name?
Yes. If you legally changed your name or certain other biographic information shown on your Green Card, you can generally use Form I-90 to request an updated Permanent Resident Card. You’ll typically need to provide supporting documentation that verifies the legal change.
Can I renew a conditional Green Card using Form I-90?
No. Form I-90 is not used to renew a 2-year conditional Green Card. Conditional permanent residents generally need to file Form I-751 or Form I-829, depending on how they obtained conditional permanent resident status.
Conclusion
Understanding what Form I-90 is and when to use it is the first step toward successfully renewing or replacing your Green Card. Filing the correct USCIS application helps reduce unnecessary delays and ensures your request is processed using the appropriate USCIS procedure.
If your situation requires Form I-90, take time to confirm your eligibility, gather the necessary supporting documents, and review the filing requirements before submitting your application. For a complete walkthrough of the renewal process, see our Green Card Renewal Guide before you begin.
Start Your Form I-90 Application
Ready to renew or replace your Green Card? FileRight’s guided online application helps you complete Form I-90 with confidence. We’ll walk you through each step, help you prepare your application accurately, and make the renewal or replacement process easier to navigate.
