Green Card Renewal & Replacement (Form I-90)
A permanent resident card generally needs to be renewed periodically or replaced if it is lost, stolen, or has an error. The filing itself is routine for many people — but complications in your history can surface, and it is better to know about them first.
When renewal is more than routine
Most renewals are straightforward, but if you have travel history, time outside the U.S., or any past immigration or criminal issue, a renewal can draw scrutiny. A quick review before filing helps you avoid an unwelcome surprise.
How we help
We prepare the renewal or replacement, confirm nothing in your record needs attention first, and answer questions about your status and next steps toward citizenship. Se habla espanol.
Frequently asked questions
Does my green card expire?
Standard green cards are issued with an expiration date and must be renewed, but the card is just proof of your status, not the status itself. Renewing keeps your documentation current. If your card is expiring soon, it is a good time to plan ahead.
Does my permanent resident status end when my card expires?
No. An expired card does not take away your permanent resident status; you remain a lawful permanent resident. That said, you should keep a valid card because it proves your right to work and travel. Renewing promptly avoids practical headaches.
How do I renew my green card?
Most permanent residents renew by filing Form I-90 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The process is usually straightforward, but gathering the right documents helps avoid delays. If anything in your history is complicated, a consultation can be worthwhile before you file.
What happens if I let my green card expire?
You keep your status, but an expired card can make it harder to work, travel, or prove you are a resident, so it is best to renew without a long gap. Renewing late is generally possible. A consultation can help if the delay created complications.
What is Form I-90?
Form I-90 is the application used to renew a green card that is expiring or has expired, or to replace one that is lost, stolen, or damaged. It is filed with USCIS. Filing it correctly the first time helps you avoid processing delays.
Can I travel while my green card renewal is pending?
Traveling with a pending renewal is possible, but you should have proof of your status and be aware that re-entry can be more complicated without a valid card. Talk to an attorney before international travel if your renewal is not yet complete.
Can I keep working if my green card is expired?
Your right to work comes from your status, not the card, but employers need to see valid proof of authorization, so an expired card can create problems at work. Renewing keeps your documentation in order. There are ways to obtain interim proof, which an attorney can explain.
When does a green card renewal draw extra scrutiny?
A routine renewal is usually simple, but issues like long absences abroad, past criminal matters, or questions about whether you abandoned residence can invite closer review. If any of these apply to you, it is wise to consult before filing. Only a licensed attorney or accredited representative can advise you, not a notary or “notario.”
Will my travel history be reviewed when I renew?
Renewals can prompt questions about lengthy or frequent trips abroad, because extended absences may raise concerns about whether you kept the U.S. as your home. Keeping travel records helps you respond. If you have spent significant time outside the country, a consultation can help you prepare.
I have a past criminal issue. Should I just renew or talk to someone first?
If you have any arrest or conviction, it is smart to speak with an attorney before filing, because interacting with immigration authorities can surface old issues that may affect your status. Renewal is often still the right move, but timing and preparation matter. An attorney can review the records first.
How do I replace a lost or stolen green card?
You generally use the same Form I-90 to request a replacement, and reporting a stolen card to the authorities can be helpful. Keeping a copy of your card in a safe place makes replacement easier. A consultation can help if your case is not routine.
What if my name changed and my card is out of date?
You can update your card to reflect a legal name change, typically through Form I-90 with proof such as a marriage certificate or court order. Keeping your card consistent with your other documents avoids confusion. An attorney can confirm what proof you need.
How long does green card renewal take?
Processing times vary by workload and location. You can often check estimates online, and filing well before your card expires gives you a cushion. Se habla espanol if you have questions in Spanish.
Should I renew my green card or apply for citizenship instead?
If you are eligible to naturalize, some people choose to apply for citizenship rather than renew, since becoming a citizen ends the need to renew a card at all. Others renew to keep documentation current while they decide. A consultation can help you weigh both paths for your situation.
Do conditional residents renew the same way?
Conditional residents, such as some spouses and investors, usually must file a different petition to remove conditions rather than a simple I-90 renewal. Missing that deadline can affect status, so it is important to act on time. An attorney can identify which process applies to you.
What proof of my status do I have while I wait for renewal?
USCIS can provide documentation, such as an extension notice or a stamp, that serves as temporary proof of your permanent resident status while your renewal is pending. This can help with work and travel. An attorney can explain how to request it.
Can renewing my green card lead to deportation?
For most people, renewal is routine and poses no such risk. Concerns arise mainly when there are unresolved criminal issues or questions about abandonment of residence, which is why a review beforehand is wise in those cases. If you are worried, speak with a licensed attorney before filing, not a notary or “notario.”
Do I need a lawyer to renew my green card?
Many straightforward renewals can be done without a lawyer, but legal help is valuable if you have travel concerns, past legal issues, or a conditional card. A consultation can quickly tell you whether your case is simple or needs attention. Only a licensed attorney or accredited representative can give you legal advice.
What if my green card was issued with a mistake?
If USCIS made an error on your card, you can usually request a corrected card, and the process may differ depending on who caused the error. Keeping evidence of the correct information helps. An attorney can guide you on the right way to request a fix.
Can I renew my green card from outside the United States?
Renewal from abroad can be more complicated, and the right approach depends on how long you have been away and why. If you are overseas with an expiring card, a consultation can help you avoid problems returning.
This is federal law — but where you are still matters
What is on this page applies the same way in every state. Which office and court handle your case, how detention works where you are, and how far local police cooperate with immigration enforcement are not the same across California, Arizona and New Mexico. Pick your state for that.