How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Green Card
If you have permanent residence status in the US and have a green card, it is important to safeguard your status by keeping a valid green card with you at all times. If your green card is lost, stolen, or damaged, it is important to replace your green card at once. Replacing your green card can help the USCIS prevent fraud and can help ensure that you do not become the victim of identity theft or green card misuse.
For a lost green card or damaged green card, you can apply for a green card replacement with USCIS Form I-90. You can also apply with this same form for green card renewal. You should not use this form if you are a conditional resident and your green card status is about to expire. You should apply for a green card replacement with USCIS form I-90 if your green card is out of date (because your name or other data has changed) or if your green card is lost, has been damaged, stolen, or otherwise no longer available. You can also use USCIS form I-90 for a green card replacement to replace a card that contains incorrect information because of a USCIS error or for a card which was approved but never received by you.
If any of these apply to you, you can file USCIS form I-90 by downloading the latest version of the form as well as all pertinent instructions from the USCIS website. Be sure fill out the form completely and fully. You will need to file it and send in the filing fee. You will also generally need to go in for a biometrics appointment to get fingerprinted.
There may be additional requirements, depending on your specific situation. If your card has been damaged, you may need to submit your damaged card when applying for a new one. If your card has been lost or stolen, you will need to submit ID to prove your identity and you may need to submit a photo report. If your green card was stolen, you will want to submit a police report, reporting the green card as stolen. This is not a requirement but is very important to do, as it will ensure that the card will not be misused under your name. If you have lost your green card while traveling outside the US or if your card has been stolen or damaged while you are outside of the US, it is important to visit the nearest US consulate or embassy immediately. You will generally not be able to re-enter the US without doing this. The embassy or consulate can help you apply for a new card and can also ensure that you can documentation to re-enter the US.
