If you’re wondering how to renew your green card, you’re not alone — many permanent residents are preparing now as their cards approach expiration. The process remains rooted in the same official guidelines, but a few updates and reminders for 2025 should guide you. Here’s a clear breakdown of what to do, what’s new, and what to watch out for.
✅ Who Needs to Renew — and When
If you hold a regular 10-year green card, you generally need to start the renewal process when:
- Your green card is expiring soon (typically within six months of the expiration date), or
- It has already expired.
If your card is lost, stolen, damaged, contains incorrect information, or you had a name change — these also qualify as valid reasons to renew or replace your card.
However, if you hold a conditional green card (often valid for 2 years, such as through marriage or business investment), the renewal procedure is different. Instead of renewing, conditional residents must “remove conditions” on their status through separate forms (not the regular renewal process).
📄 The Correct Form: Form I-90
For most lawful permanent residents seeking to renew or replace a green card, the correct official form is Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.
You can file Form I-90 online or by mail. Many choose to file online because it tends to be faster and allows you to track the case status. If filing by mail, you must send the completed and signed paper form to the appropriate address, along with payment and required documents.
📑 What Documents & Information You Must Provide
When filing Form I-90 to renew or replace your green card, you normally need to include:
- A copy of your current (or soon-to-expire) green card — front and back.
- A copy of a valid government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license, or state ID).
- If applicable: any documents reflecting a legal name or biographic change since the card was issued.
- The required filing fee and, if applicable, a biometric services fee.
If your card was lost, stolen, or destroyed — or if it never arrived — you should file as soon as possible, including as much proof as you can (e.g., copy of old card, identification, etc.).
🔄 What Happens After Filing
Once USCIS (the U.S. agency handling permanent resident cards) receives your application:
- You will receive a receipt notice — often within a few weeks.
- If a fingerprint/biometric check is required, USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment.
- After biometrics and processing, USCIS will mail your new green card, usually to your U.S. mailing address.
Processing can vary depending on many factors. While some applications resolve in just a few months, many others can take 7 to 12 months — or even longer. Because of this, you should file well in advance of your card’s expiration if possible.
🕒 What Changed: 36-Month Validity Extension on Receipt Notice
One of the most significant updates in recent years: when you properly file Form I-90, the receipt notice USCIS issues now extends the validity of your green card for 36 months beyond its expiration date.
That means your expired (or soon-to-expire) green card — when combined with the receipt notice — continues to serve as valid proof of permanent resident status, including for work authorization or re-entry into the U.S.
This extended validity was introduced to reduce the impact of the often lengthy renewal backlog and to give residents breathing room while waiting for the new card.
💵 Fees, Timing, and What to Expect
The total cost for a standard green card renewal or replacement includes a filing fee and a biometric services fee. The exact amount can change, so always verify the current fee schedule before submitting your application.
Given recent processing workloads, many applicants report renewal times stretching toward the higher end of the 7–12-month range. Some data suggest that typical processing may take over a year if demand is high.
Because of these potential delays, it’s smart to file as early as you’re eligible — generally about six months before your card’s expiration date.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting until the last minute — filing close to expiration can create gaps if processing is slow.
- Using the wrong form — don’t use Form I-90 if you have a conditional green card (you’ll need other forms).
- Forgetting required documents (e.g., copy of the green card, valid ID, name-change proof if applicable).
- Missing the biometrics appointment — this is essential and failure to attend can delay or even invalidate your application.
- Not keeping your receipt notice — it’s vital if your green card expires while you wait for the new one.
🧳 What to Know If Your Card Expires While Waiting — or If You’re Traveling
If your green card expires while your renewal is pending — you’re likely covered: the receipt notice (from filing Form I-90) plus your expired card acts as valid proof of your status and work authorization for up to 36 months after the expiration date. That means you can continue working, re-entering the U.S., or renewing employment eligibility documentation during that time.
If your card was lost, stolen, or damaged — or you’re outside the U.S. when it expires — you should contact USCIS (or your nearest U.S. consulate/port of entry) for guidance. In some cases, USCIS may issue a temporary stamp (often called an ADIT stamp) for travel or reentry.
🎯 What You Should Do Right Now
If your green card is expiring or has recently expired — or if you know it will expire within the next six months — take the following steps:
- Gather required documents: current (or expiring) green card, valid photo ID, name-change papers if applicable.
- Get the latest version of Form I-90, complete it accurately, sign it, and decide whether to file online or by mail.
- Pay the required fees, and include the biometric services fee if required.
- Submit the application as early as eligibility allows (ideally six months before expiration).
- Once you receive the receipt notice, keep it safe — it extends your card’s validity while you wait for the new one.
- Attend any biometrics appointment scheduled by USCIS.
- Monitor your case status online if you filed via USCIS account.
With the updated 36-month extension for pending renewals, filing now — even if your card doesn’t expire for several months — can give you peace of mind.
Renewing your green card doesn’t have to be stressful. By following the correct steps, filing early, and keeping track of your paperwork, you can confidently maintain your lawful permanent resident status while awaiting the new card.
If you have any questions or want to share your renewal experiences — feel free to comment below or stay tuned for any more updates.