How to Renew Your Green Card in 2026: Complete I-90 Guide

Your green card is your proof of permanent resident status in the United States. But unlike citizenship, it doesn't last forever. Most green cards expire after 10 years, and if you don't renew on time, you could face serious problems—from employment issues to travel complications and even questions about your immigration status. The good news? Renewing your green card is straightforward if you know what to do. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about Form I-90 in 2026, including current fees, processing times, and the mistakes that cause the most delays.

What Is Form I-90?

Form I-90, officially called "Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card," is the USCIS form used to renew or replace your green card. Despite the name mentioning "replace," this is the same form you use whether your card is expiring, already expired, lost, stolen, damaged, or contains incorrect information.

Important: Form I-90 is NOT for removing conditions on a conditional green card. If you received your green card through marriage and it's only valid for 2 years, you need Form I-751 instead.

Who Needs to File Form I-90?

You should file Form I-90 if any of the following apply to you:

• Your green card will expire within 6 months – Don't wait until the last minute
• Your green card has already expired – You can still renew, but act fast
• Your card was lost, stolen, or destroyed – File a police report first if stolen
• Your card was damaged – Unreadable or mutilated cards need replacement
• Your name or other information has changed – Through marriage, court order, etc.
• You never received your previous card – USCIS may have sent it to the wrong address
• You turned 14 – Registration requirement (fee may be waived if filed within 30 days of 14th birthday and card expires after 16th birthday)

Green Card Renewal Cost in 2026

Here's what you'll pay to renew your green card:

Important changes:

• ✅ Biometrics fee is included — there is no separate charge (since April 1, 2024)
• ✅ The $50 savings for online filing is automatic
• ❌ **Checks and money order **(Update, May 2026: USCIS no longer accepts checks or money orders for paper filings (since 2024). Use Form G-1450 (card) or G-1650 (bank account))s are NO LONGER ACCEPTED (as of October 28, 2025)

Exceptions — No fee required if:

• USCIS made an error on your original card (must provide evidence of USCIS error)
• You never received your card and it wasn't returned to USCIS as undeliverable
• You're turning 14 and meet specific criteria

Accepted Payment Methods

⚠️ CRITICAL: Payment Method Change (October 28, 2025)

USCIS no longer accepts personal check **(Update, May 2026: USCIS no longer accepts checks or money orders for paper filings (since 2024). Use Form G-1450 (card) or G-1650 (bank account))**s, money orders, bank drafts, or cashier's check **(Update, May 2026: USCIS no longer accepts checks or money orders for paper filings (since 2024). Use Form G-1450 (card) or G-1650 (bank account))**s for paper filings.

For online filing:

• Credit card, debit card, or bank account through Pay.gov

For paper filing, you MUST use:

• Form G-1450 — Credit/debit card authorization, OR
• Form G-1650 — ACH bank transfer authorization

Need to pay by check? You may qualify for an exemption using Form G-1651 (Exemption for Paper Fee Payment) if you cannot access electronic payment methods.

Do You Qualify for a Fee Waiver?

If you can't afford the filing fee, you may qualify for a fee waiver using Form I-912. You might be eligible if you:

• Receive a means-tested benefit (Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, TANF)
• Have a household income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
• Are experiencing financial hardship (must provide documentation)

Important: Fee waiver requests can only be filed by mail — you cannot file Form I-90 online if requesting a fee waiver.

Current I-90 Processing Times (2026)

Processing times have become highly variable. Here's what to expect:

Why the wide range? Processing times increased dramatically in 2025 due to higher filing volumes, expanded vetting requirements, and operational backlogs. Some applicants receive cards in 4-6 months; others wait over 2 years.

Pro Tip: Because processing can take up to 2+ years, file at least 6 months before your card expires. The receipt notice you receive extends your status for 36 months while your application is pending.

How to Renew Your Green Card: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

Before you start, collect these documents:

Required for all applicants:

• ✅ Your current green card (front and back copy) — even if expired
• ✅ Government-issued photo ID (passport, state ID, or driver's license)

If applicable:

• Legal name change documents (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order)
• Police report (if your card was stolen)
• Evidence of USCIS error (if requesting fee exemption)

You do NOT need:

• ❌ Passport-style photos — USCIS takes your photo at biometrics
• ❌ Birth certificate
• ❌ Tax returns
• ❌ Employment verification
• ❌ Proof of residence

Step 2: Complete Form I-90

Important: Always use the current form edition (01/20/25) downloaded directly from USCIS.gov. Older editions will be rejected.

Option A: File Online at USCIS (Recommended)

1. Create a USCIS online account at uscis.gov
2. Select "File a Form Online" and choose Form I-90
3. Answer all questions carefully
4. Upload a copy of your green card (front and back)
5. Pay the $415 fee
6. Submit and save your confirmation

Online benefits: Faster processing, instant confirmation, real-time case tracking, secure document upload.

Option B: File by Mail

1. Download Form I-90 from uscis.gov (edition 01/20/25)
2. Complete all sections — write "N/A" for fields that don't apply
3. Sign and date Part 5
4. Include Form G-1450 (credit card) or G-1650 (bank transfer) for payment
5. Include a copy of your green card (front and back)
6. Mail to the correct USCIS lockbox:

USPS: USCIS Attn: I-90 P.O. Box 21262 Phoenix, AZ 85036-1262

FedEx/UPS/DHL: USCIS Attn: I-90 (Box 21262) 2108 E. Elliot Rd. Tempe, AZ 85284-1806

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Step 3: Receive Your Receipt Notice

Within 2-4 weeks of filing, you'll receive a receipt notice (Form I-797C) in the mail. This notice is extremely important because:

• It extends your green card validity for 36 months from the expiration date on your card
• It serves as proof of your continued permanent resident status
• You'll need it for employment verification (Form I-9)
• It allows you to travel internationally (with your expired card)

Keep this receipt notice with your green card at all times.

Note: The 36-month extension applies to renewals of expiring/expired cards. If you're replacing a lost or stolen card, you may need an ADIT stamp instead.

Step 4: Attend Your Biometrics Appointment

USCIS will mail you an appointment notice for biometrics (fingerprints, photo, and signature). Here's what to know:

Location: A USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) near you

What to bring:

• ✅ Original appointment notice (Form I-797C) — not a photocopy
• ✅ Your green card (even if expired)
• ✅ Government-issued photo ID with name, date of birth, photo, and signature

Duration: Usually less than 20 minutes

What happens:

• Digital fingerprints (all 10 fingers)
• Photograph taken by USCIS
• Digital signature

This is NOT an interview — no questions about your application or eligibility.

⚠️ Don't miss it: Missing your biometrics appointment without rescheduling can result in your application being denied for abandonment. If you can't attend, reschedule through your USCIS online account (at least 12 hours before) or call 1-800-375-5283. Written requests are no longer accepted.

Step 5: Wait for Your Decision

After biometrics, USCIS will process your application. You can check your case status online using the receipt number from your I-797C notice at uscis.gov/casestatus.

If USCIS needs more information, you'll receive a Request for Evidence (RFE). Respond promptly and completely by the deadline — failure to respond can result in denial.

Step 6: Receive Your New Green Card

Once approved, your new green card will be mailed to you within 1-4 weeks. Your new card will be valid for 10 years from the date of issuance.

Special Notice: December 2025 Policy Change

⚠️ Important Update (Effective December 2, 2025)

USCIS has placed processing holds on I-90 applications filed by nationals of 19 designated "high-risk" countries. If you were born in or are a citizen of one of these countries:

• Your application may experience significant delays
• Additional vetting and possible in-person appearances may be required
• Interview waivers are not permitted

Affected countries: Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Burundi, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, Yemen

If you are from one of these countries:

• Keep your address updated with USCIS
• Monitor your case status closely
• Consider consulting an immigration attorney
• Avoid non-essential international travel until resolved

7 Common Mistakes That Delay Green Card Renewal

Avoid these errors that cause rejections and delays:

1. Waiting too long to file – File 6 months before expiration, not 6 days
2. Using an outdated form – Always download the latest version (01/20/25) from uscis.gov right before filing
3. Forgetting to sign the form – Unsigned applications are automatically rejected
4. Wrong payment method – Checks and money orders are NO LONGER ACCEPTED. Use Form G-1450 or G-1650
5. Incorrect fee amount – Double-check: $415 online, $465 paper
6. Name inconsistencies – Your name must match exactly across all documents
7. Missing green card copy – Include copies of BOTH the front AND back

Special Situations

What If My Green Card Already Expired?

Don't panic. An expired green card doesn't mean you've lost your permanent resident status. You can still file Form I-90 to renew it. However:

• You may face issues with employment verification
• International travel becomes complicated
• File as soon as possible to minimize problems

Once you file, your receipt notice extends your status for 36 months from your card's expiration date.

Can I Travel While My Renewal Is Pending?

Yes, but with precautions:

• If your card is still valid: Carry both your green card and receipt notice
• If your card expired: Your receipt notice extends validity for 36 months — carry both documents (expired card + receipt notice)
• If you lost your card: You'll need an ADIT stamp from a USCIS field office

Warning: Trips over 6 months can raise questions about your intent to maintain permanent residence. Trips over 1 year may be considered abandonment of your status.

Lost or Stolen Green Card?

If your green card was lost or stolen:

1. File a police report (especially if stolen)
2. File Form I-90 immediately
3. Request a USCIS field office appointment if you need proof of status urgently (for ADIT stamp)

Note: The 36-month extension does NOT apply to lost/stolen card replacements — only to renewals of expiring/expired cards.

ImmigrationAlly Makes Filing Simple

ImmigrationAlly's bilingual document preparation service includes:

• ✅ Accurately completed Form I-90 — Current edition
• ✅ Cover letter to USCIS — Professional summary of your application
• ✅ Payment forms (G-1450 or G-1650) — 2026 compliant, for mail-in or online filing
• ✅ Form G-1145 — E-notification when USCIS receives your application
• ✅ Personalized document checklist — Based on YOUR situation
• ✅ Step-by-step filing guide — In English AND Spanish
• ✅ Real-time chat assistance — Get help when you need it
• ✅ Multilingual support — Spanish and English
• ✅ Easy-to-understand language — No confusing legal jargon

Use your packet to file online or by mail — either way, you'll have everything organized and accurate.

Start your green card renewal packet at ImmigrationAlly →

Immigration forms, simplified.

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Sources

• USCIS: Form I-90
• USCIS: Replace Your Green Card
• USCIS: Fee Schedule (G-1055)
• USCIS: 36-Month Extension Announcement
• USCIS: Filing Fees
• USCIS: Processing Times

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws change frequently. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed immigration attorney. ImmigrationAlly is not a law firm and is not affiliated with or endorsed by USCIS or any government agency.