Form I-90 Instructions (2026): Step-by-Step Guide

Quick answer: How do you fill out Form I-90?

First, confirm that Form I-90 is the correct form for your Green Card situation. Use the current USCIS version of the form and choose the filing reason that matches why you need to renew or replace your card.

Complete Parts 1 through 8, provide the required supporting documents, pay the correct filing fee if required, and complete the signature or certification step. You can file Form I-90 online or by mail when USCIS allows that filing method.

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Form I-90 current edition and official instructions

As of August 2026, the current Form I-90 edition available from USCIS is 01/20/25. Before you start, check the official USCIS Form I-90 and Form I-90 Instructions to make sure you are using an accepted edition and following the latest requirements.

USCIS can update forms, filing requirements, fees, and instructions. Even if you downloaded Form I-90 earlier, check the USCIS website again before you submit your application.

What is Form I-90 used for?

Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, is used by lawful permanent residents and certain conditional permanent residents to renew or replace a Green Card in eligible situations. Common reasons include an expired or expiring 10-year Green Card, a lost, stolen or damaged card, incorrect information on the card, or a legal name or other biographic change.

Form I-90 is not used to remove conditions from a two-year conditional Green Card. The correct process depends on why you need a new card.

Not sure whether this form applies to you? See Do you need to file Form I-90?.

Before you start Form I-90

Before filling out Form I-90, gather the information and documents you may need. A few checks before you start can make the form easier to complete.

• Check the form edition: Make sure you are using an edition of Form I-90 that USCIS currently accepts.
• Know your filing reason: Identify why you need a new Green Card, such as renewal, loss, damage, incorrect information, or a legal name change.
• Have your Green Card details ready: You may need information from your card and immigration records, including your A-Number.
• Gather your documents: The evidence you need depends on your reason for filing. USCIS generally accepts legible photocopies unless the Form I-90 instructions specifically require an original. Review the Form I-90 document checklist to see what documents you may need and whether a copy or original is required for your filing reason.
• Check the filing fee: The amount you pay can depend on your filing situation. Review the current Form I-90 fees before submitting your application.
• Choose how you will file: Form I-90 may be filed online or by mail, depending on your situation. Your filing method affects how you complete, sign, submit, and pay for the application. If you are requesting a fee waiver, you cannot file Form I-90 online. See how to file Form I-90 online for the online filing process.
• Answer every applicable question: If you are completing a paper Form I-90 and a question does not apply, follow the USCIS instructions for entering “N/A.” If a question asks for a number and your answer is zero, USCIS generally instructs you to enter “None,” unless the form says otherwise.
• Prepare translations: If you submit a document in a language other than English, include a complete English translation with the required translator certification.
• Complete the signature: Follow the USCIS signature or certification requirements for your filing method

Form I-90 parts at a glance

Form I-90 is divided into eight parts. Use the links below to jump directly to the part you need help completing.

1. Part 1: Information About You — Your name, address, A-Number, immigration details, and other personal information.
2. Part 2: Application Type — Your permanent resident status and the reason you are applying for a new Green Card.
3. Part 3: Processing Information — Information about how and where you became a permanent resident and other details USCIS requests.
4. Part 4: Accommodations for Individuals With Disabilities and/or Impairments — Request an accommodation if you need one.
5. Part 5: Applicant’s Statement, Contact Information, Certification, and Signature — Confirm your information and complete the required signature.
6. Part 6: Interpreter’s Contact Information, Certification, and Signature — Complete this part if an interpreter helped you.
7. Part 7: Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature of the Person Preparing This Application, if Other Than the Applicant — Complete this part if someone else prepared the application for you.
8. Part 8: Additional Information — Use this space when you need to provide information that does not fit elsewhere on the form.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Fill Out Form I-90

Form I-90 has eight parts. The instructions below explain what each part asks for and highlight fields that may need extra attention. Follow the sections in order as you complete your application. Only answer questions that apply to your situation, and use your Green Card and immigration records to provide accurate information.

Part 1: Information About You

Part 1 asks for your personal information and details about your permanent resident status. Enter the information as requested and check it against your Green Card and immigration records.

A-Number: Enter your Alien Registration Number if requested. Your A-Number identifies your immigration record and is different from your Green Card card number and USCIS receipt number. See where to find your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) if you are unsure.

USCIS Online Account Number: Enter this number if you have one. It is different from your A-Number. If you previously filed online, you may find it in your USCIS account profile. If USCIS created an online account for a paper filing, check the Account Access Notice USCIS sent you.

Name: Provide your current legal name and, where requested, the name shown on your Green Card and any other names you have used.

If your legal name has changed since your Green Card was issued, USCIS requires appropriate evidence of the legal change, such as a registered marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption decree, or court-issued name-change document, as applicable.

Other personal and immigration information: Complete the remaining questions about your sex, date and place of birth, parents, Class of Admission, date of admission, and Social Security number, if applicable. Use your Green Card and immigration records to verify immigration-specific information.

Mailing and physical address: Provide the address where you want to receive USCIS correspondence and your physical address if it is different. USCIS generally will not mail a Permanent Resident Card to a foreign mailing address. Different instructions apply to certain permanent residents in commuter status.

Part 2: Application Type — Choose Your Reason for Filing

Part 2 asks about your permanent resident status and why you are filing Form I-90. Select the reason that matches your situation. Your filing reason can affect the evidence and fee requirements, so read the options carefully before choosing one.

Before choosing your reason for filing, Part 2 asks you to identify your current status.

• 1.a. Lawful Permanent Resident: Select this if you are a lawful permanent resident and proceed to Section A.
• 1.b. Permanent Resident in Commuter Status: Select this if you have permanent resident commuter status and proceed to Section A.
• 1.c. Conditional Permanent Resident: Select this if you are a conditional permanent resident and proceed to Section B.

Select only the status that applies to you. Conditional permanent residents should follow the filing reasons provided in Section B rather than using the regular renewal reason in Section A.

2.a. My previous card was lost, stolen or destroyed

Choose this reason if your Green Card was lost, stolen or destroyed and you need a replacement.

For the documents and steps involved, see how to replace a Green Card.

2.b. My previous card was issued but never received

Choose this reason if USCIS issued your Green Card but you never received it.

Before selecting 2.b, check whether the card was returned to USCIS as undeliverable. If USCIS mailed the card to the address you provided and it was not returned to USCIS, the Form I-90 instructions direct you to use 2.a — lost, stolen, or destroyed instead. You can check your USCIS case status to see whether the card was returned.

For 2.b, USCIS also requires supporting evidence, such as the applicable Form I-797 notice and government-issued identification. If you were admitted as an immigrant, an I-551 stamp in your passport may also be relevant evidence. Review the Form I-90 document checklist for the documents required for this filing reason.

2.c. My existing card has been mutilated

Choose this reason if you still have your Green Card but it has been damaged or altered to the point that you need a replacement.

2.d. My existing card has incorrect information because of a DHS error

Choose this option if your Green Card contains incorrect information because of an error made by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

If the incorrect information was caused by DHS, USCIS instructs you to submit the original Green Card containing the incorrect information, along with evidence showing the correct information. A copy of the incorrect card is not sufficient for this filing reason.

The filing process can differ depending on who caused the error. See what to do about incorrect information on a Green Card.

2.e. My name or other biographic information has legally changed

Choose this reason if your name or other biographic information has legally changed since your current Green Card was issued and you need a card showing the updated information.

If your name changed, see the Green Card name change process and the evidence you may need.

2.f. My existing card has expired or will expire within six months

This reason generally applies to a standard 10-year Green Card that has expired or will expire within the next six months.

See how to renew an expired or expiring 10-year Green Card for the renewal process, documents and next steps.

2.g. I have reached my 14th birthday

If you are filing Form I-90 because you reached age 14, check when your current Green Card expires before choosing between 2.g.1 and 2.g.2.

• Choose 2.g.1 if you have reached your 14th birthday and your current Green Card will expire after your 16th birthday.
• Choose 2.g.2 if you have reached your 14th birthday and your current Green Card will expire before your 16th birthday.

USCIS provides a special timing rule for this filing reason. If you file Form I-90 before your 14th birthday or more than 30 days after your 14th birthday, the form instructs you to select 2.j instead. However, if your Green Card has already expired, select 2.f.

2.h. I am changing between permanent resident and commuter status

Use the appropriate option if you are a permanent resident taking up commuter status or a commuter who is taking up actual residence in the United States.

Choose the option that describes the change you are making. If you are taking up commuter status, Form I-90 also asks for the U.S. Port of Entry you will use to enter and leave the United States.

2.i. I have been automatically converted to lawful permanent resident status

Choose this reason if you were automatically converted to lawful permanent resident status under the applicable immigration law and need a Permanent Resident Card showing that status.

If you are unsure whether this reason applies to you, review the official Form I-90 instructions before selecting it.

2.j. I have a prior edition of the Alien Registration Card or another reason for replacing my card

This option can apply to someone who has an older version of an Alien Registration Card that needs to be replaced or has another qualifying reason described in the Form I-90 instructions.

If you have an older Green Card without an expiration date, see whether your Green Card with no expiration date is still valid before choosing your filing reason.

Section B: Reasons for Conditional Permanent Residents

If you selected 1.c. Conditional Permanent Resident, complete Section B and choose the reason that applies to your card:

• 3.a. Your previous card was lost, stolen or destroyed.
• 3.b. Your previous card was issued but never received.
• 3.c. Your existing card has been mutilated.
• 3.d. Your existing card contains incorrect information because of a DHS error.
• 3.e. Your name or other biographic information has legally changed since your card was issued.

These choices are for replacing a conditional Green Card. They are not used to renew an expiring two-year card or remove the conditions on permanent resident status.

USCIS confirms that conditional permanent residents may use Form I-90 for qualifying replacement reasons, but generally cannot use it to renew an expiring conditional card or remove conditions.

What if you have a two-year conditional Green Card?

If you have a two-year conditional Green Card, do not select the regular Green Card renewal reason just because your card is approaching its expiration date. Form I-90 is not used to remove the conditions on your permanent resident status.

Instead, you generally need to follow the appropriate process to remove conditions before your conditional status expires. Learn how to remove conditions on a Green Card and which form may apply to your situation.

A conditional permanent resident may still use Form I-90 in certain situations to replace a card, such as when the card is lost, stolen or damaged.

Part 3: Processing Information

Part 3 asks for details about how and where you became a lawful permanent resident. Use your Green Card and immigration records when answering these questions. If you are unsure about your immigration history, do not guess.

Location where you applied for an immigrant visa or adjustment of status: Enter the U.S. embassy, U.S. consulate, or USCIS office where you applied to become a permanent resident, as applicable to your case.

Location where your immigrant visa was issued or adjustment of status was granted: Provide the location requested based on how you received permanent resident status.

Destination and Port of Entry: If you entered the United States with an immigrant visa, provide your destination in the United States at the time you were admitted. Form I-90 also asks for the city or town and state of the Port of Entry where you entered. If the city has more than one Port of Entry, identify the location as accurately as you can.

Removal, exclusion, rescission or deportation proceedings: Answer the questions based on your immigration history. If you are unsure whether a past proceeding applies to these questions, consider getting qualified legal advice before answering.

Form I-407: If the form asks whether you have ever filed Form I-407, answer accurately. Form I-407 is used to record abandonment of lawful permanent resident status.

Biographic information: Complete the requested information about your ethnicity, race, height, weight, eye color and hair color.

Check each answer against your available immigration records before moving to Part 4.

Part 4: Accommodations for Individuals With Disabilities and/or Impairments

Part 4 asks whether you need accommodation because of a disability or impairment. Complete this part only if you need assistance when attending a USCIS appointment related to your Form I-90 application.

The form allows you to indicate accommodations related to conditions such as being deaf or hard of hearing, blind or having low vision, or another disability or impairment. Describe the accommodation you are requesting in the space provided.

Requesting an accommodation does not affect your eligibility for a replacement or renewed Green Card. Follow the current Form I-90 instructions when describing the assistance you need.

Part 5: Applicant’s Statement, Contact Information, Certification, and Signature

Part 5 asks you to confirm how you completed Form I-90 and provide your contact information. Indicate whether you completed the application yourself or used an interpreter.

Provide the requested daytime phone number, mobile phone number, and email address, as applicable.

Before signing, review your entire Form I-90. By signing or completing the required certification, you confirm that you understand the application and that the information you provided is complete, true, and correct.

Do not skip the signature or certification step. Follow the current USCIS requirements for your filing method. If you file a paper Form I-90, sign where required. If you file online, complete the electronic certification and signature process in your USCIS online account.

Part 6: Interpreter’s Contact Information, Certification, and Signature

Complete Part 6 if an interpreter helped you understand the questions and instructions on Form I-90.

The interpreter must provide the requested name, contact information, and certification. They must also confirm that they accurately interpreted the application for you in a language you understand and complete the required signature.

If you did not use an interpreter, follow the Form I-90 instructions for this part.

Part 7: Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature of the Preparer

Complete Part 7 if someone other than you prepared Form I-90 on your behalf.

The preparer must provide the requested name, contact information, and organization or business information, if applicable. They must also complete the required declaration and signature.

If an attorney or accredited representative represents you, they generally must submit Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, with your Form I-90. Follow the current USCIS Form I-90 and Form G-28 instructions for your situation.

Having a preparer does not replace the applicant’s own certification and signature requirements in Part 5.

Part 8: Additional Information

Use Part 8 if you need more space to answer a question from another part of Form I-90.

For each additional answer, enter the Page Number, Part Number, and Item Number for the question you are continuing. This helps USCIS connect the additional information to the correct question on your application.

If you need more space than Part 8 provides, you may use additional sheets. Include your name and A-Number, if any, at the top of each sheet. Clearly identify the Page Number, Part Number, and Item Number for each answer, and sign and date each additional sheet.

Make sure any additional information is complete and matches the answers provided elsewhere on Form I-90.

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Form I-90 fields that commonly confuse applicants

Some Form I-90 fields use immigration terms or numbers that can be easy to confuse. Use your Green Card and immigration records to check the information before entering it.

• A-Number: Your Alien Registration Number identifies your immigration record. It is different from your Green Card card number and USCIS receipt number. See where to find your A-Number if needed.
• USCIS Online Account Number: This is associated with your USCIS online account and is different from your A-Number.
• Class of Admission: This is the immigration category under which you became a permanent resident. On many Green Cards, it appears as the Category code.
• Date of Admission/Resident Since: Form I-90 asks for the date you were granted lawful permanent resident or conditional permanent resident status. Your Green Card’s “Resident Since” date can help you identify this date.
• Card details: Check which number or card information Form I-90 specifically asks you to enter. Do not assume your A-Number, card number, and receipt number are interchangeable.
• Names: Your current legal name may differ from the name on your existing Green Card. Enter each name in the field where the form requests it.

Form I-90 checklist before submitting

Before you submit Form I-90, review your application one more time. Check that you have:

• Used a current USCIS-accepted edition of Form I-90 if filing by mail.
• Selected the correct filing reason in Part 2 for your Green Card situation.
• Answered all applicable questions and followed USCIS instructions for questions that do not apply.
• Entered your name, A-Number, addresses, and immigration information correctly.
• Checked dates and immigration details against your Green Card and available records instead of guessing.
• Included the required supporting evidence for your filing reason.
• Included certified English translations for documents written in another language, when required.
• Included any additional sheets correctly, with the related Page, Part, and Item Number and the required identifying information, signature, and date.
• Checked the current Form I-90 fee and payment requirements, if a fee applies.
• Completed the required signature or electronic certification.
• Kept a copy of your completed application and supporting documents for your records.

If you are filing by mail, also confirm the current USCIS filing address and payment instructions before sending your application.

What happens after you file Form I-90?

After USCIS receives your Form I-90, it will process your application and send notices as your case moves forward. What happens next can vary by case.

Receipt notice: USCIS generally sends a receipt notice after accepting your application. Keep the receipt number because you can use it to track your case.

Biometrics: USCIS may require you to attend a biometrics appointment to provide fingerprints, a photograph, a signature, or other information. If you receive an appointment notice, follow the instructions provided by USCIS. Learn what to expect at a Form I-90 biometrics appointment.

Additional evidence: USCIS may request more information or evidence if it needs something else to decide your application. Respond by the deadline stated in the notice.

Case processing: Processing times vary. See the current Form I-90 processing time for more information.

Temporary proof of status: If you need evidence of permanent resident status while waiting for your new card, you may be able to obtain temporary I-551 evidence, depending on your situation.

Decision: USCIS will notify you of its decision. If your application is approved, USCIS will produce and deliver your new Permanent Resident Card. If you encounter a notice, delay, delivery issue, or another problem, see what to do about Form I-90 problems after filing.

FAQs About Form I-90 Instructions

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