Quick answer: Is a Green Card with no expiration date still valid?
Yes, some older Green Cards with no expiration date may still be valid, but it depends on the type of card you have. Certain older Form I-551 cards without an expiration date may remain valid. However, Form I-151, also known as an Alien Registration Receipt Card, is no longer valid as evidence of permanent resident status.
USCIS recommends replacing an old Green Card with no expiration date with a current Permanent Resident Card. Form I-90 is used to request the replacement.
If you have an older card that needs to be replaced, review how to replace a Green Card with Form I-90.
Which old Green Card do you have?
Older Green Cards do not all follow the same rules. Some older cards without an expiration date may still be valid, while other versions are no longer accepted as proof of permanent resident status. Check which type of card you have before deciding whether to replace it.
Form I-551 with no expiration date
Some older versions of Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card, were issued without an expiration date. Certain versions may still be valid, but USCIS recommends replacing an older no-expiration card with a current Permanent Resident Card.
Having an old card does not by itself mean that your lawful permanent resident status has expired. The card is evidence of your status, so it is important to distinguish the validity of the physical card from your underlying immigration status.
Form I-151 (Alien Registration Receipt Card)
Form I-151 is an older version of the Alien Registration Receipt Card. USCIS no longer accepts Form I-151 as valid evidence of permanent resident status.
However, an invalid Form I-151 does not, by itself, mean that you are no longer a lawful permanent resident. If you still have Form I-151, you should obtain a current Permanent Resident Card.
Do you have to replace a Green Card with no expiration date?
It depends on the type of Green Card you have. Some older Green Cards without an expiration date may still be valid, but USCIS recommends replacing older no-expiration cards with a current Permanent Resident Card.
The validity of your old card and whether USCIS recommends replacing it are separate questions. If you have an older card that is no longer accepted as valid evidence of permanent resident status, such as Form I-151, you should replace it. If you have an older Form I-551 without an expiration date, USCIS also recommends getting a current card.
Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, is generally used to request a current card when an old Green Card needs to be replaced.
Need to replace your old Green Card? Start preparing Form I-90.
Why does USCIS recommend replacing an old Green Card?
USCIS recommends replacing an older Green Card with a current Permanent Resident Card because very old cards can make it harder to prove your status or identity in some situations.
- Current proof of permanent resident status: A current Green Card provides updated evidence of your lawful permanent resident status and can help avoid questions about an older document.
- Travel: An older card may lead to additional document or identity checks when traveling, especially if the card format or photograph is outdated.
- Identification: If your appearance has changed since the photograph on your old Green Card was taken, it may be harder for someone reviewing the card to confirm your identity.
- Current card format: Newer Permanent Resident Cards use USCIS’s current design and security features, making the card easier to verify as an official immigration document.
Replacing an old card does not give you new permanent resident status. It provides current evidence of the permanent resident status you already have.
Can you travel with a Green Card that has no expiration date?
You may be able to travel with an older Green Card that has no expiration date, but first check whether the specific version of your card is still valid. The lack of an expiration date does not mean that every type of old Green Card is accepted as a valid travel document.
Even when an older card remains valid, its age, card format or outdated photograph may lead to additional document or identity checks when you travel. This could make it harder to verify your permanent resident status.
Before traveling outside the United States, check the current entry and travel-document requirements that apply to your situation. You should also confirm any documentation requirements with your airline before departure.
Can you use an old Green Card for work or proof of status?
A Permanent Resident Card can be used as evidence of lawful permanent resident status. Whether you can use an older Green Card for this purpose depends on the version of the card, whether that document is still valid, and what evidence is required in your situation.
Very old Green Cards can create practical problems when your status or identity needs to be verified. For example, an outdated card format or an old photograph may make the document harder to verify.
If your old Green Card is no longer accepted as valid evidence, you should obtain a current Permanent Resident Card. Even if your older no-expiration card remains valid, USCIS recommends replacing it with a current card. Replacing the physical card does not change your lawful permanent resident status; it gives you current evidence of that status.
How do you replace a Green Card with no expiration date?
If you have an old Green Card that should be replaced, Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, is generally used to request a current card.
Step 1: Confirm which old Green Card you have
Check whether you have an older Form I-551, Form I-151 or another version of the Permanent Resident Card. This helps you understand whether your old card remains valid and why it needs to be replaced.
Step 2: Prepare Form I-90
Complete Form I-90 using the current USCIS instructions. Select the filing reason that applies to your old Green Card and provide accurate information about your permanent resident status and card.
Step 3: Submit the required evidence
Provide the supporting documents required for your filing reason. The documents you need can vary, so follow the current Form I-90 instructions carefully.
Step 4: Complete USCIS follow-up requirements
After filing, USCIS will send notices about your case. Depending on your situation, USCIS may require biometrics or request additional information or documents.
Step 5: Receive your replacement Green Card
USCIS will review your Form I-90 application. If it is approved, USCIS will issue a current Permanent Resident Card.
For more information about the filing process, documents, and what happens after filing, see our complete Green Card replacement guide.
Replace Your Old Green Card With Form I-90
Get guided help to prepare Form I-90 to replace your Green Card.
Is this a Green Card renewal or replacement?
It depends on the type of Green Card you have and why you need a new card. Both renewal and replacement use Form I-90, but they apply to different situations.
If you have a standard 10-year Green Card that is expired or approaching its expiration date, this is generally a renewal situation. Learn how to renew an expired or expiring 10-year Green Card.
If you have an older Green Card with no expiration date and need to obtain a current Permanent Resident Card, this is generally a replacement situation.
Choosing the correct filing reason on Form I-90 helps USCIS understand why you are requesting a new Permanent Resident Card.
FAQs About Green Card With No Expiration Date
Is a Green Card with no expiration date still valid?
Some older Green Cards without an expiration date may still be valid, but it depends on the specific card version. Certain older Form I-551 cards may remain valid, while other old cards are no longer accepted. Check which type of card you have before relying on it as proof of permanent resident status.
Do I have to replace a Green Card with no expiration date?
Some older no-expiration Green Cards may remain valid, but USCIS recommends replacing them with a current Permanent Resident Card. If your card is no longer valid, you should replace it. Form I-90 is generally used to request a current card.
What is an I-551 Green Card with no expiration date?
Form I-551 is a Permanent Resident Card used as evidence of lawful permanent resident status. Some older versions of Form I-551 were issued without an expiration date. Certain versions may remain valid, although USCIS recommends replacing older no-expiration cards with a current Permanent Resident Card.
Is an old Resident Alien Card still valid?
It depends on which card you have. “Resident Alien Card” can refer to different older versions of permanent resident documents. Some older cards may remain valid, but Form I-151, also known as an Alien Registration Receipt Card, is no longer accepted as valid evidence of permanent resident status.
Can I travel with a Green Card that has no expiration date?
You may be able to travel with an older no-expiration Green Card if that specific card version remains valid. However, very old documents can lead to additional verification. Before traveling, confirm that your card is valid and check current travel-document requirements, including any requirements from your airline.
What if I still have Form I-151?
Form I-151 is no longer valid as evidence of permanent resident status. This does not by itself mean that your lawful permanent resident status has ended. If you still have Form I-151, you should apply for a current Permanent Resident Card using Form I-90.
Replace an old Green Card with a current Permanent Resident Card
Some older Green Cards without expiration dates may still be valid, while other versions, including Form I-151, are no longer valid evidence of permanent resident status. If you have an old card, first identify which version you have.
If your card needs to be replaced, you can use Form I-90 to request a current Permanent Resident Card.
Ready to replace your old Green Card? Start Preparing Form I-90.
