Why Is It Called a Green Card? History & Design Timeline

Quick Answer: Why Is It Called a Green Card?

It is called a Green Card because the Alien Registration Receipt Card issued to lawful permanent residents beginning in 1946, Form I-151, was primarily green. The color led people to commonly refer to the document as a “Green Card,” and the nickname remained even after later versions used different colors and designs.

Today, the official document is the Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551). Modern cards have changed considerably from the original versions, but the current design again uses a predominantly green color palette.

When Did Green Cards Start?

The history of the Green Card begins with the federal alien registration system created in 1940, but the green-colored permanent resident document that gave rise to the name appeared several years later.

The Alien Registration Act of 1940 required most noncitizens in the United States to register with the federal government. The registration process generated identifying records and Alien Registration Numbers, commonly called A-Numbers. Registrants received documentation showing that they had registered.

In 1946, the Immigration and Naturalization Service introduced Form I-151, Alien Registration Receipt Card, for lawful permanent residents. This card was primarily green, which eventually led to the familiar nickname “Green Card.”

Later versions changed in color, form number, and design, as shown in the timeline below.

Why Is It Called a “Green Card”?

The Green Card name comes from the color of the early Form I-151 Alien Registration Receipt Card. When Form I-151 was introduced in 1946, it was primarily green. People began referring to the document simply as a “Green Card,” and the nickname became widely recognized.

The name continued even after the government changed the card’s appearance. Later versions used other colors and designs, so for many years a document called a Green Card was not actually green.

“Green Card” is still an informal name. The official name of the document issued today is the Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551. It serves as evidence that the holder has lawful permanent resident status.

The nickname has lasted through several generations of cards because it became closely associated with U.S. permanent residence. USCIS also returned green to the card’s design in 2010, making the familiar name visually accurate again.

How the Green Card Design Changed Over Time

The Green Card has gone through many redesigns since the 1940s. Changes have included different colors, form numbers, card titles, expiration dates, layouts, and security features.

1940s: Alien Registration Documents Begin

The Alien Registration Act of 1940 established a nationwide registration system for noncitizens. Early registration documents were evidence of registration, but the document most closely associated with permanent residence emerged in 1946.

That year, the government introduced Form I-151, Alien Registration Receipt Card. The card was primarily green and became the source of the “Green Card” nickname.

1950s and Later: The Name Outlasts the Color

Form I-151 went through several revisions. By 1959, newly issued versions were no longer primarily green, but people continued using the Green Card name.

This created a long period when the commonly used name referred to the document’s history rather than its actual color.

1978: Form I-551 Replaces Form I-151

By 1978, Form I-551 had replaced Form I-151 for newly issued permanent resident cards. Forms I-551 issued before August 1989 generally did not have expiration dates.

1989: 10-Year Expiration Dates Begin

In August 1989, INS began issuing Forms I-551 with 10-year expiration dates. This allowed the physical card to be updated periodically without changing the holder’s underlying permanent resident status.

1997–1999: Permanent Resident Card Becomes the Official Name

On September 1, 1997, INS began producing a generation of Form I-551 titled “Permanent Resident Card.” The name change became effective in federal regulations on January 20, 1999.

The form number remained I-551.

2010 and 2017: Green Returns and Security Features Expand

USCIS redesigned the card again in 2010. The card returned to a green color and incorporated updated security technology.

Another redesign began in 2017, adding updated graphics and fraud-resistant features. That version used a predominantly green palette and included Statue of Liberty imagery.

2023: Current Green Card Design

USCIS began issuing its latest redesign on January 30, 2023. The current generation uses updated artwork, tactile printing, optically variable features, holographic images, and other security elements. Its design continues to use green prominently.

Was the Green Card Always Green?

No. The Green Card has not always been green. Although the nickname came from the green Form I-151, later versions of the permanent resident card used other colors, including periods when the card was not primarily green.

The nickname remained in common use even as the physical design changed. USCIS returned green as a prominent part of the card’s appearance in 2010, and later redesigns continued using green.

The name therefore reflects both the document’s history and, once again, the appearance of today’s Permanent Resident Card.

What Did the Original Green Card Look Like?

The original document associated with the Green Card name was Form I-151, Alien Registration Receipt Card, introduced in 1946. Its most recognizable feature was its primarily green color.

The card contained identifying information about the permanent resident, including a registration number and personal details, along with a photograph. Unlike most modern Green Cards, Form I-151 did not have a standard expiration date.

The design changed several times while Form I-151 remained in use, so not every old I-151 looked exactly the same. Later versions also moved away from the original green appearance. Even so, the Green Card nickname had already become established.

Form I-151 was replaced by Form I-551 and has not been accepted as valid evidence of permanent residence since March 20, 1996.

To see the features of today’s Permanent Resident Card, read our U.S. Green Card Guide.

What Does the Current Green Card Look Like?

Today’s Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) looks very different from the original Green Card. USCIS began issuing the current design on January 30, 2023.

The modern card uses detailed artwork and a predominantly green design. It includes the cardholder’s photograph and identifying information along with security features such as tactile printing, optically variable inks and images, holographic elements, and transparent star-shaped windows.

Previous Green Card designs may still be in circulation, so a lawful permanent resident’s card may not look exactly like the newest version.

For a detailed explanation of the information and security features on today’s card, see What Does a Green Card Look Like? in our U.S. Green Card Guide.

Are Older Green Cards Still Valid?

Some older Green Cards remain valid, but not every old Green Card is still an acceptable document. Validity depends on the version of the card, its expiration date, and any applicable extension.

For example, Form I-151 is no longer valid evidence of permanent resident status, even though a person who was issued one may still retain lawful permanent resident status.

Some older Form I-551 cards were issued without expiration dates and may remain valid. Other I-551 cards have expiration dates and are generally valid through the date shown on the card, unless their validity has been extended under current USCIS rules.

The physical Green Card and lawful permanent resident status are not always the same thing. An expired or obsolete card does not necessarily mean that the person’s permanent resident status has ended.

Green Card holders with an expired, expiring, lost, damaged, or obsolete card should review current USCIS guidance and, when appropriate, see our Green Card renewal or Green Card replacement guides.