Lost Your Green Card in the U.S. or Abroad? What to Do

Losing your green card does not end your permanent resident status: you only lose the proof. What to do depends on where you are:

• Lost in the U.S.: file Form I-90 for a new card. The fee is $415 online or $465 on paper.
• Lost abroad (in Vietnam, for example) on a trip of less than 1 year: file Form I-131A at a U.S. consulate for a document to board your flight home. The fee is $575, paid online.

Fees are from the G-1055 Fee Schedule (edition October 16, 2026), checked October 19, 2026.

Lost your green card in the U.S.

According to the USCIS Replace Your Green Card page (checked October 19, 2026), a card that was lost, stolen, mutilated or destroyed is replaced with Form I-90, filed online or by mail.

The usual steps:

1. If it was stolen, consider filing a police report and keep a copy. A green card can be used for identity theft.
2. File Form I-90: $415 online or $465 on paper, under the G-1055 Fee Schedule. Filing online is simpler and $50 cheaper.
3. Attend biometrics if USCIS schedules an appointment.
4. Receive the new card by mail. Track the case in your USCIS account.

What do I use while I wait?

USCIS says it may issue an ADIT stamp (Alien Documentation, Identification & Telecommunications) after you file Form I-90. It is a temporary stamp in your passport that proves permanent residence. Contact the USCIS Contact Center to request an appointment at a USCIS office. This helps if you need to prove status for work or must travel urgently.

If your card was lost and is about to expire, one Form I-90 both replaces and renews it. See Renewing a 10-Year Green Card (Form I-90).

A lost 2-year (conditional) card is also replaced with Form I-90. But if your 2-year card is about to expire, you must file Form I-751, not Form I-90. See 2-Year to 10-Year Green Card.

Lost your green card abroad

According to the USCIS I-131A page (updated June 3, 2026):

• You can file Form I-131A (Application for Carrier Documentation) if your green card was lost, stolen or destroyed while you were on temporary travel of less than 1 year, or less than 2 years if you have a reentry permit and that permit was lost.
• Pay the fee online first through USCIS's online payment system. The fee is $575 under the G-1055 Fee Schedule; it is non-refundable and cannot be waived.
• File in person with the consular section of a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, bringing proof of payment. USCIS advises checking first that the embassy or consulate accepts Form I-131A before you pay.
• If approved, you receive documentation that lets an airline board you for the U.S. (carrier documentation). Once back in the U.S., file Form I-90 for a new card.

If you have been abroad more than 1 year without a reentry permit, or more than 2 years even with one, Form I-131A doesn't apply. You may need a returning resident (SB-1) visa. See How Long Can a Green Card Holder Stay Outside the U.S.?.

Quick comparison

Situation	Form	Fee (G-1055, 10/16/26)	Where to file
Lost in the U.S.	I-90	$415 online / $465 paper	USCIS (online or by mail)
Lost abroad on a trip under 1 year	I-131A	$575 (paid online)	In person at a U.S. Embassy / Consulate
Abroad too long (over 1 year, no reentry permit)	SB-1 visa	Department of State fees	U.S. Embassy / Consulate

How to protect yourself before it happens

• Keep a copy of both sides of your green card, with your A-Number. It makes replacement faster.
• Don't carry the card when you don't need it within the U.S., but always carry it when you travel abroad. The law requires permanent residents 18 and older to carry proof of status, so ask a qualified professional if you're unsure.
• Consider applying for citizenship if you qualify. U.S. citizens use a U.S. passport and no longer need a green card. See U.S. Citizenship Test 2026 and practice free with N400 Ready.

Need someone to prepare your Form I-90?

Manna One Solution's immigration document preparation service prepares Form I-90 online for clients across the U.S., in English or Vietnamese. Manna One Solution is not a law firm and does not give legal advice; some states require non-attorney immigration document preparers to register with the state, so we confirm the state you live in before taking your case.

Sources

• USCIS — Replace Your Green Card (updated September 12, 2025; checked October 19, 2026)
• USCIS — I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (checked October 19, 2026)
• USCIS — I-131A, Application for Carrier Documentation (updated June 3, 2026; checked October 19, 2026)
• USCIS — G-1055 Fee Schedule (edition 10/16/26) (checked October 19, 2026)
• USCIS — International Travel as a Permanent Resident (checked October 19, 2026)