As of March 2026, the cost to renew your Green Card by filing Form I-90 is $415 if you apply online, or $465 if you file a paper application by mail. The previously separate $85 biometrics fee is now included in this base federal filing fee, so you do not have to pay extra for your fingerprints and photo.
Your Permanent Resident Card (often called a Green Card) is your most important piece of identification as an immigrant in the United States. 📍 Keeping it up to date is essential because you need it to prove your legal status, renew your driver’s license at the local DMV, or verify your identity when filing taxes with the IRS. If your 10-year card is expired or about to expire, you must go through the federal renewal process with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Although the process is standard across the entire United States, many applicants find the federal paperwork confusing. 📖 Unlike a civil lawsuit where a plaintiff and a defendant argue over legal liability or a financial settlement, renewing a Green Card is a straightforward administrative procedure. However, mistakes can lead to costly delays or rejections. If you feel overwhelmed, we gently recommend hiring an experienced immigration lawyer from our catalog to ensure your application is completely accurate.
Step-by-Step Process in the USA
Because immigration is governed by federal law, this process is the exact same whether you reside in New York, California, Texas, Florida, or any other state. 🏴 You will deal directly with federal authorities rather than your local county courthouse. Generally, most applicants across the United States follow these specific steps to secure their updated resident card.
Step 1: Gathering Your Documents
Before filling out any federal paperwork, collect a copy of your current or expired Green Card (front and back). 📁 If your card was lost or stolen, you will need another form of government-issued identification, such as a foreign passport. Having a valid federal ID is crucial for many aspects of American life, including background checks, proving work eligibility to employers (who must follow guidelines from agencies like the EEOC), or even appearing in a state family court for child custody or alimony/spousal support hearings.
Step 2: Filling Out Form I-90
The official application to replace or renew a Permanent Resident Card is Form I-90. 💻 You can fill this out online through your USCIS account or download the paper version to mail. The online portal is highly recommended by federal authorities because it catches blank-field errors immediately and processes your forms faster. Ensure your name, current US address, and Alien Registration Number (A-Number) are completely accurate.
Step 3: Filing and Paying the Fee
Once your form is complete, you must submit it along with the required federal filing fee. 💳 If you file online, you can pay using a credit card, debit card, or a US bank withdrawal. If you mail the paper Form I-90 to a designated USCIS Lockbox, you must include a money order, personal check, or cashier’s check payable to the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security,” or use Form G-1450 to authorize a credit card transaction.
Step 4: Attending the Biometrics Appointment
After your application is accepted, USCIS will send you a Notice of Action (Form I-797C) with a date and time for a biometrics appointment. 🙋 You will visit a local Application Support Center (ASC) near your US zip code to have your fingerprints, photograph, and digital signature recorded. Since the recent federal fee rules changed, the cost for this appointment is already covered in your main filing fee.
How Much Does it Cost in the US?
When budgeting for your Green Card renewal in 2026, you should primarily plan for the mandatory federal fees, though some applicants also choose to pay for private legal assistance. 💵 Here is a detailed breakdown of the typical costs you might encounter:
- Online Filing Fee: $415. USCIS offers a $50 digital discount for applicants who choose to file Form I-90 online.
- Paper Filing Fee: $465. If you decide to mail a physical paper application, the federal fee is slightly higher.
- Biometrics Fee: $0. Previously, USCIS charged a separate $85 fee for fingerprinting, but under the updated fee schedule, this cost is fully integrated into the base Form I-90 fee.
- Attorney Fees: Typically range from $300 to $800 in the United States. Hiring a professional from our directory can help you avoid stressful rejections and navigate the federal system smoothly.
If you cannot afford these government charges, you may be eligible for a total fee waiver. 🤝 You can request this by submitting Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, but you must prove significant financial hardship, such as your US household income falling at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or currently receiving means-tested benefits.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The timeline for renewing a Green Card can fluctuate depending on the current USCIS backlog and the specific federal service center handling your paperwork. 🕒 Currently, in 2026, the average processing time for a Form I-90 application ranges from 6 to 12 months. Online filings tend to move slightly faster than paper filings because the data is instantly entered into the national database.
There is no strict statute of limitations on renewing a Green Card—meaning you will not be permanently barred from applying just because your card expired years ago. ␑ However, US law generally expects you to carry valid proof of your permanent resident status at all times. If your current card expires while your new application is still pending, USCIS can provide you with an ADIT stamp (Alien Documentation, Identification and Telecommunications) in your foreign passport to serve as temporary proof of your status.
| Filing Method | USCIS Fee (2026) | Biometrics Cost | Average Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Form I-90 | $415 | Included ($0) | 6 to 10 months |
| Paper Form I-90 | $465 | Included ($0) | 8 to 12 months |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I travel outside the United States while my Green Card renewal is pending?
Generally, you can travel, but you must have valid proof of your permanent resident status to re-enter the country. If your Green Card is already expired, your Form I-797 Notice of Action (the receipt notice for your I-90) combined with your expired card usually extends its validity for 24 months. If you lost your card entirely, you should schedule a federal appointment with USCIS to get an ADIT stamp in your passport before traveling abroad.
What happens if I forget to renew my Green Card?
You do not lose your actual permanent resident status simply because the physical card expires. However, an expired card makes it extremely difficult to get a new job, travel internationally, or renew a state driver’s license. It is highly recommended to start the renewal process at least 6 months before the expiration date printed on your card.
Do conditional permanent residents use Form I-90 to renew their status?
No, they do not. If you have a 2-year conditional Green Card (often obtained through recent marriage or a federal investment program), you cannot use Form I-90 to renew it. Instead, you must file Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) or Form I-829 for investors. Filing the wrong federal form will result in a rejected application and a loss of your non-refundable filing fee.
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