When Your Green Card is Lost or Stolen

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The green card, officially known as a permanent resident card, is proof of your right to live and work in the United States. It is probably your primary immigration identification and is essential for obtaining many services. If your green card is ever lost or stolen, the experience can be extremely nerve-racking.

Losing your card does not mean you’ve lost your permanent resident status. You have lost proof of your immigration status, but it doesn't mean you've lost your status. However, not having a green card can be a major problem when traveling, applying for a job or other daily activities. Here is what to do when your green card is lost or stolen:

If Your Green Card is Lost or Stolen Inside the U.S.

If you are inside the United States when your green card is lost or stolen, the process to replace it is simple. You will need to file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, as soon as possible. It will take several months to get your new card. This can be problematic if you need to start a new job or travel abroad.

If you need to travel abroad before you receive the replacement green card, you can get temporary proof of your permanent resident status. USCIS can place an I-551 stamp in your valid, unexpired passport. The stamp is proof of your status. Don't have a passport? Try contacting the local consulate here in the United States to request a passport. For example, a Mexican national would contact the Mexican consulate in the U.S. to request a passport.

You may use the I-551 stamp for other purposes as well. As long as it is valid and unexpired, the stamped document is just like a green card. An employee must provide documentation to an employer to prove their identity and authorization to work. The I-551 stamp is valid proof of permanent residence for the purposes of employment. A foreign passport that contains a temporary I-551 stamp or temporary I-551 printed notation on a machine-readable immigrant visa (MRIV) is an acceptable "List A" document. Most states also require proof of permanent residence to obtain or renew a drivers license. Although each state has it's own requirements, most will accept the I-551 stamp as proof.

Note: Take your Form I-797C, Notice of Action, to the InfoPass appointment for your temporary stamp. The Notice of Action is a receipt letter that shows you properly filed Form I-90 to replace your card. You will receive the Form I-797C, Notice of Action approximately 2 to 4 weeks after filing Form I-90.