Essential Documents for Green Card Replacement Application: Certificate Requirements and Guidelines

Last Updated May 14, 2025

To apply for a green card replacement, essential documents include a completed Form I-90, a copy of your current green card, and proof of identity such as a passport or driver's license. Evidence supporting the reason for replacement, like a police report for a lost card or a damaged card copy, is also required. Submitting accurate and complete documentation ensures a smooth application process.

What Documents are Essential for Green Card Replacement Application?

Number Name Description
1 Form I-90 Submission Package The Form I-90 submission package for a green card replacement application must include a completed Form I-90, a copy of the front and back of the expired or lost green card, and supporting identification documents such as a passport or state-issued ID. Proof of payment for the application fee and any required biometric services appointment notice should also be enclosed to ensure timely processing by USCIS.
2 USCIS Online Account Notice The USCIS Online Account Notice is essential for a green card replacement application as it verifies your identity and tracks your case status. Alongside this notice, submit a copy of your current or expired green card, a government-issued ID, and the Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.
3 Conditional Permanent Resident Evidence The essential document for a Green Card replacement application as a Conditional Permanent Resident is the Form I-551, commonly known as the Green Card, along with the Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, if applicable. Evidence of maintaining conditional residency, such as proof of continuous residence and joint filings with a spouse, supports the replacement process effectively.
4 Biometrics Appointment Notice The Biometrics Appointment Notice is a crucial document required for a green card replacement application, scheduling fingerprinting and photograph collection necessary for identity verification. This notice typically includes the appointment date, time, location, and specific instructions that applicants must follow to complete their biometric process successfully.
5 Lost/Stolen Green Card Police Report A police report is essential for a green card replacement application if the original card is lost or stolen, as it serves as official documentation of the incident. This report must be included with Form I-90 to verify the loss and prevent potential identity theft or fraudulent use.
6 Machine-Readable Immigrant Visa (MRIV) The Machine-Readable Immigrant Visa (MRIV) is a crucial document for Green Card replacement applications, as it verifies lawful permanent resident status and facilitates identity confirmation. Applicants must submit a copy of the MRIV along with a Form I-90 to ensure accurate processing and prevent delays.
7 “In Care Of” Mailing Address Documentation Proof of ownership or residency at the "In Care Of" mailing address is essential for a green card replacement application, including utility bills, lease agreements, or official correspondence. Documentation must clearly link the applicant to the mailing address to ensure USCIS verification during processing.
8 Digital Passport Photo Specification The digital passport photo for a green card replacement application must be in color, taken within the last six months, with a clear, full-face view against a plain white or off-white background; it should measure 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) and be free of shadows or glare. Images must be in JPEG format, with a file size between 240 KB and 10 MB, a resolution of 600 x 600 pixels, and the subject's head centered to ensure compliance with USCIS digital photo requirements.
9 Form G-1145 (e-Notification of Application) Form G-1145, e-Notification of Application, is essential for green card replacement applications as it enables applicants to receive electronic updates via text message or email regarding their case status. Submitting Form G-1145 alongside the primary application form streamlines communication and provides timely notifications throughout the green card replacement process.
10 Electronic Fee Payment Confirmation Electronic fee payment confirmation is a critical document when applying for a green card replacement, as it serves as proof that the application fee has been paid. Including this confirmation with Form I-90 ensures timely processing and helps avoid delays in the replacement procedure.

Introduction to Green Card Replacement Documentation

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged green card requires submitting specific documents to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Proper documentation ensures timely processing and avoids delays in obtaining a replacement green card.

  • Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card - This is the primary form required to initiate the green card replacement process.
  • Proof of Identity - Acceptable documents include a valid passport, driver's license, or state ID to verify the applicant's identity.
  • Evidence of Permanent Resident Status - Submit a copy of the lost or damaged green card, or previous immigration documents that confirm lawful permanent residency.

Overview of Certificate Requirements

When applying for a Green Card replacement, certain certificates are essential to verify your identity and status. The primary documents often include a birth certificate, marriage certificate, and any previous green card copies.

These certificates serve as crucial evidence supporting your application and help USCIS confirm your eligibility. Ensuring that these documents are certified copies or accompanied by proper translations improves the chances of a smooth application process.

Primary Identification Certificates Needed

When applying for a green card replacement, primary identification certificates are crucial for verification. Your valid passport or a government-issued photo ID acts as essential proof of identity. Additionally, submitting your birth certificate helps establish your identity and citizenship status.

Supporting Documents for Lost or Stolen Green Card

When applying for a Green Card replacement due to loss or theft, certain supporting documents are essential to verify your identity and status. A copy of a government-issued ID, such as a passport or driver's license, is typically required.

Proof of your Green Card status, like a Form I-90 receipt notice or previous Green Card copy, helps establish your lawful permanent resident status. A police report documenting the loss or theft may also be necessary to support your application.

Guidelines for Submitting Birth Certificates

When applying for a green card replacement, providing accurate and verifiable documentation is crucial. Birth certificates serve as essential evidence of identity and citizenship within your application.

  • Original or Certified Copy - Submit an official birth certificate issued by the government authority to ensure authenticity.
  • Legible and Complete - The birth certificate must clearly display your full name, date of birth, and place of birth without any alterations or damage.
  • Translation Requirement - If the birth certificate is not in English, include a certified translation along with the original document.

Adhering to these guidelines streamlines the review process and supports a successful green card replacement application.

Acceptable Proof of Identity Documents

When applying for a green card replacement, providing acceptable proof of identity documents is crucial to verify your identity. These documents must be government-issued and current to meet the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requirements.

Acceptable proof of identity documents include a valid passport, state-issued driver's license, or a state identification card. Military identification cards and employee identification cards issued by federal, state, or local governments also qualify. Ensure that the document contains a clear photo, your full name, and date of birth to avoid any processing delays.

Certificate Translation and Notarization Rules

When applying for a green card replacement, certain documents must be accurately translated and notarized to meet official requirements. Understanding certificate translation and notarization rules ensures your application is processed without delays.

  1. Certified Translation Required - Translations of foreign language documents must be certified by a professional translator to verify accuracy.
  2. Notarization of Translations - Some jurisdictions require notarization of the translated certificates to confirm the authenticity of the translator's signature.
  3. Original Documents Submission - Submit original certificates along with their translated and notarized copies as part of the green card replacement application.

Checklist of Required Certificates for Application

When applying for a green card replacement, certain certificates are essential to ensure a smooth process. Your checklist should include a copy of the original green card, a government-issued ID such as a passport or driver's license, and proof of any legal name changes if applicable. Having these documents ready helps verify your identity and status accurately during the application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Certificate Submissions

Essential Documents for Green Card Replacement Application
  • Completed Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card
  • Copy of Your expiring, expired, or lost Permanent Resident Card
  • Government-issued identity document (e.g., passport, driver's license)
  • Certified police or court records, if applicable, to address legal issues
  • Filing fee payment or fee waiver request documentation
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Certificate Submissions
  • Submitting uncertified or unofficial copies of certificates instead of certified copies
  • Failing to provide complete and clear document scans or photocopies
  • Including expired or irrelevant certificates that do not pertain to the Green Card application
  • Overlooking the requirement to translate non-English certificates with certified translations
  • Not verifying document authenticity and signature validity on certificates
  • Neglecting to keep copies of all submitted certificates and documentation for personal records

What Documents are Essential for Green Card Replacement Application? Infographic

Essential Documents for Green Card Replacement Application: Certificate Requirements and Guidelines


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The information provided in this document is for general informational purposes only and is not guaranteed to be complete. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the content, we cannot guarantee that the details mentioned are up-to-date or applicable to all scenarios. Topics about What Documents are Essential for Green Card Replacement Application? are subject to change from time to time.

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