Quick answer: How do you change your name on a Green Card?
If your name legally changed after USCIS issued your Green Card, you generally file Form I-90 to request a replacement card showing the new name. Select the legal-name-change reason, provide evidence connecting your former and current names, pay the applicable fee, and follow USCIS notices. Use a different filing reason if DHS caused the card error or the card reflects information you supplied incorrectly.
This guide is for permanent residents who already have a Green Card and need a replacement showing a legal name change. It covers filing reasons, evidence, fees and post-filing steps. It does not explain how to obtain a legal name change under state law.
When should you use Form I-90 for a Green Card name change?
Before filing, identify why the card needs to be changed. A legal name change, a DHS-caused card error, and incorrect information supplied by the applicant are treated differently. The table below shows the correct first step for each situation.
| Situation | Correct first step | Fee treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Your name legally changed after the card was issued | Use the I-90 legal-name-change reason and provide legal evidence | Standard fee generally applies |
| DHS caused the name error | Use the DHS-error reason and follow the return instructions | Standard fee generally does not apply |
| You supplied the incorrect information | Use the I-90 reason matching the circumstances | Applicable fee may be required |
| Your two-year conditional card is only expiring | File Form I-751 or Form I-829, as applicable | Do not use I-90 solely for expiration |
| You are considering naturalization and a name change | Compare the Form I-90 and Form N-400 processes before filing | Depends on the process selected |
If a legal name change is the correct Form I-90 filing reason for you, ImmigrationDirect’s private preparation service can help you prepare your Form I-90 Green Card replacement application.
Conditional residents: A conditional permanent resident may use Form I-90 to replace a two-year card after a legal name change. Form I-90 does not remove residence conditions or renew an expiring conditional card. Use Form I-751 for marriage-based conditions or Form I-829 for investor conditions.
How do you change your name on a Green Card?
- Complete the legal name change. Obtain the marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption decree, court order, or other document that legally establishes the new name.
- Choose the correct Form I-90 reason. Select the legal name change reason. Use the DHS-error reason only when DHS caused the incorrect information.
- Collect the evidence. Provide qualifying identification and the legal document connecting the former and current names. Add a certified English translation when required.
- File Form I-90. Use the current edition and instructions. File online when the reason is eligible; otherwise, use the listed mailing address.
- Follow USCIS notices. Keep the receipt, attend biometrics and answer any Request for Evidence by the deadline. Update USCIS if your address changes.
For filing method details, see how to file Form I-90 online. Do not submit a duplicate application merely because the first case is taking longer than expected.
What documents support a Green Card name change?
Submit evidence identifying you and connecting the name on the current card to the requested name. Depending on the case, this may include:
- A copy of the current Green Card or another permitted government-issued identity document;
- A marriage certificate establishing the new name;
- A divorce decree that expressly restores or changes the name;
- A court order approving the legal name change;
- An adoption decree or another civil document establishing the change; and
- A complete certified English translation when a document is in another language.
Use evidence that applies to the filing reason. Unless USCIS requests an original, follow the instructions for submitting copies and keep the originals. Review the Form I-90 documents checklist for category-specific guidance.
How do you change your name after marriage, divorce or a court order?
Name change after marriage
A marriage certificate may support Form I-90 when it establishes the new name. Enter the name consistently and provide the required evidence. USCIS does not require every other identity record to be updated first, although consistent records can reduce practical problems.
Name change after divorce
Divorce does not automatically require a Green Card name change. File Form I-90 only if the decree legally changes or restores the name. Otherwise, a separate court order may be needed.
Court-ordered or other legal name change
For a change not established through marriage, divorce, or adoption, complete the applicable legal process first. Submit the court order or other document connecting the former and new names.
What if the name on the Green Card is incorrect?
First determine who caused the error. If DHS issued a card containing information that differs from the approved record, use the DHS-error reason. Submit the incorrect original card when the instructions require it and provide evidence of the correct name. The standard fee generally does not apply when the category requirements are met.
If the card reflects information you supplied incorrectly, another Form I-90 and the applicable fee may be required. Do not describe every incorrect card as a DHS error. The Green Card replacement guide explains how replacement reasons affect the filing process.
How much does it cost to change a name on a Green Card?
As of August 2026, the standard USCIS Form I-90 filing fee is $415 when filed online and $465 when filed by mail. Biometrics is included; there is no separate Form I-90 biometrics fee. A legal name change application generally requires the standard fee. Different rules apply to a qualifying DHS-caused error or an approved fee-waiver request.
Check the current Form I-90 filing fees and the USCIS fee calculator immediately before filing because USCIS can change fees and payment instructions.
What happens after filing Form I-90?
After accepting the application, USCIS issues a receipt number for case tracking. USCIS generally schedules Form I-90 applicants for biometrics, including a new photograph under current policy. Missing the appointment without properly rescheduling may cause USCIS to treat the application as abandoned.
USCIS may request additional evidence before deciding the case. Read every notice and meet each deadline. For appointment preparation, see the Form I-90 biometrics appointment guide. For missing notices, case-status errors, or other pending-case issues, use the Form I-90 problems after filing guide.
How long does a Green Card name change take?
USCIS does not publish a separate processing time for Form I-90 applications filed because of a legal name change. Biometrics, Requests for Evidence, and case-specific review can affect timing. Check the current Form I-90 processing time and case inquiry date instead of relying on a fixed estimate. If the case passes the inquiry date, follow the applicable USCIS inquiry process.
FAQs About Green Card Name Change
Do I have to update every other document before filing Form I-90?
No USCIS rule requires every other record to be changed first. You need legal evidence of the name change and should use the requested name consistently. Update Social Security, passport, motor-vehicle, and other records separately under each agency’s rules.
Should I change my name through Form I-90 or Form N-400?
Form I-90 replaces a Green Card after a legal name change. Form N-400 is for naturalization, and any name-change option depends on the oath process. Compare Form I-90 versus Form N-400 before deciding.
Does changing the name on a Green Card change permanent resident status?
No. Form I-90 replaces evidence of existing permanent resident status; it does not grant, renew or end that status. Seek qualified legal advice if USCIS raises a separate concern about identity or permanent resident status.
Update your Green Card after a legal name change
Once your legal name change is complete, file Form I-90 if you need a replacement Green Card showing the new name. Choose the filing reason that matches your circumstances, provide evidence connecting your former and current names, and check the current USCIS fee and filing instructions before submitting.
A different process may apply if DHS caused the card error, you supplied incorrect information or your two-year conditional card is expiring. Confirm the correct route before filing so you do not select the wrong filing reason or pay a fee that may not apply.
Get help preparing Form I-90 for a legal name change
If you are eligible to file Form I-90 for a legal name change, ImmigrationDirect’s guided service can help you select the applicable filing reason, complete the required fields, review the application for common omissions, organize supporting documents and prepare the filing package. Prepare My Form I-90 Replacement Application
ImmigrationDirect provides a private Form I-90 preparation service and is not affiliated with USCIS. Its service fee is separate from the USCIS filing fee. Blank government forms and filing instructions are available free from USCIS.
