If you are applying for a green card renewal or replacement, you must file Form I-90 with the correct supporting documents. One of the most common reasons for delays or rejection is submitting incomplete paperwork.
Unlike many immigration forms, USCIS does not provide a single universal document checklist for Form I-90. Instead, the required documents depend on why you are applying—whether your card is lost, expired, damaged, or contains errors.
To file Form I-90, you typically need your completed application, a copy of your green card or ID, your A-number, and payment or fee waiver documents. Additional documents depend on your specific situation.
What Documents Are Required for Form I-90?
USCIS uses a flexible evidence system for Form I-90. This means you must submit:
- Basic identity documents (always required)
- Proof of your green card status
- Supporting documents based on your filing reason
- Payment or fee waiver documents
Each category plays an important role in verifying your eligibility for a replacement or renewal.
Basic Documents Required for All Applicants
Form I-90 Application
All applicants must submit a completed and signed Form I-90 to request a green card replacement or renewal. This is the main application form and must be submitted either online or by mail. Incomplete forms may be rejected immediately.
Follow our Form I-90 instructions guide to submit a complete, error-free application and avoid delays or rejection.
Government-issued Photo ID
If you do not have your green card, USCIS requires a government-issued photo ID such as a passport or driver’s license.
Accepted documents include:
- Passport
- State-issued driver’s license
- National ID card
These documents must show:
- Full name
- Photograph
- Date of birth
- Signature
A-Number (Alien Registration Number)
Your A-number is a unique USCIS identification number found on your green card or immigration documents. It is required for all Form I-90 filings and helps USCIS track your immigration record.
Follow our Alien Registration Number guide to enter your A-Number correctly and avoid delays or processing issues.
Payment or Fee Waiver Documents
You must include payment for the Form I-90 fee or submit Form I-912 if requesting a fee waiver.
You can either:
- Pay the filing fee, OR
- Submit a fee waiver request (if eligible)
Documents Based on Your Situation
If Your Green Card is Lost, Stolen, or Damaged
You may need:
- Copy of your green card (if available)
- Government-issued ID
- Optional police report (for theft cases)
USCIS does not always require a police report, but it can help support your case. Follow our step-by-step guide to replace a lost green card correctly and avoid delays or rejection.
If Your Green Card Was Never Received
You may need:
- USCIS approval notice (I-797)
- Proof of correct mailing address
- Any USCIS correspondence showing card issuance
This helps prove that your card was never delivered.
If Your Green Card Has a USCIS Error
If your green card contains a USCIS error, you must submit evidence showing the mistake along with identity documents.
You may include:
- Copy of incorrect green card
- Passport or birth certificate
- USCIS notices
Important: If USCIS made the error, replacement may be free.
If You Are Renewing an Expired Green Card
In most cases, you only need:
- Expired green card copy
- Government-issued ID
- Completed Form I-90
No additional documents are usually required. Follow our step-by-step guide to renew your expired green card correctly and avoid delays or rejection.
Fee Documents for Form I-90
To complete Form I-90, you must include proof of payment or submit a fee waiver request with supporting documents.
Proof of Payment (If Paying the Fee)
- Payment authorization form (if applicable, e.g., Form G-1450 for card payments by mail)
- Check or money order (if filing by mail)
- Confirmation of payment (for online filing)
Key clarification: USCIS requires a valid payment submission with your application, or it will be rejected.
Fee Waiver Documents (Form I-912)
If requesting a fee waiver, you must submit Form I-912 along with proof of financial eligibility.
Required documents include:
- Completed Form I-912
- Proof of income (tax returns, pay stubs)
- Proof of public benefits (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI)
- Evidence of financial hardship (if applicable)
Important rule: Fee waiver requests must be submitted by mail only.
Do You Need Photos or Biometrics?
No passport photos are required for Form I-90 because USCIS captures biometrics later at an appointment.
You do NOT need to submit:
- Passport photos
- Fingerprints
- Live scan images
These are collected at a USCIS Application Support Center.
Translation Requirements
If any supporting document is not in English:
You must include:
- Full English translation
- Translator certification statement
Failure to include translations can lead to delays or RFEs.
Common Mistakes That Cause Delays
Many Form I-90 delays happen due to:
- Missing copy of green card or ID
- Incorrect or missing A-number
- Wrong fee payment
- Missing signature
- No supporting evidence for lost card cases
USCIS often issues RFEs instead of direct denials, but this delays processing significantly.
Final Form I-90 Document Checklist
Always required:
- Completed Form I-90
- A-number
- Payment or fee waiver
- Green card copy OR government ID
Sometimes required:
- USCIS approval notice (I-797)
- Police report (lost/stolen cases)
- Financial documents (fee waiver)
- Translation documents
FAQs on Form I-90 Documents
What documents are required for Form I-90?
You need a completed Form I-90, a copy of your green card or government ID, your A-number, and payment or fee waiver documents. Additional documents depend on your situation.
Do I need to submit my original green card with Form I-90?
No, you usually submit a copy of your green card. Original documents are not required unless specifically requested by USCIS.
What if I lost my green card?
If your green card is lost, you can submit a government-issued ID and any available proof of your status. A police report may help but is not always required.
Do I need passport photos for Form I-90?
No, passport photos are not required for Form I-90. USCIS collects your photo during the biometrics appointment.
Can I submit documents in a language other than English?
Yes, but you must include a certified English translation with any non-English document submitted to USCIS.
Do I need to include payment proof with Form I-90?
Yes, you must include valid payment or a fee waiver request. Missing or incorrect payment can lead to application rejection.
Conclusion
Filing Form I-90 is straightforward when you understand the correct document requirements. However, because the checklist varies based on your situation, carefully selecting and preparing your documents is essential to avoid delays or RFEs.
Always ensure your application includes identity proof, proper supporting evidence, and correct payment to ensure smooth processing.
If you have your documents ready, don’t wait. Start your Form I-90 application now to avoid delays and get your green card renewed faster.
