Expired Permanent Resident Card

Only the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offices in the United States can accept applications for and issue replacement Permanent Resident Cards, Form I-551.

What can I do if my card has expired?

The airlines have been advised that they may transport a Permanent Resident of the United States with an expired Permanent Resident Card back to the United States, provided that the passenger has his/her Permanent Resident Card, the card was valid for ten years, the holder has not remained outside the United States for more than six months, and the expired card is the only reason the person could not be boarded.

What if my card has been lost or stolen?

Only the offices of the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in the United States can accept applications for and issue replacement Form I-551 Permanent Resident Cards (PRC).
The Embassy can issue a transportation letter for a return trip to the United States in lieu of a lost, stolen, or mutilated Permanent Resident Card (PRC).

What if I have been outside the United States for longer than one year?

Persons who have been outside the United States for more than one year may be eligible to apply for returning resident status.

Important Notice: The one-year limitation is not applicable to Permanent Residents who have been outside the United States in conjunction with U.S. Military or Government orders.

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