If my green card expired, can I renew it? Maybe you noticed your expired green card while cleaning out your wallet. Or perhaps the expiration date is coming up, and you’re already worried about what to do next.

You’re not alone. Every year, over 540,000 lawful permanent residents (LPRs) in the United States begin the process of renewing their green cards. But thousands start too late, or don’t even know how to begin.

If you live in New York and have a green card, you probably already know how valuable permanent resident status is. But as your green card expiration date approaches, serious questions may arise, like: Can I still work? Could I lose my legal rights? Is it possible to be deported? Can I still apply for citizenship?

In this guide, we’ll answer all the questions above clearly and effectively, because renewing your green card on time is more than a formality. It’s how you protect your status, your future opportunities, your family, and your peace of mind. If you have more questions, contact Moumita Rahman—Immigration Attorneys. We help clients across the U.S. navigate the renewal process as well as other immigration processes. 

What Is Lawful Permanent Residence in the United States?

Lawful permanent residence, commonly called having a green card, gives you the right to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely. While your status as a resident doesn’t expire, the physical green card must be renewed every 10 years.

If your green card is already expired, or will expire within the next 6 months, it’s time to act now.

What Happens If I Don’t Renew My Green Card?

When your Green Card expires, your lawful permanent resident (LPR) status remains valid. However, an expired Green Card can create serious legal and practical complications. Failing to renew your Green Card on time can disrupt your ability to renew or obtain other documents such as a driver’s license, and can affect your ability to work, travel, and prove your legal status.

According to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, USCIS, an expired green card does not invalidate your permanent resident status, but it can make it hard to prove it. In many official legal and administrative processes, it is essential to have a valid Green Card for permanent residents.

Here’s what you risk:

1. You Won’t Be Able to Prove Your Legal Status Easily

Green Cards are official proofs of legal permanent residency. Without it, you may not be able to:

• Start a new job legally
• Renew your driver’s license or state ID
• Apply for public benefits like Medicaid, Social Security, or federal student aid

While the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirms that your status is still valid even if your card has expired, many institutions require a valid, unexpired card. Without one, you could face service delays or even denials.

2. You Might Lose Job Opportunities

Employers are legally required to verify your immigration status using Form I-9. An expired green card could:

• Prevent you from getting a new job
• Lead to suspension or termination from your current job
• Causes issues when renewing freelance or contractor agreements

Even if you’re already employed, your company may require updated immigration documents during audits or renewals. Not having a valid green card can jeopardize your employment stability.

3. You Could Face Travel Complications

Leaving the country with an expired green card involves serious risk. While you remain a lawful resident, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may delay or temporarily detain you during reentry, especially if you can’t prove you’ve started the Green Card renewal process.

Potential consequences include:

• Delays at border control
• Temporary detention for further questioning
• Scrutiny of your travel history and residency intent

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) may also stop you from boarding domestic or international flights without valid identification. USCIS recommends starting your Green Card renewal at least 6 months before expiration, especially if you plan to travel.

How to Renew Your Green Card: Step-by-Step

Do you want to renew your Green Card in 2025? Here’s a simple guide to help you through the legal process.

Step 1: Complete Form I-90

You’ll need to file Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card) either online via your USCIS account or by mail. The online method is faster and easier to track. We recommended starting this process from one year to six months before your green card expires.

Step 2: Pay the Required Fees

The total standard Green Card renewal cost in 2025 is $540, which includes:

• $455 for application processing
• $85 for biometric fingerprinting

You can verify any fee changes on the USCIS website. Some applicants may qualify for fee waivers based on income or public benefit status.

Step 3: Attend Your Biometrics Appointment

USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment where you’ll provide fingerprints, a photo, and your signature.

• You’ll receive Form I-797C (Notice of Action) with your appointment details.
• Bring a valid ID, even if your green card has expired, and show the appointment letter.

Step 4: Wait for Your New Card

After you submit your Green Card application and biometrics, USCIS will process your application. Green Card renewal can take 6 to 12 months, depending on your location and USCIS workload. Green Card results might take more time in some cases.

In the meantime, you’ll receive a 12- to 24-month extension notice, Form I-797C, that proves your lawful status while you wait. This document extends your green card’s validity and allows you to work, travel domestically, and access public services.

When your future is on the line, take the safe route. At Moumita Rahman—Immigration Attorneys  we can help you through the Green Card renewal process.

Can I Apply for Citizenship with an Expired Green Card?

A common question we receive at Moumita Rahman—Immigration Attorneys is: Can I apply for citizenship with an expired green card? The answer is yes. You can apply for naturalization even if your green card has expired, but it’s not recommended.

USCIS advises submitting the N-400 naturalization application with a valid green card to avoid delays or issues.

Take the following steps to increase your chances of obtaining your citizenship.

• Renew your green card first.
• Submit both Form I-90 and Form N-400 together.
• Speak to an immigration attorney to plan the best course of action

Is There an Extension for Expired Green Cards?

Yes. When you submit your I-90 application, USCIS sends you a residency extension letter. This letter temporarily extends your status and works as valid proof while you wait for your new card. This document is essential for working, traveling, and renewing other documents during the processing period.

What Does Immigration Law Say About Permanent Residency?

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), permanent residents have the right to live and work indefinitely in the U.S. The green card is just proof of your permanent resident status; it is not the status itself. 

However, you can still lose your status under specific circumstances, such as:

1. Extended Travel Abroad

According to INA Section 101(a)(13)(C), absences over 6 months may signal abandonment of status, especially if you can’t prove intent to return. Upon reentry, CBP officers may inspect you more closely.

2. Criminal Offenses

Per INA Section 237(a)(2), certain crimes, especially aggravated felonies or crimes involving moral turpitude, can result in deportation, even if you’ve already served your sentence and have permanent residence status.

3. Failing To Demonstrate Intent to Keep Your U.S. Residency

Other factors that may indicate abandonment of your permanent resident status include:

• Not filing U.S. taxes
• Maintaining permanent employment overseas
• Lacking a fixed U.S. address
• Having strong economic or familial ties abroad

Renewing your green card every 10 years helps prove that you intend to maintain residency and reduces the risk of future legal problems.

When Should I Renew My Green Card?

Always submit your Green Card renewal between one year and six months before the expiration date to avoid delays and restrictions.

Delays can affect your ability to:

• Renew your driver’s license
• Travel internationally
• Apply for U.S. citizenship
• Receive federal or state benefits

For example, Carolina, a Honduran green card holder in Queens, waited until her card expired. Her case took 9 months, during which she couldn’t renew her state ID, impacting access to basic services.

Why Hire an Immigration Attorney for Green Card Renewal?

While renewing your green card may seem simple, even small errors can delay the process or raise red flags.

An experienced immigration lawyer can:

• Help complete and review your Form I-90
• Make sure your documents are up-to-date, accurate, and submitted on time
• Assist with legal complications like criminal records or prolonged travel abroad

Experienced legal assistance increases your chances of approval and gives you peace of mind throughout the process.

Don’t Risk Your Future: Renew Your Green Card on Time

Living in the U.S. with an expired green card doesn’t mean you lose your status, but it does open the door to serious complications, from job loss to legal risk at the border.

If Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stops you, and you can’t prove your status, you may face stressful and avoidable consequences.

If my green card expired, can I renew it? Yes. Your Green Card 2025 is more than a plastic card; it’s the foundation of your life in the U.S. Renewing it on time helps protect your legal rights and ensures continued access to work, travel, and public benefits. Don’t risk your future. Contact our team at Moumita Rahman—Immigration Attorneys today to receive assistance from an experienced and trustworthy immigration lawyer.