Updating Your Green Card After a Name Change

There may be times when you will want or need to change your name on your green card.  For example, you may want to change your name after marriage, divorce, or simply because of a personal liking.  

Key Takeaways:

• A legal name change (through marriage, divorce, or court order) must be completed under state law before updating your green card.
• To change your name on a green card, file Form I-90 with USCIS and include proof of the name change; fees and biometrics may apply.
• Processing can take over 24 months; using the USCIS case status tool and submitting a complete application can help avoid delays.

Generally, changing a name is a process done under applicable state law.  Fortunately, many states do not require information about your immigration status when you apply to change your name. For example, in a few States, the legal process for changing your name is the same if you are a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident.

If you want to change your name and you are not getting married or divorced, you must petition the court where you reside and receive an order approving the name change. In addition, you will need to pay an application fee and court costs. 

You must provide a copy of the marriage certificate or divorce decree reflecting your new name if your name change is part of a marriage or divorce. 

To update your green card following a legal name change, you will need to file an I-90 form (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card) with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Again, when applying, you will need to provide documentation of the name change, whether it be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other court order. Note that there is a filing fee as well as a possible biometric services fee to complete the application process.  

Steps to Update Your Name on Your Green Card: 

Step One: Gather Relevant Documentation: 

You will need to gather proof of your legal name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or a court order.  

Step Two: Complete Form I-90:  

To complete the I-90 form, you may download the form from the USCIS website, fill out the application with your accurate information, including your new name.  

Step Three: Submit the Application:  

Once complete, you will then submit the I-90 form online or by mail. In order to submit the application online, you must first have or create a USCIS online account.  

Step Four: Pay the Fees:  

When submitting your application, you will also pay a filing fee.  The fee can range from $465 if mailing the application to $415 if filed online. In addition, you will also likely need to pay a biometric services fee for your biometrics appointment.  

You may be able to have the application fee waived if you submit documentation showing that you qualify for a waiver based on meeting one of the criteria below: 

1. You, your spouse, your child, your parent (if you are under 21 or disabled), or your sibling (if you and the sibling are under 21) living with you currently receive public assistance (where eligibility and the amount of benefits are determined based on an individual's or household's income and resources).  
2. Your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty level based on when you file. 
3. You are currently experiencing extreme financial hardship (unexpected medical bills or emergencies, etc.) that prevents you from being able to pay the filing fee. 

Step Five: Receipt of Application: 

If you properly complete and file your Form I-90, USCIS will mail you a receipt (Form I-797C, Notice of Action). This form confirms your application was received and is being processed. The Notice of Action usually arrives within 2-4 weeks (perhaps longer) and includes the following information: 

• The receipt of your Form I-90 
• Rejection information 
• Transfer of your case/application 
• Re-opening of your case/application 
• Appointments 

Step Six: Get a Biometrics Appointment:  

Once your application is processed, you will receive a notice of your biometrics appointment.  You will attend this appointment and provide fingerprints, a photograph, and a signature to verify your Identity. You will also need to provide a form of government-issued photo ID to enter the USCIS facility. This may include the following: 

• Driver's license, 
• Military ID, 
• State-issued photo ID, 
• Passport, or 
• National photo ID issued by your country 

Your biometric appointment is not a time when you will be interviewed; it is only to obtain the necessary biometric information to continue the green card update process. It is important to note that any need to reschedule your biometric appointment will lengthen the application time.

While you do not need an immigration attorney with you at this appointment, if you have a criminal record, you should contact an attorney to discuss whether you are still eligible for the immigration process. 

Step Seven: Receive Your New Green Card:  

The USCIS will mail you a new green card with your updated name when your application has been approved. 

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Processing Time:  

I-90 processing time can be up to or more than 24 months. USCIS.gov processing times currently state that 80% of initial issuance or replacement cases are completed within 25.5 months. 

The length of processing times for updating your green card varies and depends on several factors. You can track the progress of your I-90 application using the USCIS online case status tool or by contacting USCIS directly to get a receipt notice. There are actions you can take to make the application process more efficient.  You can seek legal advice from an immigration attorney to ensure the application is filled out correctly and all necessary documents are included to help simplify the process and minimize delays.