What should be inventoried when a permanent resident’s physical card is missing?
Inventory the available evidence of the missing card and underlying residence event without treating a copy as a replacement authorization. The file should show what is known, what is unavailable and why evidence is currently needed.
Sources: I-90: Replace Permanent Resident Card · Checked October 25, 2026
What this guide covers
- Describe the missing document and the immediate practical question
- Distinguish the physical card from underlying agency records
- Locate copies without expanding their authority
- Separate a replacement request from an overseas travel problem
- Create a focused recovery and review log
At a glance
- Card copy and residence event answer different evidence questions.
- Preserve the original source behind each lost green card inventory entry.
- A completed organizer does not establish eligibility or replace current official instructions.
Describe the missing document and the immediate practical question
When a permanent resident's physical card is missing, identify exactly what is unavailable: the original card, a particular copy or another immigration document. Record whether the person is inside or outside the United States and what practical question prompted the inquiry, such as a replacement request or travel documentation. Those are facts needed to locate the appropriate official guidance, not conclusions about which request the person should make. The I-90 page addresses replacement of a Permanent Resident Card; another process may concern a different immediate need.
Distinguish the physical card from underlying agency records
A missing card and the underlying immigration history are distinct subjects. Keep relevant agency notices, the identity used on those notices and any retained card information in their own entries. An earlier decision can help identify the record without being treated as an unrestricted substitute for the missing card. Likewise, a police or loss report may document the reported incident, but it does not issue immigration evidence. Read each available document for its actual function instead of placing all papers under a broad label such as proof of status.
Locate copies without expanding their authority
Look for existing copies in the individual's own secure records, including both sides if available. A saved image may help identify the document number or a spelling discrepancy, but a scan should not be described as an original card or assumed acceptable for every purpose. Keep personal identifiers out of general web searches and public correction messages. If a copy is incomplete or difficult to read, mark its limitations so a reviewer does not mistake an uncertain digit for a verified reference. A legible source can reduce confusion without changing the copy's evidentiary role.
Separate a replacement request from an overseas travel problem
An overseas carrier-documentation inquiry should be kept separate from a routine replacement discussion. The official I-131A page provides its own purpose and instructions; the I-90 page addresses another request. Do not infer that filing one request automatically supplies a boarding document, an appointment or an immediate travel solution. Record the location, available identity and immigration documents, and the actual travel question for appropriate review. An airline itinerary is useful context about a proposed journey, but it does not establish which document a carrier or government authority will accept.
Create a focused recovery and review log
The working log should show the last known possession of the card, the records available, the official inquiries made and the documents subsequently received. Distinguish a request submission, a receipt and issuance of replacement evidence rather than marking the entire matter complete after the first acknowledgment. Update the log from the actual correspondence and preserve any instructions that address the immediate purpose. This organizer helps keep a recovery inquiry coherent; it does not determine status, authorize travel or promise that a particular replacement process will be completed before a planned event.
| Record group | Question to review |
|---|---|
| Card copy | Preserve any reliable image or identifying information. |
| Residence event | Keep the original grant or related authoritative record. |
| Loss account | Record the known circumstances without inventing a theft narrative. |
| Practical need | Identify the actual travel or institutional evidence question. |
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Version: October 25, 2026.
Go to the source
Sources & verification
Follow the institution that owns the requirement and check its current instructions.
Common questions
Does a card copy serve as a universal replacement?
No. It is evidence to inventory; the appropriate use and official process require separate review.
Should an unknown loss be described as theft?
No. State only the facts known and preserve uncertainty.
Sources: Form I-131A: carrier documentation and return travel
Does a missing card necessarily mean a new residence application?
Document loss and the underlying residence question are different issues.
Sources: Policy Manual: evidence
Can this checklist authorize return travel?
No. Current official travel and document guidance must be considered for the actual circumstances.
Sources: Policy Manual: evidence
About this guide
By Immigrant Insider editorial desk. Updated .
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