What Happens If Your Green Card Has Expired?

If you’re a lawful permanent resident and your green card has been expired for months, or even years, you may be wondering if you’re now in trouble. Are you still a lawful resident? Can you get your green card renewed? Will this hurt your ability to work or travel?

Don’t panic. You’re not alone, and in most cases, there are ways to fix the situation.

In this article, we’ll explain what an expired green card really means, what you can and can’t do with one, and how to renew it, even if it’s been a long time.

Does an Expired Green Card Mean You’re No Longer a Lawful Permanent Resident?

No, it does not.

If your green card has expired, your immigration status does not automatically go away. You are still a lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the United States unless your status was formally taken away through a legal process like removal (deportation), abandonment, or a voluntary decision to give it up.

Think of your green card like a driver's license. If your license expires, you're still a driver—but you might face problems if you're pulled over. Similarly, an expired green card means your proof of status is out of date, but the status itself still exists.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore an Expired Green Card

Even though you’re still a permanent resident, having an expired green card can cause real problems:

1. Trouble with Employment

Most employers are required to verify that you’re authorized to work in the U.S. A valid green card is often used as proof. If yours is expired, you may have a hard time getting or keeping a job.

2. Issues with Travel

If you leave the U.S. and try to return with an expired green card, you may be denied boarding by the airline or face delays with immigration officers at the port of entry. In some cases, you might be required to apply for extra paperwork just to come back home.

4. Difficulties in Everyday Life

You might need a valid green card to renew a driver’s license, apply for a mortgage, or complete other legal paperwork. An expired card can complicate these basic tasks.

Can You Still Renew Your Expired Green Card?

Yes, in most cases, you can still renew your green card, even if it expired years ago.

Here’s how it works:

You’ll need to file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This can be done online or by mail.

• If your card expired: You’re renewing.

• If your card was lost or stolen: You’re requesting a replacement.

• If your card is expiring soon: You can file up to 6 months in advance.

What if it’s been expired for a very long time?

Even if your card expired 10 or 20 years ago, you’re usually still allowed to renew. But if you’ve had any long absences from the U.S., criminal issues, or you’ve been told you abandoned your residency, you should talk to an immigration attorney before applying.

What If You Need Proof of Status While Waiting?

Once you file Form I-90, you’ll get a receipt notice. This notice can act as temporary proof of your status for 24 months. If you need faster evidence of your status, for example, for a job, you can try requesting an appointment with your local USCIS office and ask for a temporary I-551 stamp in your passport.

This is especially helpful if you're planning to travel soon or have a job that needs updated documents.

When Should You Talk to an Immigration Attorney?

Renewing a green card may seem like a straightforward process—and for many people, it is. But even small mistakes on the application can cause delays, trigger requests for more evidence, or in some cases, raise red flags that lead to bigger problems.

That’s why many lawful permanent residents choose to have an experienced immigration attorney handle the renewal process from the start. At Tran Flores Law, we help ensure your Form I-90 is completed correctly, filed with the right documentation, and tailored to your specific situation.

You should especially speak with an attorney if:

• You’ve spent long periods outside the U.S.

• You’ve been arrested or convicted of any offense.

• USCIS has questioned your status in the past.

• You plan to apply for citizenship soon and want to avoid issues.

Even if your case seems simple, professional help can give you peace of mind and avoid costly delays. Let our team take care of the paperwork so you can focus on what matters most.

Conclusion: Take the First Step to Renew Today

An expired green card doesn't mean you're here unlawfully, but it does mean it's time to take action. The good news is that most green card holders can renew, no matter how long it’s been.

If you’re unsure about your next steps, or you’ve had any complications in your immigration history, it's smart to talk to an immigration lawyer who can guide you in the right direction.

At Tran Flores Law, we help immigrants and their families protect their legal status and move forward with confidence. If your green card has expired and you need help renewing it—or just want to make sure everything’s in order—call us today at (512) 894-9984 to schedule a consultation.

Let’s get your status back on track.