A Green Card is the document that proves an individual’s right to live and work in the United States. Printed on it is a unique Green Card number. This number follows you into immigration applications, employment checks and official verifications, even if you rarely think about it day to day.

Yet when it is needed, having it accurate, current and secure can mean the difference between a smooth process and frustrating delays.

This article explains exactly what the Green Card number is, where to find it, why it matters and how to use and protect it so that your status and records remain in good standing.

 

Section A: What is a Green Card Number

 

The Green Card number is the official identifier assigned to a lawful permanent resident card by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. It is a unique combination of letters and numbers printed directly on the card, linking the physical document to the government’s electronic records for that specific card issue. The number allows USCIS, Customs and Border Protection, the Social Security Administration and other authorized agencies to verify that the card is genuine, valid and tied to the correct immigration file. It functions as a secure reference point within the Department of Homeland Security’s system for tracking card issuance and renewal.

On current cards, the Green Card number is typically 13 characters long, beginning with three letters followed by ten numbers, and appears next to the label “USCIS#” on the front of the card. Older cards may use different formats or placements, which can cause confusion for applicants completing forms or providing identification. When submitting applications or forms, the number must be entered exactly as shown, without spaces or alterations, to avoid delays or rejections caused by mismatched records.

The Green Card number is distinct from the Alien Registration Number, which is assigned to an individual’s immigration history rather than to a specific card. While the Alien Registration Number remains constant for a person regardless of how many cards they are issued, the Green Card number changes each time a new card is produced. This means that if a card is replaced due to renewal, loss, theft or an update to biographic details, the Green Card number on the new card will not match the previous one. Applicants should keep their current number on record, as older card numbers may no longer be recognized in certain verification systems.

For practical purposes, the Green Card number is frequently needed when filing immigration applications such as Form I-90 for a replacement card, Form N-400 for naturalization or Form I-131 for travel documents. It may also be required when setting up an online USCIS account or when responding to requests for evidence. Applicants should ensure they have access to their current card when completing such filings to avoid errors. Keeping a secure copy of the card and its number is advisable for reference if the card is lost or damaged before a replacement arrives.

 

Section B: Where to Find Your Green Card Number

 

The Green Card number is printed on the front of the current version of the lawful permanent resident card, known officially as Form I-551. On cards issued since 2010, it is positioned in the top right-hand area of the front face, next to the label “USCIS#.” The number follows a three-letter, ten-digit format, such as “ABC1234567890,” and is printed in a clear, machine-readable font. This placement and formatting standard allow the number to be easily recognized during both visual inspection and automated verification checks conducted by government systems.

On older card designs, the Green Card number may appear in a different location or under a different label, such as “Card Number.” In some cases, it was printed on the back of the card. Permanent residents using older cards for official purposes should confirm the card’s layout against the design examples published by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to ensure the correct number is being referenced. Using an outdated or incorrect number can cause applications, filings or employment verifications to fail system checks, which may delay approvals or trigger requests for additional evidence.

It is important not to confuse the Green Card number with other data fields on the card. The category code, also found on the front, specifies the immigration category under which residence was granted, for example “IR1” for immediate relatives or “EB2” for certain employment-based immigrants. The expiration date indicates when the physical card must be renewed, typically ten years from the date of issue for most Green Cards or two years for conditional residents. Neither the category code nor the expiration date should be used in place of the Green Card number when completing forms or identification processes. Entering incorrect data in a field that specifically requests the Green Card number can result in rejections or administrative delays.

For applicants completing immigration filings such as Form I-90 for card replacement or Form N-400 for naturalization, the Green Card number should be copied directly from the card at the time of completing the form, double-checking each character for accuracy. Even a minor transcription error, such as confusing the letter “O” with the number “0,” can prevent USCIS from matching the submission to the correct record. It is inadvisable to rely on memory or on previously written notes, as these often contain mistakes. If the card is unavailable due to loss or theft, and the number is required urgently, applicants may be able to retrieve it from prior USCIS correspondence, such as approval notices, although a replacement card will still be necessary for most official purposes.

For security, the Green Card should be stored in a safe place when not in use. Carrying it unnecessarily increases the risk of loss or theft. Maintaining a secure, encrypted copy of the card’s details can be helpful for reference in emergencies, but any stored information should be kept in a manner that protects it from unauthorized access, given the potential for identity theft if the card number is misused.

 

Section C: Legal Importance of the Green Card Number

 

The Green Card number functions as the formal document identifier for a specific lawful permanent resident card within the United States immigration system. It directly links the physical card to the Department of Homeland Security’s secure records, enabling agencies to verify that the card was issued lawfully, remains valid and is associated with the correct holder. The number plays a key role in maintaining the integrity of government databases, ensuring that a card in circulation corresponds to an active, legitimate record in the system. It is recognized by multiple agencies, including United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Social Security Administration.

In immigration procedures, the Green Card number is frequently required on official USCIS forms. For example, Form I-90 for renewal or replacement of a card, Form N-400 for naturalization, Form I-131 for reentry permits or advance parole and certain fee waiver requests all require the number to match the application to the applicant’s file. Providing the correct number ensures that USCIS can immediately locate the correct record, verify the applicant’s identity and confirm eligibility for the requested benefit. Entering an incorrect or outdated number can result in the application being delayed, rejected or subjected to a request for evidence, prolonging processing times.

In the employment context, the Green Card number can be relevant when a permanent resident presents the card as a List A document for Form I-9 employment eligibility verification. While federal regulations do not require the number to be recorded on the I-9 itself, many employers include it in their compliance records as part of internal verification systems, particularly where they are subject to immigration-related audits. If the Green Card number changes due to a card replacement, the employer’s records should be updated promptly to maintain consistency with the worker’s current documentation.

Outside of immigration and employment filings, the number may be required when updating or correcting records with the Social Security Administration, applying for certain state-issued licenses or benefits restricted to permanent residents or undergoing security screening for government-related work. At ports of entry, Customs and Border Protection officers can use the Green Card number to confirm the card’s validity and to match it against entry and exit records. In all of these contexts, presenting the correct and current number avoids discrepancies that could trigger additional questioning, delay access to benefits or result in the need to provide supplementary documentation.

For applicants, maintaining a secure and accurate record of the current Green Card number is a practical step in avoiding processing problems. If the card is replaced, the new number should be noted and used consistently in all future applications and official interactions. Keeping this information up to date across all agencies and with any employer that retains it in compliance records ensures that administrative and legal processes run smoothly.

 

Section D: How to Use the Green Card Number in Immigration Processes

 

The Green Card number is entered in a wide range of immigration applications to ensure that the filing is correctly matched with the applicant’s record in United States Citizenship and Immigration Services systems. It acts as a secure link between the physical lawful permanent resident card and the digital record maintained by the Department of Homeland Security. When the correct number is supplied, USCIS can confirm both the authenticity of the document and the identity of the applicant, which helps prevent errors, delays and the need for additional verification requests.

When replacing or renewing a Green Card using Form I-90, applicants must provide the number printed on their current card. If the card is lost, stolen or damaged, and the number cannot be read or retrieved directly, it may be possible to locate it in past USCIS correspondence such as Form I-485 approval notices, card production notices or earlier Form I-90 receipts. However, the replacement card will be issued with a new number, so any records with employers, agencies or financial institutions that rely on the Green Card number should be updated once the new card is received to prevent mismatches in future verification checks.

Naturalization applicants filing Form N-400 must include their Green Card number so USCIS can verify permanent resident status and confirm eligibility for citizenship. If the number is entered incorrectly, the application may be delayed or result in a request for evidence. Applicants should verify that the number provided on the N-400 matches exactly with the card they currently hold, including the correct sequence of letters and numbers.

Applicants for travel documents, such as a reentry permit or advance parole using Form I-131, must also provide the Green Card number to ensure the travel document is linked to the correct permanent resident record. This linkage is critical to prevent issues at ports of entry when reentering the United States. If the number is recorded incorrectly, it may cause delays during inspection or result in secondary screening.

USCIS online account creation and case tracking tools may also request the Green Card number to associate pending or past cases with the applicant’s account. Inaccuracies at this stage can prevent the system from locating cases, which may require contacting USCIS for manual correction. Applicants should use the number as it appears on the most recent card and avoid relying on older numbers from prior cards, as these may no longer be valid for active verification purposes.

Outside of USCIS processes, the Green Card number can be requested by other agencies, such as the Social Security Administration, when updating records or verifying eligibility for certain benefits. State-level agencies may also require the number for licensing, public benefit applications or identity verification. In all cases, the number should be provided exactly as printed on the card without adding spaces or altering the format, and applicants should confirm that the number they use reflects the most current card in their possession to avoid administrative errors or rejection of the application.

 

Section E: Common Issues and Mistakes to Avoid

 

Errors involving the Green Card number can lead to delays, rejections or increased scrutiny in immigration, employment and other official processes. A frequent and avoidable mistake is confusing the Green Card number with the Alien Registration Number. Although both numbers are printed on the card, they serve different functions. The Alien Registration Number is tied to the individual’s permanent immigration file, while the Green Card number is linked only to the specific card currently in the holder’s possession. Providing the wrong number on an application can cause USCIS systems to return no match, resulting in requests for additional evidence or outright rejection of the form.

Entering the Green Card number inaccurately is another recurring problem. Common errors include transposing digits, substituting letters for similar-looking numbers, omitting characters or reversing the sequence of letters and numbers. Even minor discrepancies can prevent a filing from matching the correct record in DHS systems. Applicants should copy the number directly from the current card and check it carefully against the form before submission. This is especially important in online filings, where automated form validation may not detect an error but USCIS processing will. Relying on memory, handwritten notes or copies of older cards substantially increases the risk of mistakes.

Using an outdated number from a prior card is another issue that can cause administrative complications. When a Green Card is replaced due to renewal, loss, damage or a change in biographic details, the replacement is issued with a new number. Any form, employment record, Social Security record or benefits application must be updated to reflect the number on the current card. Failure to do so can cause mismatches during identity or status checks, potentially delaying benefit processing or creating compliance concerns for employers during audits.

Security of the Green Card number is an area where practical precautions are often overlooked. Sharing the number unnecessarily, storing it in unsecured files or sending it through unencrypted email exposes it to the risk of identity theft or misuse. The number should only be disclosed to government agencies, employers or authorized entities with a lawful basis for requesting it. If a private organization requests the Green Card number, the applicant should ask for confirmation of the legal authority under which the request is made and the purpose for which the number will be used. In many non-governmental contexts, alternative proof of status may be sufficient.

Applicants can reduce these risks by maintaining a secure record of the current Green Card number in a protected location, separate from the physical card. If the card is lost or stolen, having the number on hand can assist in filing Form I-90 for a replacement and in responding to potential misuse. However, even with a record of the number, the physical card itself will still be required for most official transactions, and the number on a replacement card will differ from the one that was lost.

 

Section F: Protecting and Managing Your Green Card Number

 

The Green Card number is a required reference in many official processes and a sensitive personal identifier that must be handled with care. Because it directly connects to a lawful permanent resident’s official record within the Department of Homeland Security, unauthorized access to the number can open the door to identity theft, immigration fraud or misuse of immigration status. Permanent residents should treat this number with the same level of confidentiality as a Social Security number and avoid casual disclosure under any circumstances.

Disclosure of the Green Card number should be strictly limited to situations where it is legally or procedurally necessary. These include submitting USCIS forms such as Form I-90, N-400 or I-131, providing the number to an employer as part of the Form I-9 process when the Green Card is used as a List A document, or supplying it to other government agencies conducting lawful status verification. If a request comes from a private entity, such as a bank or service provider, applicants should request confirmation of the legal authority for the request, the intended use of the number and the security measures in place to protect it. In many cases, alternative proof of status, such as a copy of the front and back of the Green Card or a separate DHS-issued verification, may satisfy the request without providing the number in isolation.

Applicants should avoid sending the Green Card number via unsecured channels such as unencrypted email, standard text messages or non-secure web forms. When the number must be transmitted electronically, use encrypted email services, secure file transfer platforms or the agency’s designated secure upload system. If storing the number digitally for personal reference, ensure it is kept in an encrypted file protected by strong passwords and multi-factor authentication. Physical copies of documents containing the number should be kept in a locked, fireproof location and not left in easily accessible places.

Effective management of the Green Card number also means tracking changes when a new card is issued. Each replacement card, whether due to renewal, damage, loss, theft or a change in biographic information, will have a different number. Employers, government agencies, financial institutions and other relevant parties should be informed promptly of the updated number to ensure verification systems match current documentation. Retaining outdated numbers in active records increases the likelihood of mismatches, processing delays and, in the employment context, potential compliance concerns during an audit. Once records are updated, any obsolete copies containing the old number should be securely destroyed unless retention is legally required.

If a Green Card or its number is lost, stolen or suspected to be compromised, swift action is important to limit the risk of misuse. Filing Form I-90 for a replacement card is the first step. The individual should also notify institutions where the number is on file, such as employers, banks and benefits agencies, so they can update their records and monitor for unusual activity. In addition, placing a fraud alert or security freeze with the three major credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax and TransUnion—can help prevent the fraudulent opening of accounts using stolen information. These measures protect both the holder’s immigration standing and their broader financial security.

 

Section G: FAQs

 

Is the Green Card number the same as the Alien Registration Number?

No. The Green Card number is a document-specific identifier printed on a particular lawful permanent resident card, while the Alien Registration Number is your permanent immigration file number assigned by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services or legacy Immigration and Naturalization Service. The Alien Registration Number does not change when a new card is issued, but the Green Card number will change each time a replacement card is produced. Using the wrong number on immigration or employment forms can result in mismatched records and processing delays, so applicants should confirm they are providing the number that matches their current card.

 

Do I need my Green Card number to work in the United States?

Permanent residents can prove work authorization by presenting their Green Card as a List A document for Form I-9 employment eligibility verification. The Green Card number is not legally required to be recorded on the I-9 itself, but some employers keep it in their compliance records to demonstrate that they reviewed a valid document. If your card is replaced, the updated number should be provided to the employer if they maintain it for audit purposes, as retaining the old number may cause issues if your work authorization is later verified through government systems.

 

Can I replace my Green Card if I lose the number?

Yes. If your card is lost, stolen or damaged and you do not have the number recorded elsewhere, you can still file Form I-90 to request a replacement. The new card will be issued with a new number. If the lost number was recorded in the systems of your employer, a government agency or a financial institution, you should update those records once you receive the replacement to avoid verification mismatches. While waiting for the new card, retaining copies of your USCIS approval notices or past immigration filings can assist in providing proof of status if urgently needed.

 

 

Section H: Glossary

 

Term	Definition
Green Card Number	The unique 13-character identifier printed on a lawful permanent resident card, linking the card to USCIS records for that specific document.
Alien Registration Number (A-Number)	The permanent immigration file number assigned to foreign nationals by USCIS or legacy Immigration and Naturalization Service, which remains the same regardless of card replacements.
Form I-551	The official designation for a lawful permanent resident card, commonly called a Green Card, serving as proof of immigration status and work authorization.
USCIS	United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the federal agency responsible for processing immigration benefits, including the issuance and renewal of Green Cards.