What is a Green Card number and where can you find it?

What is a Green Card number?

Your Green Card number, also known as your receipt number or USCIS number, is a 13-character alphanumeric code assigned to each permanent resident card issued by USCIS. It identifies the specific card rather than the individual person. Whenever USCIS produces a new card for you, such as during renewal, replacement, or status adjustment, you receive a new Green Card number.

The format always begins with three letters referencing the USCIS service center that processed the card, followed by ten digits. This number differs from your Alien Registration Number (A-Number). Your A-Number, which begins with “A” and contains seven to nine digits, stays with you permanently no matter how many new cards you receive.

Where to find your Green Card number

Although the format stays the same, the physical location of your Green Card number depends on when your card was issued.

Location on current Green Cards (issued after May 2010\)

If your permanent resident card was issued after May 2010, you will find the Green Card number printed on the front of the card directly below your photo. It appears as a 13-character code labeled “USCIS\#” and generally starts with one of the service center prefixes:

These prefixes are followed by ten digits.

Location on older Green Cards (issued before May 2010\)

If your card was issued before May 2010, the Green Card number is usually located on the back of the card instead of the front. The format is the same, but the position differs, so you must flip the card over to see the number.

Example of Green Card number format

A typical Green Card number may look like:

The first three letters are the USCIS service center code. The remaining ten numbers are a unique identifier for that specific Green Card.

Green Card number vs. A-Number: understanding the difference

Before using your Green Card number for immigration forms, you need to know how it differs from the A-Number, because the two numbers serve different purposes.

Your A-Number is your permanent immigration identifier. It remains the same throughout your entire immigration history and appears on most USCIS documents, including work permits, approval notices, and the Green Card itself. It always begins with “A” and contains seven to nine digits.

Your Green Card number, by contrast, identifies a specific card document. It changes if USCIS issues a new card, such as when you renew or replace your Green Card. Many USCIS forms will ask for your A-Number rather than your Green Card number because the A-Number uniquely identifies you as a person.

Why your Green Card number is important

Your Green Card number is used in several important immigration and administrative processes.

USCIS applications and petitions

Some USCIS forms request your Green Card number to verify the specific document you are using. This applies to applications such as:

Employment verification (Form I-9)

When you complete Form I-9 for employment, your employer may need to record details from your Green Card, including the document number, to verify your identity and work authorization.

Travel documentation

If you apply for a reentry permit or need to update passport information with your home country’s consulate, your Green Card number may be requested as part of the proof of your permanent resident status.

Social Security and benefits

While the Social Security Administration mainly relies on your SSN, it may ask for your A-Number or Green Card details when verifying your lawful permanent resident status.

Replacing lost or stolen cards

Reporting a lost or stolen Green Card often requires providing your Green Card number. It helps USCIS identify which specific card document to replace and verify authenticity.

How to find your Green Card number without a physical card

Even if your card is unavailable, you can still often recover your Green Card number using other immigration records.

USCIS approval notice (Form I-797)

The approval notice you received when your Green Card was granted contains the receipt number printed at the top of the form. Keeping this notice in a safe place provides an easy backup.

Online USCIS account

If you created a USCIS online account when filing your application, you can log in at uscis.gov to view your case history, including receipt numbers linked to approved cards.

Previous immigration applications

Copies of your own forms, such as I-485, I-90, or N-400, often include your Green Card receipt number. If you keep personal immigration files, you may find the number there.

I-94 arrival or departure record

Some I-94 entries list receipt numbers connected to your immigration documents. You can access your I-94 online at cbp.gov/I94.

Contacting USCIS customer service

You may call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 to request your receipt number. USCIS will require identity verification before providing it.

Immigration attorney records

If you had an attorney during your Green Card process, their files will contain all relevant receipt numbers and approval notices.

Other important numbers on your Green Card

In addition to the Green Card number, your card displays several other significant identifiers.

What to do if your Green Card is lost or stolen

Losing your Green Card can be stressful, but you can restore your documentation by taking the right steps quickly. Your permanent resident status does not disappear when the card is lost, but you need valid proof of status for employment, travel, and most immigration processes.

Report to USCIS immediately

If your Green Card is lost, stolen, destroyed, or unusable, you must file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. You can file online or by mail. The form will ask for your A-Number and, if available, your Green Card number. USCIS will issue a receipt notice that confirms your replacement request.

Report to local police (if stolen)

If the card was stolen, filing a police report is recommended. This provides documentation in case the card is used for identity fraud and supports your I-90 filing. Keep a copy of the police report with your immigration records.

Monitor for identity theft

Because your Green Card contains personal identifying information, monitor your credit reports and financial accounts. Consider placing a fraud alert with major credit bureaus if you are concerned that someone may misuse your information.

Obtain temporary evidence of status

While waiting for a replacement card, you can request temporary proof of permanent resident status. USCIS may place an I-551 stamp in your valid passport or provide an ADIT stamp at a local USCIS office. To obtain this, you schedule an appointment through the USCIS Contact Center.

Avoid international travel without a valid card

Traveling internationally without a valid Green Card is very challenging. Airlines may refuse boarding, and you may need a boarding foil or a transportation letter from a U.S. consulate abroad. If travel is unavoidable, consult with an immigration attorney before making plans.

When to update or correct Green Card information

Your Green Card should always reflect accurate and current information. Certain life events or card issues require a replacement.

Name changes

If your name changes due to marriage, divorce, or a court order, you must file Form I-90 to obtain a new Green Card showing your updated name. Your A-Number will remain the same, but your card will have a new receipt number.

Incorrect information on the card

If your Green Card contains errors such as an incorrect birthdate, misspelling, or incorrect A-Number, file Form I-90 to correct the mistake. If USCIS made the error, the replacement is typically issued without a fee.

Damaged or mutilated cards

A Green Card that is unreadable or physically damaged should be replaced as soon as possible to ensure it remains valid for employment and travel purposes.

Conclusion

Your Green Card number is a key identifier that USCIS uses to track your permanent resident documentation and support immigration processes. It appears as a 13-character code beginning with three letters and followed by ten digits, printed on the front of newer cards and the back of older cards. While it is different from your A-Number, both numbers are important for applications, employment verification, travel documentation, and replacements.

Even if you do not have your physical card, you can locate your Green Card number through your USCIS approval notice, online USCIS account, prior immigration applications, I-94 records, or by contacting USCIS directly. Understanding where this number appears and how to retrieve it helps ensure you can access benefits, submit immigration applications, and maintain accurate records as a lawful permanent resident.