replacing green card hassle

[robertsgnr]

First up, I have been here over 20 years, a German national. My husband was military and I got my first green card in Germany, at the consulate. After 10 years we had to renew it , at the local office in San Antonio. Now....last year my house burned down, with everything in it, ID`s , green card, certificates......everything. I went to the website, to renew/replace my card, at this point, I am not sure if it is expired (which it might) or needs replacing until it expires.
I could not complete the online application because I do not have the card in hand. I called customer service, they told me to call USCIS to at least find out my expiration date, so we know, if it is a renewal or replacement. That person , that I talked to, told me I had to get legal help and file a G28 ????......Do I really need an attorney to replace /renew a burned card.

 

[Jackolantern]

Apply for it as a replacement, since you don't have the card. Download and print the I-90 form and send it in. Fill in whatever information you have; if you at least provide the A-number they'll be able to locate your records even if much of the other information is missing.

Don't know your A-number? If you worked in the US as a green card holder, you would have provided the number to your employers when filling out form I-9, and at least one of them might still have it on file. Your current employer is required to have it on file and your previous employer is required to keep it for at least 1 year after you left them or 3 years after you started working for them, whichever is later. Your employer may even have a copy of the green card.

 

[König]

It does not matter if the green card is expired or not at this time. I would file it under "lost/mutilated" because the new GC will have a 10-year validity anyway. I had to file I-90 because I lost my GC, and it was a straightforward process, no need to file any additional forms and, of course, it does not require a lawyer. You send I-90 to the USCIS, get the notice of action, then biometrics appointment, and finally receive your new card in the mail. And I am sure the USCIS would be able to tell you your A-number if you make an infoPASS appointment and bring some other ID with you.