by Danelle Perez, Immigration Attorney
Key Takeaways
Green card numbers are identifiers printed on a Permanent Resident Card, but several different numbers might appear on or be associated with the card.
The green card number is generally the card/document number, while the A-Number (Alien Registration Number) is a separate immigration identifier.
The green card number is typically found on the back of the current Permanent Resident Card.
Your USCIS number, A-Number, and green card number are not necessarily the same number and serve different purposes.
If you’re unsure which number you need, or have lost your card, an immigration attorney can help you determine what information applies to your situation.
Understanding the numbers printed on your green card can be confusing. A Permanent Resident Card contains several different identifiers, and knowing which number you need can make completing immigration forms, checking case information, or replacing a card much easier.
This guide explains the most important green card numbers, where to find them, and how they differ from other immigration identification numbers. If you need an immigration attorney, we can help you with various types of cases, including VAWA, marriage visas, military parole in place, and more.
What Is a Green Card Number?
A green card number is an identifying number associated with your Permanent Resident Card, officially known as Form I-551. USCIS identifies the card number as a document number printed on the Permanent Resident Card.
It’s important to distinguish the green card number from other numbers that might appear in your immigration records. Your card may also contain your Alien Registration Number, commonly called your A-Number, as well as other information about your permanent resident status.
Because these identifiers have different purposes, entering the wrong number on an immigration form can create unnecessary confusion. When a form specifically asks for a card number, don’t automatically substitute your A-Number or a USCIS receipt number.
Where Do You Find a Green Card Number?
On current versions of the Permanent Resident Card, the card number/document number is printed on the back of the card. USCIS materials specifically identify card numbers as being printed on the back of Form I-155.
The exact appearance and location of information can vary depending on the version of the green card you have. Older green cards may look different from newer cards, so it's important not to assume that every green card uses an identical layout.
If you have your physical card, carefully review both the front and back before deciding which of the various green card numbers the form is asking for.
What Is the Green Card Number Format?
Unlike a USCIS receipt number, there is not one simple universal format that can be used to identify every green card number across every card version.
This is one reason it's important to distinguish the card number from the A-Number and receipt number.
For comparison, USCIS states that a receipt number is a unique 13-character identifier consisting of three letters followed by 10 numbers, such as a number beginning with prefixes like IOE, EAC, WAC, LIN, SRC, NBC, or MSC.
The 13-character receipt number is not the same thing as the green card number. It identifies a particular application or petition and is used by USCIS to track a case.
Is Your USCIS Number the Same as Your Green Card Number?
Generally, you shouldn’t assume that your USCIS number is the same as your green card number.
People sometimes use “USCIS number” to refer to different immigration identifiers. In many contexts, they may mean the A-Number (Alien Registration Number). The A-Number is associated with an individual, while the green card number is associated with the particular card or document.
Your receipt number is different again. USCIS uses receipt numbers to identify and track applications and petitions.
In other words, you may encounter three different identifiers:
A-Number: Your Alien Registration Number
Green card/card number: The document number associated with your Permanent Resident Card.
Receipt number: The number USCIS assigns to a particular application or petition.
Knowing which one a form requests is essential.
Where to Find Your Card Number
If someone asks you to provide one of your green card numbers, start with your physical Permanent Resident Card.
Look at the back of the card for the card/document number. USCIS specifically describes the card number as being printed on the back of the Permanent Resident Card.
If you’re looking for your A-Number instead, that is a different identifier. USCIS materials explain that the A-Number is the Alien Registration Number and show it as an identifier associated with the Permanent Resident Card.
If your card is old, damaged, lost, or unavailable, identifying the correct number can become more complicated. In that situation, reviewing your USCIS notices and immigration records may help, but you should avoid guessing.
Can You See Your Green Card Number Online?
USCIS online accounts can provide access to case information, notices, and documents for eligible cases. However, the USCIS online case-status system is primarily designed to track applications and petitions using a receipt number, not to provide a universal online lookup for your physical green card’s card number. USCIS states that its Case Status Online tool uses the receipt number to provide case-status information.
If you filed an application online or linked a paper application to your USCIS account, you may be able to find your receipt number through your account.
That doesn’t necessarily mean your physical green card number will appear in the same place. If you need the number printed on the card, check the card itself or consult an immigration professional if the card is unavailable.
What If You Lost Your Green Card?
If your Permanent Resident Card has been lost, stolen, or damaged, USCIS provides a process for requesting a replacement. Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, is used for many replacement and renewal situations.
USCIS also provides an online inquiry process for certain cards that were approved and mailed but not received.
If you’ve lost your card and can’t determine which of your green card numbers you need, don’t assume that your A-Number or receipt number can always be substituted. The correct answer depends on what the particular form, agency, or employer is requesting.
The Green Card Numbers Conclusion
For straightforward situations, locating the appropriate number may simply require looking at your Permanent Resident Card. But immigration paperwork can become more complicated when a card is lost, information doesn’t match across documents, or a government form asks for a number you can’t identify.
If you have further questions about green card numbers, your A-Number, USCIS identifiers, or any other part of your immigration documentation, consider contacting an experienced immigration attorney rather than guessing.
At Ginsburg & Perez, we help individuals and families navigate U.S. immigration matters, including green cards and naturalization. Our firm serves clients throughout the United States and offers consultations for immigration questions. Give us a call today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get a copy of your green card online?
You might be able to access certain USCIS notices and documents through your USCIS online account, depending on your case. However, an online account is not necessarily a substitute for the physical Permanent Resident Card or a universal online copy of the card.
If your card is lost or damaged, you may need to file Form I-90 to request a replacement.
Can I track my green card with an Alien Number?
Usually, no. USCIS Case Status Online uses a case receipt number to track an application or petition. The A-Number is a different identifier.
Do green card holders have a USCIS number?
Green card holders generally have an A-Number (Alien Registration Number), which is an important immigration identifier. However, “USCIS number” can be used informally to describe different identifiers, so always check the terminology on the particular form you are completing.
What should I do if I can’t find my green card number?
First, check the back of your Permanent Resident Card. If you don’t have the card, review your immigration documents and USCIS account for information that may help identify your case. If you still can’t determine which number you need, contacting an immigration attorney can help prevent you from providing the wrong identifier.
*Nothing herein constitutes legal advice. You should obtain independent legal counsel regarding your specific factual situation.
