Your U.S. Green Card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card, proves your legal right to live and work in the United States. Along with your name, photo, and other personal details, the card includes a unique 13-character identifier called the Green Card Number—sometimes referred to as the document number or permanent resident card number. This number is important for many official processes, including employment verification, reentry to the U.S., immigration paperwork, and green card renewal.
In this article, you’ll learn what the Green Card Number is, where to find it on your green card, and why it’s important to understand and protect it.
What is a Green Card Number?
The Green Card Number is a unique 13-character identifier printed on your U.S. Green Card and assigned by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Also known as the card number or USCIS document numberit appears on every green card issued to lawful permanent residents.
This number is used in several important situations:
- Re-entry to the U.S. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) uses it to confirm your permanent resident status when returning from abroad.
- Employment verification – Employers use the green card number on Form I-9 to verify your eligibility to work in the U.S.
- Government and legal tasks – You may need the number when applying for a driver’s license, opening a bank account, completing immigration forms, or handling other legal matters.
- Card validity – You can use it to check the expiration and current status of your green card.
If you’re applying for or renewing your green card, ImmigrationDirect can help you complete the necessary green card forms accurately. We also offer support for other immigration forms, with every application reviewed by an independent immigration attorney—giving you peace of mind throughout the process.
Where to Find the Green Card Number
If you’re looking for your Green Card Number, you’re not alone—many people aren’t sure exactly where to find it. That’s because different versions of the green card place the number in different spots. Let’s clear up the confusion.
On most modern Green Cards (issued after May 2010), your 13-character card number is located on the back of the card, in the bottom-left corner. It’s part of a long string of text in the machine-readable zone and is usually labeled as “Card Number” or “USCIS#.” You’ll see three letters followed by ten numbers—for example, SRC2201234567.
Older cards (from before May 2010) may show the number on the front of the card. While the exact layout varies, the number will still follow the same format. Be careful not to confuse it with your A-Number (Alien Registration Number)—these are separate identifiers used for different purposes.
If you’re unsure, look for labels such as “Card Number,” “USCIS#,” or “Document Number.” And if your card is very old and does not have a document number, you may need to contact USCIS for clarification.
How to Read Permanent Resident Card Number
When you flip to the back side of your green card, you’ll notice a string of 90 characters spread across three lines, with each line containing 30 characters.
Your permanent resident card number is located on the first line, starting at position 16 and ending at position 28 (highlighted in the image). It’s a 13-character identifier used to track your green card application and issuance.
In the section below, we’ll break down the Green Card Number format and explain what each part of this identifier means.
ImmigrationDirect’s Smart Check helps you avoid costly delays.
Before you file, our software automatically checks your application for missing answers and inconsistent data — making sure everything matches the official immigration form fields. You’ll know what’s complete, what’s missing, and what needs to be fixed — all before you submit. Begin Your Green Card Application.
Understanding the Full Green Card Number Format
As mentioned earlier, the Green Card Number begins at the 16th character and ends at the 28th character of the first line on the back of your green card. This 13-character sequence is structured as follows:
- 3 letters that represent the USCIS service center that processed your case.
Examples:- Lin = Nebraska (Lincoln)
- SRC = Texas Service Center
- WAC = California (Western Adjudication Center)
- 2 digits showing the fiscal year when USCIS received your application.
Example: A case filed in October 2023 would show 24 (since the U.S. government’s fiscal year starts in October, not January). - 3 digits indicating the workday of the fiscal year when the case was opened.
These are numbered based on USCIS workdays, excluding weekends and federal holidays. - 5 digits representing your unique case number, which ties directly to the approved immigrant petition.
Sample Format:
If your card number reads NBC2004551423:
- NBC = National Benefits Center
- 20 = Fiscal Year 2020
- 045 = 45th USCIS workday of that fiscal year
- 51423 = Your specific case number
This full sequence forms your Green Card Numbera critical piece of identification used in your immigration history and documentation.
Below are the complete service centers names with three-letter codes:
- CSC – California Service Center
- EAC – Eastern Adjudication Center (now known as Vermont Service Center)
- Yes – Elis (Effect)
- LIN – Lincoln Service Center (now known as Nebraska Service Center)
- MSC – Missouri Service Center (now known as National Benefits Center)
- NBC – National Benefits Center
- NSC – Nebraska Service Center
- SRC – Southern Regional Center (now known as Texas Service Center)
- TSC – Texas Service Center
- VSC – Vermont Service Center
- WAC – Western Adjudication Center (now known as California Service Center)
- YSC – Potomac Service Center
A-Number vs. Receipt Number: What’s the Difference?
When dealing with U.S. immigration paperwork, two commonly used numbers are the A-Number and the Receipt Number. While both are issued by USCIS and appear on official documents, they serve different purposes.
Many readers confuse these numbers with the Green Card Number because they may look similar or appear together on immigration forms. To avoid errors, use the table below to understand the differences:
| Feature | A-Number (Alien Registration Number) | Receipt Number |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A unique ID number assigned to you by USCIS | A case-specific tracking number from USCIS |
| Format | Begins with “A” followed by 7–9 digits (e.g., A123456789) | 13 characters: 3 letters + 10 digits (e.g., LIN2312345678) |
| Purpose | Identifies you in USCIS records permanently | Identifies and tracks a specific application |
| Stays the same? | Yes, remains the same for life | No, changes with each new USCIS filing |
| Where to find it | On your Green Card, USCIS notices, and some forms | On Form I-797C (Notice of Action) |
| Appears on Green Card? | Yes (Front of the Green Card) | No |
| Used for | Immigration forms, background checks, case linking | Checking application status, USCIS inquiries |
Tip: If you’re ever unsure which number to use, remember—the Green Card Number identifies your physical card, the A-Number identifies you, and the Receipt Number tracks your USCIS application.
What Is the Green Card Number Used For?
Your Green Card Number is more than just a string of characters. It plays an important role in your life as a lawful permanent resident and is used in various official processes. Here’s how the card number on your green card is typically used:
1. Immigration Applications and Forms
You’ll be asked to enter your green card number when completing many USCIS forms related to immigration benefits. Whether you’re applying for citizenship (Form N-400) or filing Form I-131 for travel, this number helps USCIS identify your specific card.
2. Employment Verification (Form I-9)
When starting a new job in the U.S., employers use Form I-9 to confirm your eligibility to work. The green card document number is one of the key identifiers that proves your legal status to work in the U.S.
3. International Travel and Reentry
If you travel outside the U.S., U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may use your permanent resident card number to verify your identity and legal status when you return. It’s especially useful if your card is lost or needs to be matched with other records.
4. Legal and Government Services
Various federal, state, and local agencies may ask for the green card number when processing legal, financial, or identity verification tasks—such as applying for a driver’s license, Social Security, or opening a bank account.
5. Green Card Replacement or Renewal
If your green card is lost, damaged, or expired, the card number for green card renewal will be required when filing Form I-90 to request a replacement or extension.
How to Keep Your Green Card Number Safe
Your permanent resident card number is a sensitive identifier used in many official processes. To avoid fraud or misuse, it’s important to protect it carefully. Follow the below tips to keep your green card safe.
- Store Your Card Securely: Keep your physical green card in a safe place and only carry it when absolutely necessary.
- Share Only When Required: Give your green card number only to trusted parties, such as employers (Form I-9) or USCIS.
- Be Careful with Copies: If you photocopy your card, ask how it will be used and stored—avoid leaving it behind.
- Secure Digital Storage: If stored digitally, use password-protected or encrypted files. Never share the number via unsecured channels.
- Report Lost or Stolen Cards: Contact USCIS and file Form I-90 if your green card or its number is compromised.
Protecting your USCIS card number helps you maintain control over your immigration records and prevents delays or legal issues.
Summarizing the Key Aspects of Understanding Your Green Card
Your Green Card Number is more than just a string of letters and numbers—it’s a vital part of your identity as a U.S. permanent resident. Understanding what it is, where to find it, and how to read and protect it ensures you’re prepared for job verification, travel, immigration forms, and future USCIS filings.
If you’re applying for, renewing, or updating your green card, let ImmigrationDirect help you do it right the first time. Our smart tools and attorney-reviewed services ensure your forms are accurate and complete—giving you confidence and peace of mind.
Get started today and stay in control of your immigration journey.
