There are questions that Green Card holders often ask, such as What If I Don’t Carry My Green Card All the Time?! or Do I need to carry my Green Card at all times? The answer may surprise you. Whether you’ve just received your approval or have been a permanent resident for years, knowing your legal responsibilities can help you avoid trouble.
Is It Legally Required to Carry a Green Card in the U.S.?
Yes — the law requires permanent residents of the United States to carry their green card at all times.
This rule implements a portion of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) Section 264(e), which provides that every alien 18 years of age and older must carry with them registration documentation that has been issued to that individual.
For green card holders, the document is known as the Permanent Resident Card. Carrying it may be an inconvenience, but it is not optional. Failing to do so can also result in fines or a misdemeanor charge, though that rarely happens in practice.
What Happens If You’re Caught Without Your Green Card ID?
If you’re stopped by immigration enforcement or law enforcement officers and they ask you about your status, you must prove that you are in the United States legally. What if you don’t have your green card with you? It could result in unwanted questioning or fines.
Although it is rare to receive a penalty solely for not carrying your green card, the law does stipulate a fine of up to $100 and, in some cases, up to 30 days in jail.
Do You Have to Carry Your Green Card at All Times?
Are you required to carry your green card at all times? Yes, you need to have it with you at all times, by law. That does not mean it should be on you at all times — but it very much needs to be within quick reach if you need it. I.e., you can carry it in, your wallet, a secure pouch, or safely in a bag✌.
The point is to establish your judicial status fairly quickly if requested to do so, which is particularly in more sensitive environments or random checks. It’s part of what you’re required to do as a lawful permanent resident.
Situations Where You May Be Asked to Show Your Green Card ID
You may be surprised by this, but there are several instances in which you must show your green card.
✅ Packaged food when travelling domestically at airports
✅ When applying for a job
✅ At border controls or immigration checks
✅ When dealing with law enforcement
✅ When renewing your driver’s license in some states
These are all real-world situations where officers may ask to see your green card as valid ID.
Do I Have to Carry My Green Card With Me While Traveling?
Absolutely. Whether you’re flying between New York and California or just visiting another city, always keep your green card with you while you’re traveling. You will need an ID for most domestic flights, and TSA or local law enforcement may ask to verify your immigration status.
A simple traffic stop could get complicated if you’re unable to produce the right paperwork.
Should You Carry Your Green Card All the Time or Just in Specific Cases?
You should, ideally, have it on you at all times, as required by law. But if the idea of carrying the original card every day makes you anxious about losing or damaging it, think about this:
✅ Have a good copy with you for daily errands
✅ Always travel with the original card or when entering unfamiliar spaces
✅ Print out the Alien Registration Number (A#) for easy access
✅ Store a secure digital scan in a private folder (not shared on the internet)
✅ Still, keep in mind that only the physical card establishes your status, not a photograph or a copy.
May 2025 Visa Bulletin: Updates
The green card backlogs for specific employment-based categories have severely retrogressed, as reported in the May 2025 U.S. Visa Bulletin. So, for example, EB-3 India proceeded only modestly, to April 15, 2013, while EB-5 Unreserved for India moved back to May 1, 2019. This shows just how precious lawful permanent resident status is for those who already have the green card. In fact, as a green card holder, your status is even more critical, and you can ensure you protect it by following U.S. rules and regulations and carrying your permanent resident card when needed.
Final Thoughts For Green Card Holders?
The advantages of being a green card holder are many, but so, too, are the responsibilities. One of the most basic and underappreciated is the obligation to carry your permanent resident card at all times.
This rule may not get you in trouble right away, but why tempt fate? Of course, as a legal citizen of America, it’s always best to follow the rules and be prepared for anything.
So the next time you step outside, ask, “Do I have my green card?” If not, it could be a useful habit to form.”
For more on U.S. immigration and residency laws, visit the Department of Homeland Security site.