BajaNomad

Residente Permanente LOST

beachbum1A - 12-12-2019 at 08:39 PM

I friend had his backpack stolen recently and it contained ALL his important items: IE passport, drivers license, checkbook, credit cards and his residente permanente card. He found his Sentri card on the ground nearby so apparently whoever took it was shuffling through everything as they walked away.
He's in the process of replacing all these documents now and someone told him that the residente permanente card would be very expensive if they would even replace it.
Has anyone on this board experienced having to replace their RP card and could fill in the blanks as to $$ and length of time required?

bajatrailrider - 12-13-2019 at 08:34 AM

I was told could be 300 bucks to replace don't know if true. I had my card color copy both sides. Then hard plastic coat both sides. I use it everywhere keep real one in house

bajaumpaw - 12-14-2019 at 01:23 AM

Based on my experience 2 years ago: As your friend lost it in Mexico, the process is basically the same as before and is done entirely in Mexico with one additional step. He has an interview with an INS agent to explain why he wants a new one. The agent can approve or disapprove his request. Based on your description of the circumstances, I feel he will be approved. The process involves several trips to INS office. Cost is whatever they are currently charging for getting an original one. $300 figure is probably close. Hiring an immigration lawyer can possibly help speed up the process. I paid one $100 and I feel it was well worth it. I don’t speak Spanish.

rhintransit - 12-14-2019 at 09:32 AM

Do offer a no questions asked reward, if that’s an option

I’m pretty sure the replacement will be an expensive project. When my friend had hers stolen, she reported it to the local, Loreto, office. The replacement, which was done locally (it’s been a few years, so you will have to check where you are) cost as much as a new one at the time. Go into the local migracion office and ask what the process and cost is.

Your friend might consider whether he really needs a PR or not. Many people find it’s not worth the expense, and if it’s not required or desired, go back to a 6 month FMM. You do need to report the lost of the card, though, as holding both at the same time invalidates the PR, if ever found.

[Edited on 12-14-2019 by rhintransit]

beachbum1A - 12-14-2019 at 09:34 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bajatrailrider  
I was told could be 300 bucks to replace don't know if true. I had my card color copy both sides. Then hard plastic coat both sides. I use it everywhere keep real one in house


Excellent suggestion. Thanks!
I do that with my drivers license, etc and should include my RP card too.
Afraid my friend will be discouraged when I let him know the probable cost of replacement. :(

Alm - 12-14-2019 at 04:56 PM

This year new RP from the scratch costs $300 including consular fees, but getting it would cost you a bit more (than replacement) in terms of hassle and paperwork.
In a hindsight... I would understand carrying INAPAM card around, but why carrying RT/RP card, you only need it when crossing the border.

surabi - 12-14-2019 at 10:59 PM

Quote: Originally posted by beachbum1A  
Quote: Originally posted by bajatrailrider  
I was told could be 300 bucks to replace don't know if true. I had my card color copy both sides. Then hard plastic coat both sides. I use it everywhere keep real one in house


Excellent suggestion. Thanks!
I do that with my drivers license, etc and should include my RP card too.
Afraid my friend will be discouraged when I let him know the probable cost of replacement. :(


It's actually a terrible suggestion. It happens to be illegal. If you get caught using it, you could lose your permanente entirely and get deported. You can make black and white copies, but not color and certainly not the same size, laminated, as if it were the real one.

And I have to say any traveler who keeps ALL their crucial ID in the same place isn't very savvy.

bajatrailrider - 12-16-2019 at 07:50 PM

Funny I used my copy card at migration office. Told them copy cause I don't want to carry real one. He said Good idea also use it at all banks. Never a problem only problem you lose real one.