Requirements for DACA renewal in the United States in 2026

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a federal policy administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that allows certain individuals who came to the United States as children to request protection from deportation and obtain a work authorization document. DACA does not provide a path to permanent residency or citizenship, but it does grant a renewable period of deferred action, typically two years at a time.

If your DACA status is expiring, you must file a renewal application before it lapses to avoid a gap in your work authorization and protection. USCIS recommends filing your renewal between 150 and 120 days (five to four months) before your current DACA expiration date. This guide explains exactly what you need to gather, how to file, and what to expect in 2026.

What this procedure is and what it’s for

DACA renewal is the process of requesting a new two-year period of deferred action after your current grant expires. It is not the same as an initial DACA application — you are not proving eligibility from scratch, but you must still demonstrate that you continue to meet the program’s core requirements.

Who this applies to

You can request a DACA renewal if:

• You were previously granted DACA and your current period has not been expired for more than one year
• You have not been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, or three or more other misdemeanors
• You do not pose a threat to national security or public safety
• You are currently in the United States at the time of filing

Official body responsible

All DACA renewal applications are handled by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). You file directly with USCIS — there is no state-level agency involved in the renewal itself, though legal aid organizations in your state may help you prepare your application.

Documents required

Gather all documents before you begin filling out your forms. USCIS may reject or delay your application if anything is missing or inconsistent.

Forms (completed and signed)

• Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals — the main renewal request form (no fee for this form alone)
• Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization — required to obtain or renew your Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
• Form I-765WS, Worksheet — a supporting document that accompanies Form I-765 for DACA filers

Identity and immigration documents

• Copy of your current or most recent EAD (Employment Authorization Document) — front and back
• Copy of any document showing your immigration status or entry, such as a passport biographic page, Form I-94, or advance parole document (if applicable)
• Copy of your previous DACA approval notice (Form I-797) if available

Evidence of continuous residence (if requested)

For renewals, USCIS generally does not require you to re-submit all initial evidence, but you should be prepared to provide:

• School records, pay stubs, tax transcripts, or utility bills showing continuous U.S. presence since your last grant
• Any documents explaining gaps in residence or changes in circumstances

Photographs

• Two identical passport-style photographs — taken within 30 days of filing, 2x2 inches, white background, your name and A-Number written lightly on the back

Fee payment

• Check or money order made payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security,” or payment via the USCIS online filing system if you file electronically

Important notes on documents

• Submit copies, not originals, unless USCIS specifically requests originals
• Documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified English translation; the translator must certify their competency and accuracy
• No apostille is required for U.S.-issued documents

Steps to complete the procedure

Step 1 — Check your expiration date and filing window

Locate your current EAD and Form I-797 approval notice. USCIS recommends filing your renewal 150 to 120 days before your DACA expiration date. Filing earlier than 150 days is generally not accepted for renewals.

Step 2 — Download and complete the required forms

Obtain the most current versions of Form I-821D, Form I-765, and Form I-765WS directly from the USCIS website. Using outdated form versions is a common reason for rejection. Complete all fields carefully and sign each form.

Step 3 — Gather supporting documents and photographs

Collect copies of your current EAD, any relevant immigration documents, and two passport-style photographs. If any documents are in a language other than English, obtain certified translations.

Step 4 — Prepare your fee payment

The filing fee for Form I-765 is $495 (as of 2026 — verify the current amount at uscis.gov before filing). Form I-821D has no separate filing fee for renewals. Payment can be made by check, money order, or credit/debit card if filing online.

Step 5 — File your application

You may file:

• By mail — send your complete package to the USCIS Lockbox facility designated for DACA renewals (the address is listed in the Form I-821D instructions on the USCIS website and may vary by state)
• Online — USCIS has expanded online filing options; check uscis.gov/daca for current availability

No in-person appointment at a USCIS field office is required to file a renewal. However, USCIS may schedule you for a biometrics appointment if needed.

Step 6 — Receive your receipt notice and track your case

After USCIS receives your application, they will mail you a Form I-797C receipt notice with a receipt number. Use this number to track your case status at egov.uscis.gov.

Step 7 — Receive your new EAD

If approved, USCIS will mail your new EAD to the address on your application. Your new EAD is typically valid for two years from the date of approval.

Estimated processing time: USCIS processing times for DACA renewals vary. As of 2026, processing can range from a few months to over six months. Check current processing times at uscis.gov/processing-times.

Fees and timelines

• Filing fee: $495 for Form I-765 (Employment Authorization); Form I-821D has no additional fee for renewals
• Fee waivers: USCIS does not currently offer fee waivers for DACA renewal applications; verify this at uscis.gov before filing
• Recommended filing window: 150 to 120 days before your current DACA expiration date
• Processing time: Typically several months; check the USCIS processing times page for the most current estimate
• Validity of new EAD: Two years from the date of approval
• Auto-extension: USCIS does not automatically extend DACA status; you must file a timely renewal to avoid a gap
• Expedited processing: Available in limited circumstances (e.g., severe financial loss, urgent humanitarian reasons); you must request it in writing with supporting evidence

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Using an outdated form version — USCIS updates its forms periodically and will reject applications submitted on old versions. Always download forms directly from uscis.gov immediately before filing and check the edition date in the bottom-left corner of the form.
• Filing too early or too late — Submitting more than 150 days before expiration may result in rejection; submitting after expiration (more than one year lapsed) may make you ineligible to renew. Mark your expiration date and set a calendar reminder for the 150-day window.
• Incorrect or missing photographs — Photographs must meet strict USCIS specifications (2x2 inches, white background, taken within 30 days). Blurry, incorrectly sized, or old photos are a frequent cause of delays.
• Sending originals instead of copies — Unless USCIS explicitly requests original documents, always send clear photocopies. Sending originals risks losing irreplaceable documents.
• Incomplete or unsigned forms — Every required field must be completed and every signature line must be signed. Leaving fields blank (other than those marked “N/A”) or forgetting to sign is one of the most common reasons for rejection notices.

Frequently asked questions

Can I still work while my DACA renewal is pending? Yes, if you filed your renewal before your current EAD expired, USCIS automatically extends your employment authorization for up to 180 days while your renewal is pending. Keep your receipt notice (Form I-797C) as proof of this automatic extension to show your employer.

What happens if my DACA expired more than one year ago? If your DACA has been expired for more than one year, you are generally not eligible to file a renewal and would need to apply as an initial requestor — subject to all initial eligibility requirements. Consult an immigration attorney before filing.

Do I need to submit new evidence of continuous residence for a renewal? For most renewals, you do not need to re-submit all the evidence you provided in your initial application. However, USCIS may request additional evidence if there are gaps in your record or changes in your circumstances. It is good practice to keep records of your U.S. presence (pay stubs, tax records, school records) updated.

Will a minor criminal record affect my renewal? Certain criminal convictions — including felonies, significant misdemeanors (such as DUI, domestic violence, or drug offenses), or three or more misdemeanors — can make you ineligible for DACA renewal. If you have any arrest, charge, or conviction on your record, consult a qualified immigration attorney before filing.

Can I travel outside the United States while my renewal is pending? No. Traveling outside the United States without a valid advance parole document while your renewal is pending — or while your DACA has expired — can result in serious immigration consequences, including being barred from re-entering. Do not travel internationally without first consulting an immigration attorney.

What to do next

The three most critical items to have ready are your completed Form I-821D, your completed Form I-765 with Form I-765WS, and a copy of your current EAD. Your first concrete step is to check your EAD expiration date today and confirm you are within the 150-to-120-day filing window.

Before you file, verify all current requirements, fees, form versions, and mailing addresses directly with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at uscis.gov/DACA or by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283. Requirements, fees, and program status can change — always confirm the latest information with USCIS before submitting your application.