How to Renew DACA in 2026

Last updated: June 6, 2026
By ITINWorks Team

When Should I File My DACA Renewal?

File your DACA renewal 150 to 120 days (5 to 4 months) before your current DACA expires. About 530,000 people hold active DACA status (USCIS) — all of them must renew on this timeline or risk a gap in work authorization. Processing can take from a few months to over a year, so do not wait until the last minute.

See the official guidance on the USCIS DACA page.

How Long Does DACA Renewal Take?

The full DACA renewal timeline runs 4–12 months from the day you file. USCIS sends a Form I-797 receipt notice within 2–4 weeks confirming your packet was received. Processing then takes approximately 3–6 months in most cases, though backlogs can push this to 12 months or longer. File 120–150 days before your DACA expires so your new EAD arrives before the old one lapses.

• Day 0: Submit your renewal packet (120–150 days before expiry)
• 2–4 weeks: Receive Form I-797 receipt notice — keep this; it extends your work authorization
• 3–6 months: Typical processing window; can run 12+ months in high-volume periods
• Approval: New EAD mailed to your address on file; valid for 2 years

Check your case status any time at uscis.gov/case-status using the receipt number on your I-797.

What Forms and Fees Are Required for DACA Renewal?

A DACA renewal requires 2 forms submitted together: Form I-821D (Consideration of Deferred Action) and Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization). The fee is $555 if you file online through your USCIS account or $605 if you file by mail. No fee waiver is available, and one payment covers both forms.

• Form I-821D — Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
• Form I-765 — Application for Employment Authorization

If filing by mail, pay by check or money order made out to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security" — do not send cash. If filing online through uscis.gov, pay by card or debit on the platform. Either way, one payment covers both I-821D and I-765.

How Do I Renew DACA Step by Step?

Renewing DACA takes a few clear steps: download the current Form I-821D, Form I-765, and Form I-765WS, complete them marking "Renewal," gather supporting documents and your $555 or $605 payment, then file online or by mail with USCIS. The 7 detailed steps follow below, including the form edition checks that prevent rejection.

1. 1

   Download the Current Forms

   Download the most recent versions of Form I-821D, Form I-765, and Form I-765WS from uscis.gov. Check the edition date at the bottom of each form — USCIS periodically updates forms, and older versions may be rejected.

2. 2

   Complete Form I-821D

   For renewals, answer only the questions that apply to you. Mark "Renewal" in Part 1. You do not need to re-establish your initial eligibility (arrival before age 16, continuous residency, etc.) — only significant changes in circumstances need to be addressed.

3. 3

   Complete Form I-765

   In the "Eligibility Category" field, write "(c)(33)" — this is the DACA employment authorization category. Include your current A-Number (Alien Registration Number) from your existing EAD card.

4. 4

   Gather Supporting Documents

   You need: two passport-style photos, a copy of your current EAD (front and back), and a copy of your unexpired government-issued photo ID. For payment: if filing by mail, complete Form G-1450 (credit/debit card) or Form G-1650 (ACH bank transfer) — USCIS no longer accepts checks or money orders. If filing online, pay by card through myUSCIS ($555 vs. $605 by mail).

5. 5

   Assemble and Mail Your Package

   Organize your package: I-821D on top, then I-765, then photos, then copies of documents, then payment. Mail to the USCIS lockbox address for DACA renewals (check uscis.gov for the current mailing address — it changes periodically). Use certified mail with tracking.

6. 6

   Wait for Your Receipt Notice

   USCIS will send you a Form I-797 Receipt Notice within a few weeks confirming they received your application. Keep this notice — it serves as proof your renewal is pending and can extend your work authorization during processing.

7. 7

   Receive Your New EAD

   When approved, USCIS will mail your new Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to the address you listed on your application. Processing times vary — check uscis.gov/tools/case-status-online for updates using your receipt number.

What If My DACA Expires While My Renewal Is Pending?

If you filed your renewal before your DACA expired and your current DACA runs out before your renewal is approved, USCIS provides automatic continuation. Your deferred action and work authorization continue for up to 48 additional days past your DACA expiration date while your renewal is being processed.

If your renewal takes longer than 48 days past your expiration, your DACA will technically lapse. You should consult an immigration attorney or accredited representative if you reach this point — they can help you understand your options and any implications for your employment.

What Documents Go in a DACA Renewal Packet?

A complete DACA renewal packet contains 5 required items: Form I-821D (completed for renewal), Form I-765 with the correct eligibility category, Form I-765WS (worksheet), two passport-style photos, and your payment authorization (Form G-1450 for card or Form G-1650 for ACH if filing by mail). Supporting copies — your current EAD front and back, and a valid government-issued photo ID — are strongly recommended but not always explicitly required for renewals.

• Form I-821D — DACA request, marked "Renewal" in Part 1
• Form I-765 — Employment authorization, category (c)(33)
• Form I-765WS — Worksheet supporting the I-765
• Two passport-style photos — 2"×2", white background, taken within 30 days
• Copy of current EAD — front and back
• Government-issued photo ID — passport, state ID, or foreign consular ID
• Payment — Form G-1450 (credit/debit) or Form G-1650 (ACH) if mailing; card payment through myUSCIS if filing online

Do not include a cover letter or extra documents. Submit only what USCIS requests — unrequested documents do not help and may delay review. See the USCIS I-821D instructions for the current checklist.

Can I Apply for Advance Parole With My DACA Renewal?

Yes, you can file for advance parole at the same time as your DACA renewal, but they are separate applications. Advance parole (Form I-131) allows DACA holders to travel outside the United States temporarily and return legally. Filing together does not speed up either case — each is adjudicated separately. Advance parole requests from DACA holders are granted on a case-by-case basis for educational, employment, or humanitarian purposes.

Note: traveling outside the U.S. without approved advance parole while your DACA is pending terminates your application. Get advance parole approved before you travel. See USCIS advance parole guidance for DACA recipients.

Why Do DACA Renewals Get Rejected?

USCIS rejects DACA renewals without review for 4 common mistakes: using an outdated form edition, submitting incorrect or no payment, missing a signature on any form, or filing more than 150 days before your DACA expires. A rejection means your packet is returned — you must fix the issue and refile, restarting the processing clock entirely.

• Wrong form edition — Always download fresh from uscis.gov; old PDFs saved on your computer may be outdated editions that USCIS will reject outright
• Wrong payment method — Checks and money orders are no longer accepted; use Form G-1450 (card) or Form G-1650 (ACH) for paper filings
• Missing or mismatched signature — Every signature field on I-821D and I-765 must be completed; dates must match the form instructions
• Filed too early — USCIS returns packets filed more than 150 days before expiration; filing window is exactly 120–150 days out
• Wrong eligibility category on I-765 — Must be "(c)(33)"; other codes trigger rejection

Frequently Asked Questions