Step-by-step guide for renewing Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, covering the I-821D form, filing timeline, required evidence, biometrics appointment, and current processing times.
Confirm you currently have or previously had DACA status
Only individuals who have been previously approved for DACA can renew. As of 2025, USCIS is not accepting initial (first-time) DACA applications due to ongoing litigation. Renewals continue to be processed under court orders.
Verify you have not departed the United States without advance parole since your last DACA approval
Leaving the U.S. without advance parole voids your DACA status and makes you ineligible for renewal. If you traveled with approved advance parole (Form I-131), keep the approval notice and travel records as evidence.
Confirm no felony convictions, significant misdemeanors, or 3+ non-significant misdemeanors since last approval
A single significant misdemeanor (DUI, drug offenses, domestic violence, or any offense with a sentence of 90+ days) disqualifies renewal. Traffic violations like driving without a license are typically not disqualifying unless they involved DUI.
Check your DACA expiration date and note the recommended filing window
USCIS recommends filing your renewal 150 days (about 5 months) before your current DACA and EAD expiration date. Filing earlier than 150 days out may result in USCIS rejecting the application.
Preparing the Renewal Package
Complete Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
Use the most current version from uscis.gov — outdated forms are automatically rejected. The form is 7 pages and must be signed in ink. Do not leave any fields blank; write 'N/A' for questions that do not apply.
Complete Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
The I-765 is filed simultaneously with the I-821D for DACA renewals. Use eligibility category (c)(33) on the I-765. Your new EAD will be issued for 2 years if the renewal is approved.
Complete Form I-765WS, Worksheet for Form I-765
The worksheet collects information about your parents and your presence in the U.S. It is required even if the information has not changed since your last filing. Answer all questions based on current circumstances.
Include a copy of your most recent DACA approval notice (I-797) and current EAD (front and back)
Photocopies are acceptable — do not send original documents unless specifically requested. If you lost your approval notice, you can request a duplicate from USCIS or include a written explanation.
Pay the $495 filing fee by check, money order, or credit card (Form G-1450)
The $495 fee covers the I-821D ($0), I-765 ($410), and biometrics ($85). Fee waivers are not available for DACA renewals. If paying by check, make it payable to 'U.S. Department of Homeland Security.'
Required Evidence for Renewal
Include a copy of your passport, birth certificate, or other identity document
A valid passport from your country of nationality is the strongest identity document. If you do not have a passport, a birth certificate with certified English translation is accepted. School IDs or other secondary documents can supplement but not replace primary ID.
Provide evidence of continuous residence in the U.S. since your last DACA approval
Submit 2-3 documents per year since your last approval: tax returns, bank statements, school transcripts, medical records, or employment records. Gaps of more than 90 days in evidence may trigger a Request for Evidence (RFE).
Tax returns or W-2 forms
School transcripts or enrollment records
Bank statements, utility bills, or lease agreements
Include passport-style photographs meeting USCIS specifications
Two identical color photos, 2x2 inches, taken within the last 30 days, on white background. Write your name and A-number lightly in pencil on the back. Photos not meeting specifications will trigger a Request for Evidence.
Filing and Tracking
Mail the complete renewal package to the USCIS Lockbox facility
The mailing address depends on your state of residence — check the I-821D instructions for the current Lockbox address. Use USPS certified mail or a trackable courier. Keep copies of everything you submit.
Receive the I-797C receipt notice confirming USCIS accepted the application
Receipt notices arrive within 2-4 weeks. The receipt number starts with 'IOE' for electronically processed cases. This receipt extends your work authorization for up to 180 days while the renewal is pending if filed on time.
Track your case status online at egov.uscis.gov/casestatus
Enter your receipt number to see real-time status updates. You can also sign up for email and text notifications. If no update appears after 90 days, contact the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283.
Biometrics and Processing
Attend the biometrics appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center
Biometrics appointments are scheduled within 2-6 weeks of filing. Bring the appointment notice (I-797C with ASC appointment), your current EAD, and a valid photo ID. The appointment takes about 15 minutes.
Respond to any Request for Evidence (RFE) within the stated deadline
RFE response deadlines are typically 30-87 days from the date of the notice. Submit all requested evidence together in a single response. Failure to respond results in denial based on the existing record.
Receive the renewal decision and new EAD card
Approved renewals result in a new 2-year EAD mailed to your address on file. Processing times vary from 2-6 months depending on USCIS workload. If your current DACA expires before renewal is approved, you may experience a gap in work authorization.
After Renewal Approval
Update your employer with your new EAD card and expiration date
Complete a new Form I-9 Section 3 with your employer using the new EAD. Employers must reverify within 3 days of your new EAD start date. Keep a copy of the new card for your records.
Renew your state driver's license or ID card if it was tied to your DACA period
Most states issue driver's licenses matching the DACA/EAD validity period. Bring your new EAD and I-797 approval notice to the DMV. Some states require an appointment — check your state's DMV website.
Set a calendar reminder to file your next renewal 150 days before the new expiration date
Mark both the 150-day filing window date and the expiration date. Late renewals create gaps in work authorization and may affect your driver's license, financial aid eligibility, and professional licenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does DACA renewal cost?
The total DACA renewal fee is $495, consisting of $410 for Form I-821D and $85 for biometrics. This fee must be paid each renewal cycle (every 2 years). Fee waivers are not available for DACA applications. Payment can be made by personal check, cashier's check, or money order payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Some nonprofit organizations offer financial assistance for DACA fees; contact your local legal aid office for options.
When should I file my DACA renewal?
USCIS recommends filing your renewal application 150 days (approximately 5 months) before your current DACA and EAD expire. Filing too early (more than 150 days before expiration) may result in your application being rejected. Filing late risks a gap in your employment authorization and DACA status. If your DACA has already expired, consult an immigration attorney about your eligibility to refile, as policies on lapsed DACA have changed multiple times.
What happens if my DACA expires before my renewal is processed?
If your DACA and EAD expire before USCIS processes your renewal, you lose work authorization and deferred action protection during the gap. You should stop working until your new EAD arrives. If you filed your renewal on time (within the recommended window) and it is still pending, USCIS may issue an interim EAD, but this is not guaranteed. Gaps in DACA coverage do not reset your eligibility, so you can still renew once your application is adjudicated.
Can DACA recipients travel outside the United States?
DACA recipients can apply for Advance Parole to travel internationally for humanitarian, educational, or employment purposes by filing Form I-131. Traveling without Advance Parole approval terminates your DACA status and bars re-entry. Even with Advance Parole, international travel carries risks; re-entry is ultimately at the discretion of CBP officers. Given the evolving legal landscape around DACA, consult an immigration attorney before planning any international travel.