How do I apply for the California Dream Act?

This page is general information, not legal advice.

Who should use this application?

The California Dream Act Application (CADAA) is for students who cannot use the FAFSA and will attend a California college. Other states have their own forms. CSAC says it is for students who are undocumented, or who have a U visa or TPS, and who meet the AB 540 school rules. Students with DACA, valid or expired, should use the CADAA instead of the FAFSA.

You do not need DACA or a Social Security number (CSAC FAQ).

What if I am a citizen and my parents are undocumented?

You have a choice. CSAC's FAQ says U.S. citizens and green card holders whose parents are undocumented can use the CADAA if they do not want to file a FAFSA. You must still meet the AB 540 school rules to use it.

Know the trade off. The CADAA opens state and college aid only. The FAFSA is the only way to get federal aid, such as Pell Grants and federal loans. CSAC's mixed status page says you can still file a FAFSA after the CADAA if you change your mind, and it suggests talking with an immigration attorney if your family is worried.

One open point: an older, undated CSAC flyer says the CADAA choice is only for students who have never filed a FAFSA or CADAA. CSAC's current FAQ and mixed status page (checked October 21, 2026) list no such limit. If you filed a FAFSA before, call CSAC at (888) 224-7268 before you switch.

Not sure which form fits you? See FAFSA or CA Dream Act application: which one should you fill out.

What do I need before I start?

Gather these first. It saves time.

• A permanent email you will keep (not a school email).
• 2025 tax returns or W-2s for you and your parents. If you did not file taxes, add up the earnings on your W-2s.
• Amounts in cash, savings and checking, plus any investments or business value.
• How many people are in your family.
• The names, cities and dates of every California school you attended.
• Up to 10 California colleges you are thinking about.

An SSN or ITIN is optional. Leaving it blank does not hurt your state aid.

How do I fill it out, step by step?

1. Create your account at dream.csac.ca.gov and answer the first questions that check if you can apply. Save your username and password.
2. Pick the right year. For fall 2027, choose 2027 to 2028.
3. Fill in your information, then your parents' information if you are a dependent student. Parents living outside the U.S. can be entered too.
4. Answer the AB 540 section. This short part is your in state tuition affidavit. CSAC sends it to the colleges you list. Have your school records nearby so your years and dates are right.
5. Sign it. If parent information is needed, one parent must sign too. Your application will not be processed without it. Parents can sign online.
6. Submit and check the confirmation page. Fix any errors you see right away.

What if my parent cannot help or did not file taxes?

• Parent lives in another country: you can still enter their information. The form allows it.
• Parent will not help or you cannot reach them: fill in what you can, then call your college's financial aid office before you give up. Do not leave the application unfinished.
• No tax return: report the 2025 earnings from W-2s or other records of what was earned. Not sure whether someone should have filed? Ask a free tax help site before you guess.
• Parent worried about signing: one parent signature is enough, and it can be done online. CSAC says the information is used only for state aid.

What happens after I submit?

• Watch your email. CSAC sends a nine digit Dream ID. Use it to make a WebGrants 4 Students account, where you can see your status and Cal Grant results.
• Check your GPA. For a Cal Grant, a verified GPA must reach CSAC by March 2, 2027 (September 2, 2027 for community college students). High schools usually send seniors' GPAs. Ask your counselor to be sure.
• Answer your college. Your financial aid office may ask for more papers, like proof of income. Reply fast.
• Apply again every year. You file a new application for each school year.

What if I miss March 2?

Apply anyway. Many colleges still give their own aid after March 2, and community college students have until September 2, 2027 for a Cal Grant. Ask your financial aid office what is still open.

Who can help?

These are free. Contact them to confirm hours, languages and openings. Being listed here is not a referral or a promise of service.

• Cash for College workshops: free help filling out the application, October through June. cash4college.csac.ca.gov
• California Student Aid Commission: call (888) 224-7268, Monday to Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., or email studentsupport@csac.ca.gov.
• Your high school counselor: your GPA and help with the form.
• Your college's financial aid office or Dream Resource Center: missing items and your aid offer.

This one application can open state and college aid for you. You can finish it this week.

Related questions

• When is the Dream Act deadline?
• Can undocumented students get state financial aid?
• How do I request the AB 540 exemption form?