What documents prove I qualify for DACA?

This page is general information, not legal advice. Right now USCIS accepts first time DACA requests but does not decide them because of a court order (checked October 21, 2026). Gathering your papers is still a smart step. It gets you ready, and a lawyer can use the same papers to check other options.

What does USCIS want me to prove?

For a first time request, you carry the burden. You must show it is more likely than not that you meet each rule. Here is what to prove and the kinds of papers USCIS lists for each.

1. Who you are

• A passport or a national ID from your home country with your photo
• A birth certificate plus a photo ID
• A school, military or state ID with your photo
• Any U.S. immigration or government paper with your name and photo

Expired IDs are fine.

2. That you came before your 16th birthday

• A passport with an entry stamp, or an I-94 record
• U.S. school records with school names and dates
• Medical or hospital records with dates
• Official records from a church or other religious group in the U.S.
• Travel tickets or other travel records

3. That you have lived here since June 15, 2007

• Rent receipts, leases or utility bills
• School, medical or work records
• Dated bank records

4. That you were here on June 15, 2012

• The same kinds of dated records: bills, pay stubs, school records, bank records, passport entries
• Look for papers dated as close to June 15, 2012 as you can

5. That you had no lawful status on June 15, 2012

• An I-94 showing the date your permitted stay ended, or
• Papers from a removal case, if you had one

If you came without a visa, a lawyer can explain how this rule is usually shown.

6. School or military service

• Current school records, like a transcript or report card
• A U.S. high school diploma or certificate of completion
• A GED, HiSET or TASC certificate
• For veterans: Form DD-214, NGB Form 22 or military records

7. Your record, if you have one

• If you were ever arrested or charged, send official papers that show what happened: the arrest record and the final result, or papers showing no charges were filed or the record was sealed or cleared.

Do I need a paper for every single month?

No. USCIS says you do not have to account for every day or month. It suggests proof for at least each year. Long gaps can raise questions, and USCIS may send you a Request for Evidence asking for more.

Can letters from people who know me help?

Sometimes. USCIS says affidavits (signed statements) are generally not enough on their own. They can help with only three things:

• A gap in your proof of living here since 2007
• When you first started living here, if you came at age 8 or younger
• Showing a trip out of the country was short and innocent

You need two or more from people other than you who know the facts firsthand. Affidavits cannot prove your school record, that you were here on June 15, 2012, that you came before 16, or that you have no disqualifying record.

What about papers in Spanish or another language?

Every page in another language needs a full English translation. The translator signs a statement that it is complete and accurate and that they can translate both languages, with their name, address and the date.

Copies or originals?

Send clear copies. USCIS says not to send originals unless it asks. Originals you send may not come back.

What if I can't find a paper for June 15, 2012?

This is the one date where affidavits do not work. Look for anything dated close to that day: a spring 2012 report card or attendance record, a clinic visit, a pay stub, a bank statement, a phone bill, a lease. Ask the records office at your old school district or clinic. If you truly have nothing, talk to a lawyer before you file. More ideas: How do I prove I lived in the US since 2007?

What does a first request cost, and what happens to the money?

A first time request is filed on paper with Form I-821D ($85) and Form I-765 ($520): $605 in total. You pay by card (Form G-1450) or U.S. bank account (Form G-1650). There are no fee waivers for DACA (USCIS fee schedule, checked October 21, 2026). USCIS fees are generally not refunded, whatever the outcome (8 CFR 103.2(a)(1)). Because first time requests are on hold, a lawyer can help you decide whether to file now or keep your papers ready and wait.

What does a finished folder look like?

A made up example, not a real person. Diego came at age 9 in 2006 and finished high school in 2016.

He keeps the originals at home and brings copies to his legal screening.

What can I print?

Who can help?

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

• Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto (for low income San Mateo and Santa Clara county residents): (650) 326-6440
• Immigration Institute of the Bay Area, Redwood City office: (650) 587-1558 to book a free first consultation (appointments only, no drop ins).
• Catholic Charities of San Mateo County (for San Mateo County residents): (650) 295-2160
• San Mateo County Immigrant Services (for San Mateo County residents): (650) 363-4194, immigrantservices@smcgov.org
• Anywhere in California: the state's map of free immigration legal services, or call (916) 651-8017.

Old report cards and clinic records tell the story of a life built here. Start gathering them today.

Related questions

• Can I file a first time request?
• What is happening with DACA in court?
• What does a renewal cost?