How do I fill out the DACA application forms?

This is general information, not legal advice. A free legal clinic can check your forms before you send them.

Which forms do I need?

All three, every time:

1. Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Use I-821D. USCIS says using Form I-821 (the TPS form) by mistake is a common error.
2. Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.
3. Form I-765WS, the worksheet that goes with the I-765.

USCIS rejects the whole package if one is missing, or if the fee is wrong. The forms are free on uscis.gov. Never pay anyone for a blank form.

How do I fill out Form I-821D?

• Pick the right box. Choose renewal if your DACA ended less than one year ago, or has not ended yet. If more than a year has passed, or your DACA was terminated, USCIS treats it as a first time request, which it is not deciding now.
• Fill in the fields USCIS will reject the form without: the renewal box, the end date of your most recent DACA, your family name, a U.S. mailing address, your A number, your date of birth, and Part 4, questions 1 to 7.
• Answer every question honestly. Giving false information on this form is a federal crime with up to 5 years in prison. If you had any arrest or charge, ask a clinic before you answer.
• Renewals: you do not need to send documents you sent before. Send new papers only if you have new removal proceedings, or new arrests, charges or convictions since your last request.

How do I fill out Form I-765?

• Enter (c)(33) as your eligibility category. That is the DACA category.
• USCIS will reject the form if your name, address, date of birth or category is missing.
• Write your name and date of birth exactly the same way on every form.

How do I fill out the I-765WS worksheet?

List your own income, expenses and assets. USCIS says you do not need other household members' money information, and you do not need to send proof with the worksheet.

How should the forms look?

USCIS asks for:

• Typing, or black ink.
• Single sided pages on regular 8.5 by 11 inch paper.
• The edition date and page numbers showing at the bottom of every page, all from the same edition.
• No highlighter, correction fluid or correction tape. If you make a mistake, start a clean form.

Who signs?

You do, by hand. USCIS does not accept a photocopy of a signature or a typed name. A parent or legal guardian may sign for a child under 14. If someone helped you fill out the forms, that helper must sign too.

How do I pay?

• Online: pay in your USCIS account. Total $555.
• By mail: $605, paid only with Form G-1450 (card) or Form G-1650 (U.S. bank account). Checks and money orders are no longer accepted unless USCIS approved an exemption. USCIS asks for a separate payment form for each request, and all payment forms in one package must be the same type (Five steps to file, checked October 21, 2026). For DACA that means two: one for $85 (I-821D) and one for $520 (I-765).
• Put the photos on top, then the payment forms, then Form G-1145 if you want a text or email when USCIS accepts your package, then the forms.

Do I need photos?

Yes. The I-765 instructions (edition 08/21/25, checked October 21, 2026) say you must send two identical color passport style photos, 2 by 2 inches, taken recently, with your name and A number written lightly in pencil or felt pen on the back. If you are renewing, the instructions also say to attach a copy of your previous work permit, front and back. A DACA note in the instructions says (c)(33) filers don't need extra identity papers beyond what the I-821D asks for. That note is about identity papers. It does not cover the photos.

Where do I mail it from California?

• U.S. Postal Service: USCIS, Attn: DACA, P.O. Box 20700, Phoenix, AZ 85036-0700
• FedEx, UPS or DHL: USCIS, Attn: DACA (Box 20700), 2108 E. Elliot Rd., Tempe, AZ 85284-1806

Save a full copy of everything and your tracking number.

Is there a checklist I can print?

What if USCIS sends it back?

A rejected packet is not filed. USCIS mails it back with a notice. Its DACA filing tips list the usual causes: no signature, a missing I-765 or I-765WS, old or mixed form editions, fee problems, required fields left blank, and Form I-821 sent instead of I-821D (USCIS filing tips, checked October 21, 2026). Fix the problem and mail it again right away, because your 150 to 120 day window keeps running.

Where can I get free help?

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

• For San Mateo County residents: Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto, (650) 326-6440; Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County, (650) 558-0915; Immigration Institute of the Bay Area (Redwood City consultations), (650) 587-1558; Catholic Charities, (650) 295-2160
• For Santa Clara County residents: Office of Immigrant Relations partners
• Anywhere in California: the state's map of free immigration legal services, or call (916) 651-8017.

Related questions

• Who can help me file my DACA application in California?
• Can I get help paying my DACA renewal fee?
• What do I need to apply for DACA the first time?

Full guide: Renew DACA by mail