Who can help me file my DACA application in California?

This is general information, not legal advice, and not a referral.

Who is allowed to help me?

Only two kinds of people may give you immigration legal advice:

• A licensed attorney.
• A DOJ accredited representative who works for a nonprofit recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice.

A notario is not a lawyer in the U.S. In California, immigration consultants must have a $100,000 bond and pass a background check, and they still may not give legal advice or tell you which form to file. If someone offers to "fix your papers" for cash, walk away. See Warning signs of an immigration scam.

Who helps with DACA in San Mateo County?

These are for San Mateo County residents. San Mateo County lists these providers for DACA. 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 (CLSEPA) (for low income San Mateo and Santa Clara county residents): (650) 326-6440. Serves low income residents of San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. DACA is one of its services. Walk ins Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• 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
• Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County (for San Mateo County residents): (650) 558-0915
• San Mateo County Immigrant Services (for San Mateo County residents): (650) 363-4194, immigrantservices@smcgov.org. Can point you to help.
• Coastside Hope (Half Moon Bay): DACA line 650-523-3538. First consultation $50; fee scholarships by income.

Who helps in Santa Clara County?

For Santa Clara County residents, the county's Office of Immigrant Relations partners with these groups on DACA renewals:

• Asian Law Alliance: (408) 287-9710
• Pars Equality Center (San Jose): (408) 261-6405
• Santa Clara University Community Law Center: (408) 288-7030, by appointment

SIREN in San Jose lists DACA clinics on October 29, November 12 and December 10, 2026. Call (408) 453-3003. No walk ins.

What if I live somewhere else in California?

• Use the state's map of free immigration legal services. It shows nonprofits funded by the California Department of Social Services. Or call (916) 651-8017.
• Search by ZIP code at ImmigrationLawHelp.org.
• An older state DACA help page (from the Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications) stopped being updated when that office closed on July 1, 2026. Use the CDSS map instead.

What if I live in another state?

• Search nonprofit legal providers by ZIP code at ImmigrationLawHelp.org.
• Check any organization on the DOJ list of recognized organizations and accredited representatives.
• Check a lawyer's license with that state's bar association.

DACA rules and fees are the same in every state. Only the mailing address for paper filings changes by state, so check the USCIS filing address page.

What will they do for me?

A good clinic will:

• Check that you still qualify, including any arrests, trips or court cases.
• Tell you whether to renew now, and when. USCIS asks you to file 120 to 150 days before your DACA ends.
• Help you fill out Forms I-821D, I-765 and the I-765WS worksheet, or file online.
• Review your packet before you send it.
• Check whether you might qualify for something stronger than DACA, like a green card.

Even with help, you sign the forms, and you pay the USCIS fee to USCIS only.

What will help cost me?

• The clinic. Many state funded nonprofits help for free. Some charge a small fee. Coastside Hope, for example, lists a $50 first consultation with scholarships by income. Ask the price before your appointment.
• The USCIS fee. $555 online or $605 on paper for a renewal, paid to USCIS. There are no fee waivers for DACA.
• Help with the USCIS fee. Mission Asset Fund lists a 0% loan for the $555 online fee for people in California. Its Bay Area grant covers DACA renewals only for people actively working toward lawful status. See Can I get help paying my DACA renewal fee?

Anyone who asks you to pay them the USCIS fee in cash, or to pay to "get you" a grant, is a red flag.

What should I say when I call?

What should I bring?

• Your last DACA approval notice and your work permit (front and back).
• Any letters from USCIS since your last renewal.
• Any arrest, ticket, charge or court paper since your last renewal, even if dismissed.
• Your current address and the dates of any moves.
• A way to pay: a card or bank account for an online filing or for Form G-1450 or G-1650.

How do I know a helper is real?

• Look up a lawyer on the State Bar search. The license should be active.
• Look up an accredited representative and their nonprofit on the DOJ roster.
• Be careful of anyone who promises a faster DACA for a fee. USCIS charges nothing to ask for a faster case.

You are not alone in this. These clinics are here to help people like you.

Related questions

• How do I fill out the DACA application forms?
• Can I get help paying my DACA renewal fee?
• What should DACA recipients do now?

Full guide: How to renew your DACA step by step. More providers: Free legal help in the Bay Area.