How to apply for the CA Dream Act, step by step

This page covers how to fill out the form. It is not legal or financial advice.

Is this the right form for me?

If you cannot use the FAFSA, yes. There are two free aid forms. You fill out one, not both.

• The California Dream Act Application is for students who cannot use the federal FAFSA. The state says this includes undocumented students, students with DACA, and students with a U visa or Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
• The FAFSA is for U.S. citizens and other students who can get federal aid. It also counts for state aid.

You do not need DACA or a Social Security number to use the California Dream Act Application.

Is my information safe?

Worried about sharing your information? That is a fair question. The California Student Aid Commission says what you put on this application is used only to decide state aid. It says the information is not shared with the federal government and is not used for immigration enforcement. The colleges you list do receive your application.

What do I need before I start?

About an hour and the papers on this list. Gather them first.

• Email: the state asks you not to use a school email, since you may lose it after you graduate.
• Income: the 2027 to 2028 application asks about 2025 income. If you did not file a tax return, your W-2 forms or a record of what you earned will do.
• Your parents' information is needed only if your parents must be on the form (see What goes in the student and parent parts?).
• Schools: list every California high school, adult school or community college you attended. Old report cards or transcripts help with the dates.
• Social Security number or ITIN: optional on this form. The state says leaving it blank will not hurt your state aid.

How do I make my account?

1. Go to dream.csac.ca.gov and create an account.
2. Answer a few short questions that check if this is the right form for you.
3. Choose the 2027 to 2028 application. Picking the wrong year is a common mistake. If it happens, start the right year's application at once and tell your financial aid office.
4. Write down your username and password. Keep them with your important papers.

What goes in the student and parent parts?

Your part. You answer questions about you, your 2025 income, your savings and your family size.

Your parents' part. Most students who are under 24 and single must include a parent's information. The form asks a few questions first, about things like marriage, children, military service, foster care or being homeless, that decide if you need it. If the form says you need a parent, your parent's information is required, even if your parent lives in another country.

Parent cannot or will not help? That is hard, and it happens. Fill in what you can and call your college's financial aid office. Do not leave it unfinished without asking.

What are the in state tuition questions?

A short section of the application works as your California Nonresident Tuition Exemption affidavit, often called the AB 540 affidavit. It asks about:

• The California schools you attended and when
• What you finished in California, such as high school graduation or an equivalency certificate

When you submit, the state sends this to the colleges you listed. If you are undocumented, you are also signing a promise to apply to legalize your status once you are able to.

The rules for who qualifies are on Paying for college. Some colleges, including UC campuses, may still ask you for their own form. Turn it in if they ask.

How do I list my colleges?

Add up to 10 California colleges. Use each school's code from the list inside the application. You can add more later, but if you already have 10, a new one replaces an old one.

You will also see a question about the Dream Act Service Incentive Grant. Answering "yes" there is not the full application. That grant has its own application later, inside your WebGrants account.

How do I sign and submit?

1. You sign electronically.
2. One parent signs, if parent information was required. Your parent can sign during your session, or later through the online parent signature page. Your application will not be processed until a parent signature is in.
3. Submit, and stay on the confirmation page. Read it closely and fix any errors it shows.

What happens after I submit?

Watch your email, then make your WebGrants account. Here is the full list:

• Watch your email for your Dream ID. The state emails you a nine digit Dream ID number.
• Make a WebGrants 4 Students account with your Dream ID. There you can see your status, whether you are being considered for a Cal Grant, and your next steps. Later you can update your school or address there.
• Check your GPA. To be considered for a Cal Grant, the state needs your GPA. High schools send seniors' GPAs by October 1 unless the student opted out. Ask your counselor to confirm your GPA was sent, then look for it in WebGrants. If you are already in college or graduated a while ago, ask your college or high school how to send it. Community college students need a verified GPA in by September 2.
• Answer your colleges quickly. The state sends your application to every college you listed. A college may ask for more papers, such as tax forms or proof of income. Your aid can wait until you send them.
• Look for your aid offer. Each college sends its own offer. Timing is different at each school.
• Do it again next year. You fill out a new application every year you want aid.

What if something goes wrong?

Here is what to do:

• You missed March 2: apply anyway. Community college students can still get a Cal Grant until September 2, 2027, and colleges may have their own money. Ask your financial aid office what is left.
• WebGrants says something is missing: check for a missing parent signature, a missing GPA, or the wrong aid year. Call the state or your financial aid office.
• You made a mistake: log back in and correct it. Ask your financial aid office if you are not sure how.

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 workshops, October through June, where trained helpers walk you through the application. Find a workshop (California Student Aid Commission)
• California Student Aid Commission: questions about the application, your Dream ID or WebGrants. Call (888) 224-7268 or email studentsupport@csac.ca.gov. csac.ca.gov/undocumented
• Your high school counselor: your GPA and help with the form.
• Your college's financial aid office or Dream Resource Center: missing items, parent problems and your aid offer.
• 211: in many California counties, 211 connects families to local food, housing and other help. It does not cover every county; check 211ca.org for yours. 211: free help finding local services

You belong in college. Take the first step today.