Renewing your DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) on time is essential to keep your work permit valid and protect yourself from removal. In 2026, the renewal process remains straightforward if you prepare correctly. This guide walks you through every step, the forms you need, the documents to gather, and the mistakes to avoid.
Who Can Renew DACA in 2026?
You can renew DACA if you currently have or previously had DACA and it expired or will expire soon. You must not have departed the US since your last DACA approval, and you must not have disqualifying criminal convictions. If you've never had DACA, new initial applications are generally not being accepted under current rules — but renewals continue.
The Forms You Need
A DACA renewal requires two forms filed together:
- ✓Form I-821D — Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.
- ✓Form I-765 — Application for Employment Authorization (with the (c)(33) category).
- ✓The I-765 Worksheet — to explain your economic need for employment.
Documents to Include
For a renewal, your document package is simpler than an initial application:
- ✓A copy of your current or most recent EAD (work permit).
- ✓A copy of your previous DACA approval notice (I-797).
- ✓Two passport-style photos taken within the last 30 days.
- ✓The required filing fees for both forms.
- ✓Any updated evidence if your circumstances have changed.
When to File Your Renewal
USCIS recommends filing your DACA renewal between 150 and 120 days before your current DACA and work permit expire. Filing in this window helps ensure your new work permit arrives before the old one expires, so you don't lose your job or your protection. Filing too early or too late can cause gaps in coverage.
The Renewal Timeline
After you file, you'll receive a receipt notice within 2 to 3 weeks. Biometrics may or may not be required for renewals. Processing typically takes 3 to 6 months, though times vary by service center. Once approved, your new EAD and DACA approval notice arrive by mail.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✓Filing too late and letting your work permit expire.
- ✓Forgetting to include the I-765 Worksheet.
- ✓Using the wrong eligibility category on the I-765.
- ✓Not including a copy of your previous DACA approval.
- ✓Missing signatures or sending the wrong fee amount.
"A timely DACA renewal protects your job, your driver's license, and your peace of mind. Don't wait until the last minute."
Get Help With Your DACA Renewal
DACA renewals are one of the most common services document preparers provide. A trained preparer can help you complete the I-821D and I-765 accurately, gather the right documents, and file on time. If you want to learn to prepare DACA renewals professionally, our immigration form preparer training covers the full process step by step.
Esmeralda Maya — Founder & Lead Instructor at DoPapers.com
Esmeralda Maya is a Colombian-born entrepreneur, educator, and the founder of DoPapers, an online training platform designed to teach bilingual professionals how to complete U.S. immigration forms and start their own document preparation businesses. After immigrating to the United States in 1985, she earned a degree from Florida State University and initially pursued a career in education. In 2005, she pivoted to the legal document services industry, establishing Forms Preparation Service LLC in West Palm Beach, Florida. Over the next two decades, Maya leveraged her firsthand experience navigating the complex immigration system to develop comprehensive educational courses, transitioning her brick-and-mortar consulting expertise into the scalable digital curriculum now offered through DoPapers.
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