Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) has been a pivotal program for immigrants who arrived in the United States as children. For many, DACA provides a shield from deportation and access to essential work permits, enabling recipients to build lives and careers in their adopted home country. A comprehensive understanding of the DACA program is crucial, as it offers not just protection, but also a pathway to educational and professional opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.
As the legal landscape continues to evolve, DACA recipients in California need to stay informed about the renewal process and available legal support. In 2025, DACA renewals require careful attention to deadlines, fee changes, and legal considerations.

What is DACA?

DACA, introduced in 2012, provides temporary protection from deportation and work authorization to undocumented individuals who arrived in the U.S. as children, met education or military service requirements, and had no significant criminal background. Despite legal challenges, including ongoing litigation, the program remains in effect in certain regions, allowing recipients to renew their status periodically.
As of 2025, USCIS continues to accept DACA renewals, but applicants must be aware of key updates and legal changes, particularly in California where the legal landscape can vary. Navigating the renewal process requires understanding new requirements and potential regional differences that may affect applicants' ability to renew their status.

DACA Renewal Requirements in 2025

Here are the updated requirements and steps to follow for DACA renewal in 2025:

1. Eligibility for Renewal
To be eligible for DACA renewal, you must have previously been granted DACA status and be renewing your application before it expires or within one year of the expiration date. If your DACA has expired for more than a year, you will not be able to renew it; instead, you will need to submit an initial request, which may not be granted as of the latest rulings in 2025.
If your DACA status has not expired, it's important to renew it before the expiration date to maintain continuous protection. As a general rule, applicants should submit their renewal applications between 150 and 120 days before the expiration date to avoid disruptions in their work authorization.

2. Tracking Your Expiration Date
Your DACA expiration date is included on your I-797 Notice of Action form, which you received when your DACA was approved. It is also listed on your Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Keep track of this date to ensure that you apply within the correct window for renewal.

3. Online Filing Option
In 2025, USCIS will allow DACA renewals to be filed online, making the process easier by enabling applicants to complete, submit, and track their applications from home. To apply online, you must create a free USCIS account, allowing you to submit Form I-821D (DACA) and Form I-765 (Employment Authorization), along with necessary supporting documents.
Some applicants may also be required to attend a biometrics appointment for fingerprinting and photographs. If so, USCIS will send a notice with appointment details. Missing the appointment could delay or result in the denial of your renewal request.

4. Required Forms and Supporting Documents
When renewing your DACA, you must submit the following forms:

• Form I-821D: This form is used to request DACA renewal.
• Form I-765: This form is for requesting employment authorization.
• Form I-765WS: This form must be completed in paper format and uploaded when filing online. It is used to provide information on your financial need for work authorization.

To avoid delays or complications, make sure all the information you provide is consistent with your previous DACA application. If you do not have a copy of your previous application, review the instructions provided by USCIS carefully to ensure that all fields are completed accurately.

5. Payment of Fees
As of April 2024, the cost of DACA renewal has increased. The filing fee for online submissions is $555, which includes:

• $470 for Form I-765 (Employment Authorization)
• $85 for biometric services

The total cost for submitting a paper application is $605. You can pay through the USCIS online portal using a credit card, debit card, prepaid card, or bank account withdrawal.
Some fee exemptions are available, but they apply only under specific circumstances. If you are unable to pay the renewal fees, consider contacting local immigrant rights organizations or programs like the DACA Renewal Fund, which can offer financial assistance.

6. Financial Assistance
In California, there are several organizations that can help with DACA renewal fees:

• Mission Asset Fund: Provides low-interest loans to cover the cost of DACA fees.
• Self-Help Credit Union: Offers a loan program to help pay for DACA renewals and other application costs.
• United We Dream DACA Renewal Fund: Offers financial assistance to eligible applicants.

If you're a student or part of a community group, check with your school, faith-based organizations, or employer for additional support.

7. Biometrics and Appointment Notices
Certain applicants may be asked to attend a biometrics appointment. If your application is selected, you will receive a notice with instructions on where and when to attend. Biometrics appointments are a critical part of the renewal process, and failure to attend can delay or prevent your renewal.

8. Request for Evidence (RFE)
In some cases, USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) if there is missing information or if the agency requires additional documentation to process your application. If you receive an RFE, it's important to respond within the given timeframe with the requested information. Failure to do so will result in a denial of your renewal application.

9. Approval and EAD Card
Once your renewal application is approved, USCIS will issue a new Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which is valid for two years. You will be notified by mail once your EAD is approved. It's important to keep track of the expiration date of your new card and begin the renewal process well in advance.

DACA Renewal Requirements Attorney in California

The DACA renewal process in California can be challenging due to ongoing legal changes. To ensure timely and accurate submissions, DACA recipients can seek help from organizations like Immigrants Rising and United We Dream, which offer free or low-cost services. For those with concerns about criminal records or prior law enforcement interactions, consulting with experienced immigration lawyers in California is crucial. Given the state's unique immigration landscape, working with professionals familiar with local laws is essential.
In 2025, DACA renewals require careful attention to deadlines, proper documentation, and adherence to USCIS requirements. With increased application fees and potential legal complexities, seeking professional legal support is vital. Bulldog Law offers expert guidance to help ensure your renewal application is properly filed, protecting your rights throughout the process.