Updated
ITIN for DACA Recipients: Tax ID Guide (2026)
When Does a DACA Family Need an ITIN?
- Undocumented spouse claimed as dependent on the DACA recipient's 1040
- Undocumented children under 19 (or under 24 if students) claimed as dependents
- DACA recipient before SSN issuance and needing to file
- Lapsed DACA status with no current SSN
- Mixed-status family filings (DACA recipient + undocumented spouse)
How Does an ITIN Affect DACA Status?
ITINs are issued by the IRS strictly for tax administration. IRC Section 6103 prohibits the IRS from sharing taxpayer information with other federal agencies (including USCIS and ICE) for non-tax purposes. Filing taxes under an ITIN does not appear on USCIS or DHS records; DACA renewal is unaffected by tax filings under an ITIN.
For related context, see ITIN for undocumented immigrants and ITIN for asylum seekers.
How Does a DACA Family Member Apply for an ITIN?
- W-7 reason code."d" for dependent, "e" for spouse.
- Documents.Passport, or a combination of foreign birth certificate and state-issued ID; the DACA recipient's Form 1040 listing the dependent.
- CAA submission. Avoids mailing originals to the IRS.
- Receive CP565 in 7-11 weeks.
- File or amend the joint or head-of-household return. The ITIN appears in the dependent column.
Frequently Asked Questions About ITIN for DACA Recipients
DACA recipients with valid Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) qualify for an SSN through the Social Security Administration and should use the SSN, not an ITIN. ITINs apply to DACA recipients before SSN issuance, to family members without SSN eligibility, and to DACA recipients whose status has lapsed.
Yes. Undocumented family members (spouse, children) of a DACA recipient who do not have SSNs need ITINs to be claimed as dependents on the DACA recipient's US tax return. Apply via Form W-7 reason code "d" (dependent) or "e" (spouse).
If DACA work authorization lapses, the SSN remains valid (the SSA does not retire SSNs based on visa status). However, the recipient cannot legally work in the US. For tax filing in lapsed status, the SSN still goes on the return. If a new SSN cannot be obtained for any reason, an ITIN replaces it.
No. The IRS does not share tax information with USCIS or ICE under current rules. Holding an ITIN or filing a tax return does not affect DACA renewal applications or current status. The IRS confidentiality rules (IRC 6103) apply to ITIN holders identically to SSN holders.
File Form W-7 with reason code "a" (filing 1040), "d" (dependent), or appropriate code. Supporting documents: passport (or birth certificate plus state ID combination), the tax return being filed, and the EAD or DACA approval notice. A CAA verifies documents to avoid mailing originals.
Need an ITIN for a DACA family member? Apply with a Certifying Acceptance Agent — $297 flat, ready in 7 days.