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Andre Lefebvre

Can't log into EDD account without CA driver's license - help!

Hey everyone, I'm having trouble logging into my account because I don't have a California driver's license. They keep telling me I need one to verify my identity, but I'm not from California. Has anyone else run into this issue? What other forms of ID can I use?

I found a way to solve non-California ID login issues, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vaTDy_4EPc

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I had the same problem! It's so frustrating that they assume everyone has a CA license. Have you tried using a passport or state ID from where you're from? Those worked for me after I called and explained my situation.

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Thanks for the suggestion! I do have a passport, but I wasn't sure if they'd accept it. I'll give it a try and see what happens.

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Passport should def work. They gotta accept federal ID, right? 🤔

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Yeah, federal ID should be fine. Let us know how it goes, OP!

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ugh, the system is so broken. why cant they make it easier for people from out of state? its not like were all trying to commit fraud or something 🙄

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I found a way to actually get someone on the phone about this. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM

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Sounds too good to be true. Does it really work?

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Yeah, it actually does! I was skeptical at first too, but I was desperate. Got through in about an hour instead of calling for days.

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$20 tho? Thats kinda steep for just a phone call...

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I get it, but for me, it was worth it to finally get my issue resolved. Time is money, you know?

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Have you tried contacting them through social media? Sometimes their Twitter support is more responsive than phone or email.

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I didn't even think of that! Do you know their Twitter handle?

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It's @CA_EDD. Good luck!

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OK, let me break this down for you: 1. California Resident ID: If you live in CA but don't drive, you can get a state ID from the DMV. It works just like a driver's license for identification purposes. 2. Out-of-State ID: If you're not a CA resident, your home state's driver's license or ID should work. They might need to verify it differently, but it's valid ID. 3. Passport: As others mentioned, a US passport is always a solid form of ID. 4. Social Security Card: While not a photo ID, it can be used in combination with other documents. 5. Birth Certificate: Again, not a photo ID, but useful in combination. 6. Military ID: If you're a veteran or active service member, this works great. 7. Tribal ID: For Native American citizens, a federally recognized tribal ID is valid. The key is to have multiple forms of ID ready. If one doesn't work, try another or a combination. And don't be afraid to escalate to a supervisor if the front-line staff isn't helpful. Remember, it's their job to verify your identity, not to make it impossible for you to access services you're entitled to. Hope this helps! Let us know what ends up working for you.

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Wow, thank you so much for this detailed breakdown! This is incredibly helpful. I'll gather a few of these and try again.

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This should be pinned or something. So many people have this issue!

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MVP right here 👆💯

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lol welcome to bureaucracy hell. where common sense goes to die and we all suffer 🤡

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I went through this exact same nightmare last year! What finally worked for me was uploading my out-of-state driver's license AND my Social Security card together through their document upload portal. The trick is to call first (I know, I know... good luck getting through) and ask them to make a note on your account that you're submitting alternative ID due to being an out-of-state resident. They have a process for this, they just don't make it obvious. Also, make sure your documents are super clear scans - blurry photos get rejected automatically. Hang in there, it's frustrating but definitely solvable!

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This is super helpful! I'm dealing with the same issue right now. Quick question - when you called to have them make a note on your account, did you have to speak to a specific department or just the general customer service line? I've been bounced around between different departments and want to make sure I'm talking to the right people.

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@Charity Cohan That s'exactly the kind of detailed info we need more of! I m'curious - how long did it take for them to process your documents after you uploaded them with the account note? And did you get any confirmation that they received/accepted the alternative ID setup?

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@Charity Cohan This is gold! I ve'been struggling with this for weeks. Do you remember roughly how long the whole process took once you got the account note added? And did they send you any kind of confirmation email or notification when they accepted your alternative ID docs? I want to make sure I m'not just waiting around indefinitely if something goes wrong.

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@Charity Cohan This is really helpful - thank you for sharing the specifics! I m'curious about one more thing: when you uploaded the documents together, did you combine them into one file or upload them as separate documents? I want to make sure I do this right the first time since I ve'heard they can be pretty strict about the format and submission process.

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@Charity Cohan This is such a lifesaver! I ve'been banging my head against the wall for weeks trying to figure this out. One more question - when you say document "upload portal, are" you talking about the main EDD website portal or is there a separate upload system? I want to make sure I m'using the right one since I ve'seen some people mention different upload methods. Also, did you have to wait for the account note to be added before uploading, or could you do both at the same time? Thanks again for the detailed breakdown - this gives me hope that I can actually get this sorted out! 🙏

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I'm dealing with this same issue right now! Been trying to access my PFL benefits but keep hitting this wall with the CA license requirement. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences here - it's reassuring to know I'm not the only one struggling with this. @NeonNomad your breakdown is incredibly helpful, thank you! I have a passport and out-of-state license, so I'll try the combination approach. @Charity Cohan your step-by-step process sounds like exactly what I need to try. It's frustrating that they make this so difficult for out-of-state folks, but at least there seems to be a path forward. Will update once I make some progress!

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@Marcus Patterson I m'in the exact same boat! Just moved here from Texas and dealing with this nightmare too. It s'wild how they make it seem like having a CA license is the only option when clearly there are workarounds. I m'going to try the passport + Social Security card combo that @NeonNomad mentioned first, and if that doesn t'work, I ll'follow @Charity Cohan s process'with calling ahead to get the account note. Really hoping one of these approaches works because I ve been'waiting on my PFL benefits for over a month now. This thread is a goldmine - thanks everyone for sharing your experiences!

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Just wanted to add my experience to help others - I'm military and was stationed in CA temporarily but kept my home state license. What worked for me was using my military ID along with my Social Security card. The key was being persistent and polite when explaining my situation. I also recommend having your orders or proof of temporary residence ready if you're in a similar situation. The representative I finally reached was actually very understanding once I explained that I was military and couldn't change my state of residence. Don't give up - there are definitely ways around the CA license requirement, you just have to find the right person who knows the system!

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Thank you for sharing your military experience! That's really helpful to know that military ID + Social Security card worked for you. I'm not military myself, but your point about being persistent and polite is spot on. I think a lot of us get frustrated (understandably) and that might work against us when dealing with customer service. It's also good to hear that some reps are actually understanding once they grasp the situation - gives me hope that I'll eventually find someone who can help me navigate this mess!

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