EDD PFL website error - 'Driver's license already assigned to account' preventing baby bonding claim
Has anyone dealt with this frustrating EDD PFL website issue? My husband is trying to file for baby bonding leave after our twins were born last month, but he keeps hitting a roadblock. When he gets to the 'file as claimant' page, an error pops up saying his driver's license is 'already assigned to an account.' He's 100% certain he's never created an account before (this is our first time dealing with CA benefits). We've been calling EDD every single day for over a week - mornings, afternoons, different numbers - but it's either busy signals or being disconnected after waiting. His employer is pressuring him to get this filed ASAP since his leave already started. How do we fix this driver's license error without being able to talk to an actual person? His paternity leave is ticking away and we're getting desperate!
27 comments


Ravi Choudhury
Oh man that SUCKS!! The same thing happened to my wife last year! She kept getting that stupid 'already assigned' message. Turns out someone had used her license # by mistake when they filed. Took FOREVER to get it fixed but keep trying!!
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Isabella Silva
•How long did it take and what finally worked?? We're on day 9 of calling with no luck ðŸ˜
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CosmosCaptain
This is actually a fairly common issue with the EDD system. There are a few possible causes: 1. Your husband previously registered for UI benefits years ago and forgot 2. Someone incorrectly entered his license number (data entry error) 3. There's a duplicate record in the EDD system Unfortunately, this DOES require speaking with a representative to verify identity and fix the account issue. They'll need to merge accounts or clear the license number from the incorrect account.
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Isabella Silva
•Thank you! #2 or #3 seem likely since he's never filed for benefits before. Just wish we could actually reach someone to fix it!
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Freya Johansen
try creating an account using his passport number instead of drivers license. worked for me.
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Isabella Silva
•He tried that yesterday but it said he needed to use his DL since that's what's on his state tax records. Thanks for the suggestion though!
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Omar Fawzi
After spending WEEKS trying to get through to EDD about my maternity leave claim, I finally discovered Claimyr and it literally saved my sanity. It got me connected to an actual EDD rep in about 20 minutes when I'd been trying for days on my own. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 You just go to claimyr.com and follow the instructions. The rep I got was able to fix my account issue immediately. Worth every penny when you're dealing with something this important and time-sensitive.
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Chloe Wilson
•is that legit?? seems sketchy that you have to pay to talk to a govt agency
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Diego Mendoza
I'm an HR benefits coordinator and see this issue quite often with employees filing for PFL. The driver's license error typically happens when: 1. The claimant had a previous EDD claim (even years ago) 2. There was an identity verification glitch in the system 3. Someone else mistakenly used the DL number Here's what has worked for my employees: - Try calling right when they open at 8:00 AM - Use the technical support number (not the general claims number) - Have your husband ask his employer's HR department if they have a direct contact at EDD - Submit a written identity verification request through the online portal For baby bonding PFL claims, your husband has up to 12 months after birth to file, though I understand wanting to get the benefits started ASAP. Make sure he keeps documentation of all attempts to contact EDD.
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Isabella Silva
•This is so helpful, thank you! We'll try the technical support number tomorrow morning. His HR department is pretty small (startup company) but I'll have him check if they have any EDD contacts.
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Ravi Choudhury
btw when this happened to us it took like 3 weeks to get fixed and they had to delete the old account completely. EDD is the WORST!!!! good luck with the twins, thats a lot to handle!!
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Isabella Silva
•3 weeks?! That's awful! I'm afraid his entire 8 weeks of PFL will be over before we get this fixed 😞 And yes, twins are no joke - really need him home to help!
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Anastasia Romanov
I had this exact problem when filing my PFL claim for my mother's caregiving last month. After trying everything, I finally got through using the Claimyr service someone else mentioned. It was $15 but saved me DAYS of frustration. The EDD rep I spoke with said this driver's license error is happening a lot lately due to a system update they did in January. They had to manually reset something on my account to fix it. You absolutely need to talk to a human to get this resolved.
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Isabella Silva
•Thank you, it's good to know what fixed it! At this point we'd gladly pay $15 to get through - his missing work pay is way more than that each day.
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CosmosCaptain
Just wanted to add - make sure your husband has his EDD Customer Account Number (EDDCAN) ready if he's had any previous interaction with EDD. Also have the twins' birth certificate information available as they'll need to verify that for baby bonding PFL. When he does get through, make sure they fully resolve the driver's license issue rather than just pushing the claim through - otherwise he might have problems with future certifications.
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Isabella Silva
•Update: Used Claimyr this morning and got through to EDD in about 25 mins! The rep was super helpful. Turns out someone with a similar DL number had been entered incorrectly years ago. They fixed it and helped him submit his claim. Thanks everyone for your help!!
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Samuel Robinson
So glad you got it resolved! This exact thing happened to my brother when he filed for PFL after his daughter was born. The driver's license mixup is apparently super common - the EDD rep told him they see it almost daily. For anyone else dealing with this, definitely keep documentation of when you started trying to file because EDD can backdate your claim to cover the time you were stuck dealing with their system error. Congrats on the twins and hope your husband gets to enjoy his bonding time with them!
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QuantumQuester
•That's such a relief to hear it worked out! I'm dealing with a similar issue right now trying to file for my own maternity leave - keep getting different error messages when I try to create an account. It's so frustrating that these system glitches are so common but there's no easy way to fix them without spending hours trying to reach someone. Good to know about the backdating option too, I'll definitely ask about that when I finally get through. Enjoy those precious newborn days with your twins!
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Hannah White
This driver's license error is so frustrating! I ran into something similar when I was trying to file for disability benefits last year. What worked for me was calling the EDD Identity Verification unit directly at (866) 401-2849 instead of the main number. They specialize in these account issues and seemed to have shorter wait times. I also found that calling around 2 PM on weekdays worked better than the morning rush. Make sure your husband has his Social Security card, birth certificate, and driver's license ready when he calls - they'll want to verify everything over the phone. Hope this helps and congratulations on your twins!
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Yara Nassar
•Thanks for sharing that direct number! I wish I had known about the Identity Verification unit earlier - would have saved us so much time and stress. It's really helpful to know there are specialized departments for these specific issues. For anyone else reading this thread, I'd definitely recommend trying that number (866) 401-2849 first before going through the general claims line. The afternoon timing tip is great too - we were always calling first thing in the morning when everyone else probably was too. Appreciate all the helpful advice from everyone here!
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Sean Kelly
I'm so sorry you're going through this stress with a newborn! I had a similar driver's license error when filing for PFL after my son was born. What finally worked for me was submitting a "Request for Identity Verification" form through the EDD online portal under "Contact EDD." Even though it says it takes 10-14 days to process, they actually called me back within 3 business days. The rep was able to clear the license issue and walk me through filing the claim over the phone. I know it's frustrating when you need the benefits to start, but at least this gives you a paper trail while you keep trying to call. Also, make sure your husband saves screenshots of every error message - EDD can use those to expedite the fix when you do get through to someone. Hang in there!
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Oliver Brown
•That's a great tip about the online Request for Identity Verification form! I had no idea that was an option and it sounds like it might be faster than waiting on hold for hours. The screenshot documentation advice is really smart too - I bet that helps the reps understand exactly what error you're seeing. It's so helpful to have all these different approaches to try when the main phone lines are impossible to get through. Thanks for sharing what worked for you!
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Brianna Muhammad
I work for a mid-sized company and we see this driver's license error fairly regularly with employees filing PFL claims. What I've noticed is that EDD's system sometimes creates "ghost accounts" during their verification process, especially if someone starts an application but doesn't complete it. The license gets flagged as "in use" even though no active account exists. The fastest resolution I've seen is when employees contact their state assemblyperson's office - most have constituent services that can escalate EDD issues directly. It's free and they often get responses within 48-72 hours versus weeks of trying to call. Your assemblyperson's office can be found at findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov. Worth trying alongside the other suggestions here. Congrats on the twins and hope your husband gets his bonding time soon!
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Roger Romero
•Wow, I had no idea about contacting your assemblyperson's office for EDD issues! That's such valuable information - I never would have thought of that as an option. The "ghost account" explanation makes so much sense too, especially if the system is creating partial records during incomplete applications. It's really helpful to know there are multiple avenues to try when you're stuck in EDD limbo. Thanks for sharing that resource - I'm definitely bookmarking findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov for future reference!
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ShadowHunter
I'm going through something very similar right now! My partner is trying to file for PFL after our daughter was born 3 weeks ago, and we keep getting the exact same "driver's license already assigned to account" error. It's been absolutely maddening trying to get through to EDD - I swear their phone system is designed to make you give up. Reading through all these responses gives me hope though. We're going to try the Identity Verification unit number someone mentioned (866) 401-2849 and also look into contacting our assemblyperson's office. It's so frustrating that such a common system error requires jumping through so many hoops to fix. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and solutions - it really helps to know we're not alone in dealing with this nightmare!
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Daniela Rossi
•I feel your frustration completely! It's infuriating that new parents have to deal with these system errors when they should be focusing on their babies. Definitely try that Identity Verification number (866) 401-2849 - it seems like several people here have had better luck with that direct line. The assemblyperson office tip is brilliant too, I wish more people knew about that option! Don't give up - from what I'm reading it sounds like once you get the right person on the phone, they can actually fix it pretty quickly. Hang in there and congratulations on your daughter! 💕
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Javier Hernandez
I'm a new parent dealing with this EXACT same issue right now! My wife gave birth to our son 2 weeks ago and I've been trying to file for baby bonding PFL but keep hitting that same "driver's license already assigned to account" error. It's incredibly stressful when you're already sleep-deprived and trying to support your partner and new baby. Reading through all these responses has been a lifesaver - I had no idea about the Identity Verification unit at (866) 401-2849 or the option to contact our assemblyperson's office. I'm definitely going to try both of those tomorrow. It's really encouraging to see that Isabella got her issue resolved with Claimyr too, though I wish we didn't have to pay a third party to access our own government benefits. The "ghost account" explanation makes total sense - I actually did start filling out some forms online a few weeks before our son was born just to see what the process looked like, but never submitted anything. That's probably what triggered this mess. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences and solutions. It gives me hope that we can get this sorted out soon. The bonding time with your newborn is so precious and it's heartbreaking that these system glitches are eating into that time for so many families.
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