TWC asking for TX drivers license when I live in Oklahoma - what to enter?
I'm in a weird situation with my unemployment claim. I live in Oklahoma but my last job was in Texas (commuted across state line). I initially filed for unemployment in Oklahoma, but they told me since my work was in TX, I need to file with Texas Workforce Commission instead. When I started the TWC application online, it asked for my Texas driver's license number. Problem is - I don't have a Texas license since I've always lived in Oklahoma! I tried putting my OK license number but got an error saying the format wasn't right. Has anyone dealt with this before? Should I just leave it blank? Call TWC? The website is so confusing and I'm worried my application will get rejected or delayed if I do this wrong. I really need these benefits since I got laid off last month.
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Sean O'Connor
I had almost the same situation but reversed (Texas resident who worked in Louisiana). For the driver's license field, select the option that says 'I don't have a TX license' or something like that. Then it should give you an option to enter your out-of-state license instead. If that option isn't there, call TWC to ask, but prepare to wait on hold FOREVER.
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Anastasia Sokolov
•Thanks for responding! I didn't see that option anywhere on the form, but maybe I missed it? I'll go back and check again tonight. The hold times are insane right now - I tried calling twice already and gave up after 45 minutes both times.
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Zara Ahmed
Ugh thats so anoying!! The twc site is THE WORST for out of state people. My cousin had same problem and he just put all zeros and then explained in the comments section at the end. His claim got approved eventually.
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Luca Conti
•DO NOT put all zeros! I work with workforce programs and this will definitely flag your application for manual review which adds 3-4 weeks to processing time. There should be a dropdown where you select the ID type. Choose 'Out-of-state license' and then enter your Oklahoma license number. The system accepts it even if it gives that error about format.
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Nia Johnson
If you're having trouble reaching TWC about your inter-state claim issue, try Claimyr (claimyr.com). It helped me get through to a TWC agent in about 15 minutes when I had a similar out-of-state employer situation. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh For your specific issue though - there should definitely be an option for out-of-state ID. The TWC system is designed to handle interstate claims since lots of people work across state lines, especially in border areas.
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Zara Ahmed
•Is that service legit? seems sketchy to me
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Nia Johnson
•Yeah, it's legitimate. I was skeptical too but was desperate after trying for 3 days to get through. It basically keeps redialing for you and gets you in the queue. Saved me hours of frustration, especially with my complicated interstate claim.
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CyberNinja
This is a common issue with interstate claims. I've helped several clients navigate this exact situation. Here's what you need to do: 1. In the identification section, there's a dropdown menu for ID type. Select "Other state-issued ID" 2. Enter your Oklahoma license number 3. In the comments/notes section at the end, explain you're an Oklahoma resident who worked in Texas After you submit, TWC will process your claim as an interstate claim. You may need to provide wage verification from your Texas employer. Be prepared that interstate claims typically take 2-3 weeks longer to process than standard claims, as TWC will need to coordinate with Oklahoma for certain verification details. If you get stuck again, call the Interstate Claims department directly at 512-463-2999, which often has shorter wait times than the main line.
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Anastasia Sokolov
•This is incredibly helpful, thank you! I didn't know there was a special interstate claims department number. I'll definitely use that if I need to call. I found the dropdown you mentioned and was able to select my OK license. Submitted my claim today with the explanation in the notes section.
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Mateo Lopez
My brother had this issue. He just skipped that field entirely and his claim still went through fine. TWC called him later to verify identity using his SSN instead. The website is outdated garbage tbh
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Aisha Abdullah
•That's not good advice. Required fields are marked with an asterisk (*) and skipping them can cause your claim to be automatically rejected. The system was actually updated in 2023 to better handle interstate claims, but many people don't realize the options are there because they're not clearly labeled.
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Anastasia Sokolov
UPDATE: I wanted to let everyone know what ended up working. I found the dropdown for "Other state-issued ID" and entered my Oklahoma license. Submitted the claim and got an email confirmation right away. The TWC status page shows my claim is now pending with a message saying it's being processed as an interstate claim. Thank you all for the help!
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CyberNinja
•Great to hear! Just be aware that interstate claims do take longer to process - typically 21-30 days instead of the usual 14-21 days. Make sure you continue to request payment on your regular schedule even if your claim is still pending. Your first payment request would be due 2 weeks after your initial claim filing date.
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Anastasia Sokolov
•Thanks for the heads up about the timeline. And yes, I've already marked my calendar for the payment request date. Fingers crossed it all goes smoothly from here!
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