TWC contact impossible with out-of-state DL - help for Texas nurse stuck in registration limbo

There's actually a specific workaround for this! When it asks for Texas DL, she should enter all zeros (like 00000000) and then on the next screen there should be an option to verify identity through other methods. She'll likely need to complete ID.me verification instead where she can upload her out-of-state license plus something showing Texas residency (utility bills, property tax statement, etc). If she's already tried that and it's still not working, getting through to TWC is definitely the way to go, but regular phone methods are nearly impossible these days.

I had this exact problem last year! I'm not in nursing, but I did have an out-of-state license while working in Texas. What finally worked for me was using the TWC Tele-Serv system (800-558-8321) instead of trying to register online. Select option 2, and when it asks for your TWC PIN just stay silent - it'll eventually transfer you to an agent. The key is calling right when they open at 8:00 AM on Tuesday or Wednesday (less volume than Monday). Still took me 5 attempts but eventually got through to someone who manually processed my initial claim without requiring a TX driver's license.

OMG the TWC phone system is THE WORST!!!!! I spent 3 weeks trying to get someone and never did. Ended up giving up and driving 2 hours to an actual TWC office (the one in San Antonio). Even then I had to wait 4 hours but at least I finally talked to a human!!! Not sure if that's an option for you but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do...

After spending weeks trying to get through to TWC just like you, I found this service called Claimyr that got me connected to a TWC rep in about 20 minutes instead of endless busy signals and disconnections. It basically keeps dialing for you until it gets through, then calls you when an agent is on the line. Saved me days of frustration. Their site is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh Definitely worth it for special cases like your roommate's where you absolutely need to talk to someone.

Your roommate NEEDS to get a Texas drivers license immediately!!! It's actually illegal to keep driving with an out-of-state license after 90 days of moving to Texas. The DPS website says "New Texas residents can legally drive with a valid, unexpired driver license from another state or country for up to 90 days after moving to Texas." Not trying to add stress, but that might be why TWC system is blocking her - the system assumes if she's been working in Texas long enough to qualify for unemployment, she should have a TX license by now. Just something to consider.

This system is RIDICULOUS! I'm a TX resident of 35 years and still couldn't get anyone to help me with my claim for THREE MONTHS last year. The whole "call right at 8am" thing is a joke - EVERYONE calls then so the lines are jammed. Try 10:30am on a Wednesday instead - worked for me twice. Also, has your roommate tried the "Contact TWC" form in the online portal? Sometimes (rarely) they actually respond to those, and it creates a paper trail of her trying to resolve the issue which could help if they try to deny benefits because of delayed filing.

hi there, just went thru something similar with my cousin who moved from oklahoma. what finally worked was having her create a new TWC account using her SSN only, then immediately requesting a PIN reset. for some reason this bypassed the DL verification for her and she got to the next step. not sure if it will work for everyone but worth a shot!

Just checking back - were you able to get through using any of these methods? The Tele-Serv option that @helpful_user1 mentioned is usually the most reliable in my experience. Also, worth noting that with her nursing background, she might qualify for certain priority processing since healthcare workers sometimes have different unemployment rules. Make sure to specifically mention she's a nurse when you do connect with someone.