TWC unemployment with out-of-state ID - can I still file in Texas?
Hey y'all, I recently lost my job here in Austin (been here about 8 months) but my driver's license is still from Oklahoma. When I tried starting my unemployment application online, I got confused at the identification part. Will TWC accept my out-of-state ID or am I gonna have problems? I've been paying taxes in Texas and my employer is here, just never got around to switching my license over. Anyone dealt with this before? Getting kinda worried since rent is due in 2 weeks...
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Omar Hassan
Yes, you can absolutely file for unemployment in Texas with an out-of-state ID. The important factor is where you worked, not where your ID is from. TWC bases eligibility on where your wages were reported and where you physically worked, not on your ID. When you file, just enter your Oklahoma license information accurately in the ID section. You may need to verify your identity through ID.me, but an out-of-state license is perfectly acceptable for that process too.
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Freya Larsen
•Thank you so much! That's a relief. When it asked for Texas ID info I freaked out a little. So I just put in my Oklahoma license number in that field? And yeah, I did see something about ID.me verification coming up later in the process.
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Chloe Taylor
The Texas Workforce Commission is RIDICULOUS about this stuff!! When I moved from Louisiana I had the SAME EXACT PROBLEM and spent WEEKS trying to get it resolved!!! They kept telling me different things every time I called (when I could even get through). One agent said I needed a TX ID first, another said it didn't matter, and a third told me I had to file in Louisiana even though I hadn't worked there in over a year!!! The system is designed to make you give up!!!
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ShadowHunter
•That's not accurate. While TWC can have communication issues sometimes, your eligibility is determined by where you worked, not your ID state. If you worked in Texas, you file in Texas. Period. The ID is just for verification purposes. The agent who told you to file in Louisiana was definitely wrong if you'd been working in Texas.
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Diego Ramirez
i had a pennsylvania license when i filed last year and it wasnt a problem. just make sure all your info matches exactly whats on ur id
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Freya Larsen
•Thanks! That's good to hear from someone who went through it. Did you have to do anything special during the ID.me verification part?
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Anastasia Sokolov
My cousin moved here from Arizona last year and had this same issue! He was so worried but ended up being fine. The important thing is that your employer paid unemployment taxes to Texas, not what state issued your ID card. He said the ID.me verification was the most annoying part but even that went through ok with his AZ license.
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Sean O'Connor
•When I did my ID.me verification with my out-of-state license last month, it kept failing the scan because of a slight smudge. After 3 tries I had to do a video call verification instead, which took forever to connect but eventually worked. Just a heads up that you might need good lighting when you scan your ID.
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Zara Ahmed
I struggled for two weeks trying to reach someone at TWC when I had issues with my claim that involved my ID from another state. Busy signals, disconnections, and automated systems that went nowhere. Then I found Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they got me connected to a TWC agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh. It was the only way I actually got my ID verification issue resolved without pulling my hair out.
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Freya Larsen
•Oh wow, I'll bookmark that in case I run into problems. Thanks for the tip! The TWC phone lines are already giving me anxiety just thinking about them.
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ShadowHunter
To give you the most accurate information: You file your unemployment claim in the state where you worked, regardless of where your ID was issued. Make sure to have your Oklahoma license handy, along with your Social Security card and employment information. Technically, Texas residents are supposed to get a Texas license within 90 days of moving here, but that has no bearing on your unemployment claim eligibility. Since your wages were reported in Texas, you file with TWC. For the ID.me verification, just follow the prompts carefully and make sure all information matches exactly what's on your documents. Out-of-state IDs are processed normally through their system.
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Freya Larsen
•This is super helpful, thank you! Yeah, I know I should've switched my license earlier - just one of those things I kept putting off. I've got my SSN card and all my employment info ready to go. Will tackle the application again tomorrow morning.
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Diego Ramirez
dont forget u need to do 3 work searches each week after u apply
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Freya Larsen
•Thanks for the reminder! I've been applying to jobs already but good to know I need at least 3 per week to report.
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Chloe Taylor
Watch out for the ID.me verification part!!! That's where most people get STUCK with out-of-state ID!! They have a facial recognition system that sometimes FAILS and then you're locked out for 24 HOURS before trying again! Took me FOUR ATTEMPTS to get through it!
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Omar Hassan
•This can happen with any ID, not just out-of-state ones. The key is good lighting and following the instructions carefully. If the automated system fails, there's an option to verify through a video call with a representative instead.
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Anastasia Sokolov
Just curious did u sort this out? my friend is moving here from florida next month and might be in the same boat
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Freya Larsen
•Yes! Finally got everything submitted yesterday. The out-of-state ID wasn't an issue at all during the initial application. I'm now waiting for the ID.me verification email they said would come in 2-3 days. Will update once I get through that part!
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ShadowHunter
Quick update for anyone finding this thread later: As of 2025, TWC uses ID.me for identity verification regardless of which state issued your ID. The process includes document scanning (driver's license/state ID) and a selfie for facial matching. For best results: 1. Use good lighting when scanning documents 2. Make sure your ID isn't damaged or heavily worn 3. If automatic verification fails, select the video chat option 4. Have multiple forms of ID available (passport, birth certificate, etc.) An out-of-state ID is completely acceptable for this process. The important factor for unemployment eligibility is where your wages were earned, not where your ID was issued.
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Freya Larsen
•Update: Got through the ID.me verification! My Oklahoma license worked fine. Had to try twice because of lighting issues the first time, but second attempt went through. Now waiting for my claim to be processed. Thanks everyone for the help!
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