ESD application asks for driver's license expiration date but mine says MILITARY - how to proceed?
I'm trying to file a new unemployment claim for 2025 and I'm stuck at the driver's license information section. The ESD application is asking for the expiration date on my license, but my military ID doesn't have a traditional expiration date - it just says "MILITARY" where the date would normally be. Has anyone else run into this issue? Is there a specific format I need to use, or should I just put today's date? I don't want my claim to get flagged for verification issues since I've heard that can delay benefits for weeks. Any advice would be appreciated!
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Lourdes Fox
I had this exact problem last year! What you need to do is enter 12/31/2099 in the expiration field. That's what the ESD rep told me to do over the phone when I called about this. The system accepts it and it won't flag your claim. They're aware that military IDs don't always have standard expiration dates.
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Teresa Boyd
•Thank you so much! I'll try entering 12/31/2099 right now. I was really worried about messing up my application. Did your claim process normally after you entered that date?
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Lourdes Fox
•Yep, it went through fine! Just make sure you have your actual military ID ready if they ever need to verify your identity. Sometimes they'll schedule a phone interview for verification, but in my case they didn't even ask about it again.
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Bruno Simmons
Cant u just call the ESD and ask them? seems like somthing they shuold know
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Teresa Boyd
•I've been trying to call them all morning but keep getting the "high call volume" message and then it hangs up. That's why I came here to ask while I keep trying.
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Aileen Rodriguez
•Good luck with that! I spent 3 days trying to reach someone at ESD last month. The phone system is beyond frustrating - either busy signals or it just disconnects you after 20 minutes on hold.
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Zane Gray
Military IDs and this situation are actually something ESD deals with regularly. There are a couple of options: 1. Use 12/31/2099 as mentioned above (this is the official workaround) 2. If your military ID has an issue date, you can calculate when it would expire (typically 4 years) and use that date 3. If you're still active duty, you can use your expected separation date The most important thing is to be consistent with whatever date you choose if you have to discuss it later during any verification process. Also, make sure the rest of your ID information is entered correctly - the ID number is especially important.
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Teresa Boyd
•Thank you for the detailed explanation! I'm actually a military spouse, so my ID doesn't have a separation date, but the 12/31/2099 solution sounds like the standard approach. I'll use that.
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Maggie Martinez
•This is very helpful. I'm wondering if the same applies to passport cards that don't have expiration dates? Would the 2099 date work for those too?
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Zane Gray
•For passport cards, you should enter the actual expiration date - all U.S. passport cards do have expiration dates (typically 10 years from issue for adults). If you're looking at a passport card that doesn't seem to have an expiration date, check both sides carefully or contact the State Department, as this would be unusual.
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Alejandro Castro
I had the WORST experience with this last year. I put in a random date because I didn't know what to do with my military ID, and my claim got flagged for identity verification which took 6 WEEKS to resolve!!! The system is so broken. They need to update their form to account for military IDs or at least provide instructions for this situation!
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Monique Byrd
•omg 6 weeks??? that's insane. i would have lost my apartment waiting that long
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Aileen Rodriguez
If you're still struggling to get through to ESD on the phone, I'd recommend trying Claimyr (claimyr.com). I was in the same boat last month - couldn't get through after days of trying. Their service got me connected to an ESD agent in about 25 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The agent I spoke with confirmed the 12/31/2099 approach for military IDs and fixed a couple other issues with my claim at the same time. Definitely worth it when you're stuck.
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Teresa Boyd
•Thanks for the suggestion! If I run into any more issues after trying the date solution, I'll definitely look into this. Getting stuck in the application process is so stressful when you're counting on that income.
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Alejandro Castro
•I wish I'd known about this service during my 6-week nightmare! Definitely bookmarking this for next time there's an issue.
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Maggie Martinez
Instead of just entering 12/31/2099, wouldn't it be better to leave it blank? Or maybe enter all zeros? I'm concerned about entering false information on a government form. Could that be considered fraud?
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Zane Gray
•This is a good question, but 12/31/2099 isn't considered false information in this context. It's actually an approved workaround that ESD staff recommend for military IDs. The online system requires a date in a specific format, and leaving it blank or entering zeros would cause the application to be rejected automatically. Since this is their official procedure for handling military IDs without expiration dates, it won't be flagged as fraudulent. Documentation of this unusual situation in your file is handled on their end once they process your military ID information.
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Bruno Simmons
my cousin works for the militarey and he said they have a special number u can call for this stuff. did u try the military support line?
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Teresa Boyd
•I didn't know there was a special number for military-related ESD issues. Do you know what it is? That could be really helpful.
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Bruno Simmons
•i dont have it sry but maybe check the esd website under military section?
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