ESD identity verification asking for utility bill - what else can I use instead?

I went through this last month! They accepted my bank statement instead of a utility bill. Just make sure it shows your name and current address. They're basically looking for proof of residence along with the ID documents. You could also use a lease agreement, car registration, insurance statement, or even a W-2 from this year if it has your current address.

Thank you so much! I definitely have bank statements with my current address. Did you have to wait long after submitting your documents? I'm already 3 weeks into adjudication and getting nervous.

This whole verification thing is RIDICULOUS!!! I had to do this twice because they claimed they couldn't see my documents clearly the first time. Then they put me back in adjudication for another 2 weeks!!!! The ESD system is completely broken and designed to make you give up. Good luck getting through to anyone on the phone - I tried for DAYS.

Actually, there's a service called Claimyr that can help you get through to ESD on the phone. I used it last week when I was stuck in verification hell. It basically holds your place in line so you don't have to keep calling. Saved me hours of frustration. You can see how it works at claimyr.com or check out their demo video: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Worth it when you're desperate to talk to an actual person about your claim.

they dont make it easy do they lol. i used my car insurance statement when i did mine. took a selfie holding everything up and got approved in like 3 days

3 days?! That gives me hope. I've been checking my eServices account obsessively waiting for updates.

I'm having a similar issue right now! I submitted my cell phone bill instead of a utility bill since that's all I had. Been waiting over a week with no update. Anyone know if there's a way to check if they accepted my documents or if I need to submit something else? The anxiety is killing me because I really need this money for rent next month.

You should be able to see the status in your eServices account under

my cousin went thru this and they wanted a selfy with all the docs but she couldnt fit them all in one pic lol. She had to take multiple pics and they kept rejecting them. so frustrating!!

Oh no! That's a good point - I didn't think about how I'm going to fit all these documents in one selfie. Maybe I'll lay them out on a table and stand above them?

Here's a detailed breakdown of acceptable documents for ESD identity verification (I went through this process in January 2025):\n\nPrimary documents (need at least 2):\n- Driver's license/state ID\n- Passport\n- Social security card\n- Birth certificate\n\nSecondary documents for address verification (need at least 1):\n- Utility bill (electric, water, gas)\n- Bank statement\n- Lease agreement\n- Insurance documents\n- Car registration\n- Tax documents\n- Medical bills\n- School records\n\nMake sure all documents are current (within 90 days for bills/statements) and clearly show your name and address. Take the photos in good lighting and make sure all information is clearly legible.

I tried using my fishing license as ID and they rejected it lol. Had to go get a replacement social security card which took another 2 weeks. Should have read this list first!

Update: I submitted my documents yesterday using my bank statement instead of a utility bill as suggested. Now just waiting and hoping they accept everything! I'll post again when I hear something back from ESD. Thanks everyone for the helpful suggestions!

Good luck! One more tip - if they do reject anything, make sure to resubmit right away with clearer photos. Sometimes the rejection isn't because of the document type but just image quality. And don't hesitate to call if it's been more than a week with no response.

Just wanted to add that I used my voter registration card along with my lease agreement when I went through this process a couple months ago. The voter registration worked great as an additional form of ID verification since it had my current address on it. Also, pro tip for the selfie - I found it easier to hold just 2-3 documents at a time and take multiple photos rather than trying to cram everything into one shot. They were totally fine with me submitting 3 separate selfies as long as each one clearly showed me holding the documents. Made the whole process way less stressful!