What to bring to your WIC appointment

You will need to bring proof of your household income, proof that you live in the state where you are explore, and proof of your identity. Most programs also ask for your Social Security number or a document that shows it. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone usually will not work. The specific documents vary slightly by state, but the categories are the same everywhere.

Your local WIC office will send you a list of accepted documents when you schedule your appointment. If you are unsure whether something counts, call ahead rather than showing up without it — you may have to reschedule if your paperwork is incomplete.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring an original or certified copy of your ID, your Social Security card or a document showing your number, and proof you live in the state.
  • Income proof can be a recent pay stub, tax return, a letter from your employer, or a benefits statement from another program.
  • If you receive SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid, you may be able to use that paperwork to show your income instead of bringing separate documents.
  • Bring your child's birth certificate and any medical records showing their age and current health status.
  • Your local WIC office sends a checklist when you schedule — call if you are unsure whether a document will work.

Proof of identity and Social Security number

Bring an original or certified copy of your driver's license, state ID card, passport, or tribal ID. If you do not have a photo ID, some states accept a birth certificate plus another document with your name on it, such as a utility bill or lease.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card if you have it. If you do not, bring a document that shows your number — this can be a tax return, W-2, 1099, or a benefits statement from SNAP, TANF, or unemployment. Some states accept a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your number.

Proof of income

The WIC program looks at your household's total monthly income to determine whether you fall within the income limit. Bring documents showing what your household earned in the past 30 days, or the most recent month available.

Acceptable income documents include a recent pay stub (usually from the last 30 days), a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title and pay rate, your most recent tax return, or a benefits statement from SNAP, TANF, unemployment, or Social Security. If you are self-employed, bring your most recent tax return and a statement of your current monthly income.

If you receive SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid, you may not need to bring separate income paperwork — your WIC office can often pull your income information from those programs directly. Ask when you schedule your appointment whether you can skip the income documents if you are already receiving one of these benefits.

Proof of residency

You must show that you live in the state where you are explore. Bring a document with your current address on it, dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A government-issued ID with your address also counts.

If you recently moved and do not have a document with your new address yet, some states accept a signed statement from your landlord or a utility company confirmation letter. Call your local WIC office to ask what they will accept in your situation.

Documents for your child

Bring your child's birth certificate or a certified copy. The WIC program needs to confirm your child's age and that they are a U.S. citizen or may be able to access immigrant.

If your child has had recent medical visits, bring any records showing their current health status — this can be a doctor's note, vaccination record, or a letter from a clinic. Some WIC offices have a nurse or nutritionist on staff who will do a health screening at your appointment, so medical records are helpful but not always required.

What happens if you do not have a document

If you are missing a document, call your local WIC office before your appointment. Many offices can work with you to find an alternative. For example, if you do not have a birth certificate for your child, some states accept a hospital birth record, a baptism certificate, or a school enrollment record.

If you cannot get an original document, ask whether a notarized copy is acceptable. Some offices also allow you to sign a statement under penalty of perjury confirming information you cannot document — this is less common but does happen. The key is to call ahead so you know what your office will accept.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo from my phone instead of bringing my ID?

No. You must bring an original or certified copy of your ID. Your WIC office needs to see the actual document to verify your identity and confirm the information matches what you provide on your process.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You will need to provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, or work with your WIC office on an alternative. Call ahead to ask what documents your office accepts for non-citizens or people without a Social Security number.

Do I need to bring my child to the appointment?

Most WIC offices require you to bring your child so they can measure their height and weight and do a health screening. Call your local office to confirm whether your child needs to be present.

Can I bring copies instead of originals?

Most WIC offices require originals or certified copies. Photocopies are usually not accepted because they can be altered. If you only have a photocopy, ask your WIC office whether they will accept it or whether you need to get a certified copy from the issuing agency.

What if my address on my ID does not match where I live now?

Bring your ID plus a separate document showing your current address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days. This shows you have moved and confirms where you live now.