Bring Your ID and Proof of Residency

You will need a photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card — to confirm who you are. The WIC program also requires proof that you live in the state where you are receiving services, since WIC is run by individual states and you must be a resident to participate.

Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or recent mail from a government agency addressed to you at your current address. The document should show your name and current address. Most programs accept documents dated within the last 60 days, though this varies by state.

Bring Proof of Income and Employment

WIC programs have income limits, and you will need to show recent proof of what your household earns. Bring recent pay stubs — typically the last two or three — or a letter from your employer stating your income and hours. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns or profit-and-loss statements from the past year.

If you receive unemployment benefits, Social Security, TANF (Temporary information for Needy Families), or other government information, bring documentation of those payments. If no one in your household is currently employed, bring a statement explaining your household's income source. The exact documents required can vary by state, so check with your local WIC office before your appointment.

Bring Birth Certificates or Proof of Citizenship

You will need to prove that the children or pregnant person you are explore for are U.S. citizens or may be able to access non-citizens. A birth certificate is the most common document. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can bring a passport, naturalization papers, or a Social Security card.

For non-citizens, bring documentation of your immigration status — such as a green card, work permit, or visa. Some states accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) as proof of residency and identity. Ask your local WIC office which documents they accept if you are unsure.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a photo ID and a document showing your current address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days.
  • Bring recent pay stubs, a letter from your employer, or documentation of government benefits to show your household income.
  • Bring birth certificates or passports for each child or pregnant person you are including in your WIC case.
  • Bring proof of citizenship or may be able to access immigration status for all household members explore for WIC.
  • Contact your local WIC office before your appointment to confirm which specific documents they require, since requirements vary by state.

Bring Medical Records for Pregnant and Nursing Women

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, bring documentation from your doctor or midwife confirming your pregnancy or nursing status. This can be a letter, a copy of your prenatal care records, or a recent ultrasound report. Some WIC programs accept a signed statement from your healthcare provider instead of full medical records.

If you have a child under five, bring their most recent health records, including vaccination records and any growth or development assessments. These help the WIC nutritionist understand your child's health and dietary needs. If records are not available, the WIC office can often work with you to obtain them after your appointment.

Bring Social Security Numbers for All Household Members

You will need the Social Security number for every person in your household, including children. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring documentation of your process for one. Non-citizens may have an ITIN instead, which you should bring.

Write down the numbers before your appointment so you have them ready. If a household member does not have a number and has not applied for one, ask your WIC office whether you can complete the process without it or whether you need to explore for one first.

Bring Your Current WIC Card or Case Number

If you are renewing your WIC case or have received WIC before, bring your WIC card or any paperwork showing your case number. This helps the WIC office pull up your history and speeds up the appointment. If you cannot find your card or case number, the office can look it up using your name and date of birth.

If this is your first time explore for WIC, you do not need a card. Just bring all the documents listed above, and the WIC office will create a new case for you.

What to Bring for Your Child's Health Screening

Many WIC appointments include a health screening for children, where staff measure height and weight and may check blood pressure or hemoglobin levels. Bring your child dressed in light clothing so measurements are accurate. If your child takes any medications or has allergies, bring a list or the medication bottles themselves.

If your child has special dietary needs or medical conditions, bring any documentation from your doctor. This helps the WIC nutritionist create a food plan that works for your family. Bring a list of foods your child currently eats, since the nutritionist will use this to recommend WIC-approved foods your child will actually eat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don't have all the documents before my appointment?

Contact your local WIC office and explain what you are missing. Many offices will let you come in with partial documentation and give you a important date to bring the rest. Some documents, like birth certificates, can take time to obtain, and the WIC office understands this. It is better to call ahead than to miss your appointment.

Can I bring copies instead of originals?

Most WIC offices accept copies of documents like pay stubs, utility bills, and birth certificates. However, some require you to bring the original ID or photo ID to verify it is genuine. Ask your local office what they prefer before your appointment.

Do I need to bring anything for a phone or online appointment?

If your appointment is by phone or video, you will still need the same documents. Have them ready to reference during the call or to photograph and send to the WIC office. Ask ahead whether they want you to mail originals or if photos are acceptable.

What if my address or income has changed since I last applied?

Bring documentation of your new address and current income, just as you would for a first-time appointment. Changes in income or address do not disqualify you — the WIC office just needs to update your case. Bring proof of the change, such as a new lease or recent pay stub from a new job.

Can someone else bring the documents for me?

In most cases, the person explore for WIC must be present at the appointment. However, some offices allow a spouse, parent, or authorized representative to attend if you cannot. Call your local WIC office ahead of time to ask whether a representative can come on your behalf and what documents they will need to bring.