Bring Your ID and Proof of Residency

You will need a photo ID — a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or tribal ID all work. This confirms who you are when you check in. If you do not have a photo ID, bring two documents that show your name and address instead, such as a utility bill and a lease agreement.

Proof of residency shows that you live in the state where you are getting WIC. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent mail from a government agency with your current address will do. The document should be dated within the last 60 days. If you are experiencing homelessness, tell the WIC office — they have a different process and do not require a residential address.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a photo ID and proof of residency dated within the last 60 days to confirm your identity and where you live.
  • Have your Social Security number or ITIN ready, and bring proof of income such as recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer.
  • Bring your children's birth certificates and proof of their current immunizations or a record of when they are due.
  • If you are pregnant, bring documentation from your doctor or midwife confirming the pregnancy and due date.
  • Bring your insurance card if you have health coverage, and a list of any medications you or your children take.

Income Documents and Social Security Numbers

WIC has income limits that vary by state and family size. Bring documents that show what your household earns. Recent pay stubs (the last two months), a letter from your employer stating your income, or your most recent tax return all work. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns from the last two years. If you receive unemployment, SNAP, TANF, or Social Security, bring a recent statement or award letter showing the amount.

Have your Social Security number ready, and the Social Security numbers of anyone in your household who earns income. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring documentation of your immigration status — a green card, visa, or work permit.

Birth Certificates and Immunization Records for Children

Bring an original or certified copy of each child's birth certificate. A photocopy is usually not accepted. If you do not have the original, you can request one from the vital records office in the state or county where the child was born — this typically takes one to two weeks, so plan ahead if you know your appointment date.

Bring proof of your children's immunizations. This can be a record from your pediatrician, a vaccine card from the health department, or a school immunization record. If your child is not yet due for certain vaccines, bring a letter from your doctor stating the schedule. Immunization records are required for children over one year old; infants under one year do not need them yet.

Pregnancy Documentation if You Are Pregnant

If you are pregnant and explore for WIC, bring a letter or form from your doctor, midwife, or nurse practitioner confirming the pregnancy. The document should include your due date. Some WIC offices accept a signed statement from a healthcare provider; others want a specific form. Call your local WIC office before your appointment to ask what format they need.

If you have had recent prenatal visits, bring those records or a summary from your provider. This helps the WIC nutritionist understand your health and any special dietary needs during pregnancy.

Insurance Information and Medication Lists

Bring your health insurance card if you have coverage. This includes Medicaid, private insurance, or coverage through your employer. If you do not have insurance, that is fine — WIC does not require it. The WIC office just needs to know what you have so they can coordinate care if needed.

Make a list of any medications you or your children take regularly, including the name and dose. If you have the bottles, bring those instead — the label shows exactly what you need. This helps the WIC nutritionist understand any dietary restrictions or special needs. For example, if your child takes medication that affects appetite, the nutritionist can adjust food recommendations.

Contact Information and Household Details

Bring a phone number where the WIC office can reach you — a cell phone or home phone. If you do not have a phone, ask if the office can reach you another way, such as through a neighbor or family member. Write down the names and birthdates of everyone in your household, including adults and children. This helps the office determine your household size for income limits.

If you are explore because of a recent change — a new baby, a job loss, a move to a new state — bring documentation of that change. A birth certificate for a newborn, a termination letter from your employer, or a lease showing your new address all help explain why you are explore now.

What You Do Not Need to Bring

You do not need to bring cash or a credit card. WIC does not charge a fee to join or to attend appointments. You do not need to bring your children to the first appointment in most states, though some offices ask you to. Call ahead to confirm whether to bring them.

You do not need to bring food labels, grocery receipts, or proof of what you currently eat. The WIC nutritionist will ask you questions about your diet during the appointment. You do not need to have your home inspected or provide proof of how you store food. WIC does not conduct home visits as part of the intake process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I do not have my child's original birth certificate?

Call the vital records office in the county or state where your child was born and request a certified copy. This usually takes one to three weeks. Some WIC offices will let you start the process with other documents and bring the birth certificate later, so ask your local office if you can schedule a follow-up appointment.

Do I need to bring my children to the appointment?

Requirements vary by state and office. Some offices need to see and measure your children at the first visit; others do not. Call your local WIC office before your appointment to ask. If you cannot bring them, ask whether you can attend without them and bring the children to a follow-up visit.

What if I am not sure about my income — do I need exact numbers?

Bring whatever income documents you have. The WIC office will help you calculate your household income correctly. If your income changes month to month, bring the last two or three months of pay stubs so they can see the average. Estimates are not enough, but the office staff will help you gather the right paperwork.

Can I bring someone to help translate?

Yes. Many WIC offices have interpreters on staff, but you can also bring a family member or friend. Let the office know ahead of time if you need an interpreter in a specific language so they can arrange one if they do not have someone available.

What if I forgot something and did not bring it to my appointment?

The WIC office will tell you what is missing and give you a important date to bring it in — usually one to two weeks. You can mail documents, drop them off in person, or bring them to a follow-up appointment. Your WIC benefits do not start until all required documents are received and reviewed.