What to Bring to Your WIC Appointment

Bring these documents to your first WIC appointment

Your first WIC appointment requires proof of identity, proof of where you live, proof of income, and proof of your children's ages. The program needs these to confirm you meet the income and residency rules. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone usually will not work. If you do not have one of these documents, tell the WIC office when you call to schedule; they can often work around missing items or tell you where to get them quickly.

The specific documents WIC accepts vary slightly by state, but the categories are the same everywhere. A few documents work across multiple categories — a utility bill, for example, proves both identity and address. Bring more than you think you need. If a document is unclear or damaged, bring a second one in the same category.

Key Takeaways

• Bring a photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport) and a document showing your current address, such as a utility bill or lease.
• Bring recent pay stubs, a tax return, or a letter from your employer to prove your household income for the past 30 days.
• Bring a birth certificate, hospital discharge papers, or school records to prove each child's age and that they are under five or a pregnant or nursing woman.
• Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card or tax return.
• If you cannot find a required document, contact the WIC office before your appointment to ask what alternatives they accept.

Identity and address documents

Bring a government-issued photo ID with your current name and address. A driver's license or state ID card is the fastest option. If you do not have either, a passport works. The ID must not be expired, though some states accept IDs expired within the past year.

You also need proof of your current address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone) dated within the past 60 days is the standard choice. A lease, mortgage statement, or a letter from a landlord also works. If you live with someone else and are not on the lease or utility bill, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill, stating that you live there. Some WIC offices accept a bank statement or government mail with your address.

Income documents

Bring proof of your household income for the past 30 days. The easiest document is a recent pay stub from your job — bring two or three if you have them, since they show a pattern. If you are self-employed, bring a recent tax return or a profit-and-loss statement. If you receive unemployment, Social Security, child support, or other benefits, bring a statement or letter showing the monthly amount.

If you do not have recent pay stubs, bring a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title, hourly wage or salary, and start date. If you are not currently working, bring documentation of any income your household receives — rental income, pension statements, or benefit letters. WIC counts income from everyone in your household, so be prepared to list all adults and their earnings.

Proof of your children's ages

Bring a birth certificate for each child you want to enroll. A certified copy from the vital records office is best, but a hospital discharge paper from birth also works. If you have a Social Security card for the child, bring that too — it shows the child's name and age.

If you do not have a birth certificate, bring school records, a passport, or medical records with the child's date of birth. Some WIC offices will accept a letter from a doctor or clinic confirming the child's age. WIC covers children from birth through age four, so bring documentation for any child in that range. If you are pregnant or nursing, bring a letter from your doctor or midwife confirming the pregnancy or that you are breastfeeding.

Social Security numbers

Bring your Social Security number and the Social Security numbers of everyone in your household. The easiest way is to bring your Social Security card. If you do not have the card, bring a tax return, W-2, or pay stub showing your number. For your children, bring their Social Security cards or birth certificates if the number is printed on them.

If a household member does not have a Social Security number, tell the WIC office. They will ask for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or other identification. Some states allow you to proceed without a number for certain household members, but policies vary.

Documents for special situations

If you are applying as a foster parent, bring court papers showing custody or a letter from the child welfare agency. If you are a grandparent or other relative caring for a child, bring a custody order or a signed statement from the parent explaining the arrangement. If you are homeless or living in a shelter, bring a letter from the shelter or a recent mail addressed to you at the shelter address.

If you are a migrant or seasonal farm worker, bring documentation of your work history. If you receive WIC in another state, bring your case number from that state — it can speed up the process. If you are applying for a pregnant woman in your household, bring a letter from a healthcare provider with the due date.

What happens if you forget something

If you arrive at your appointment without a required document, the WIC office will not turn you away. They will tell you what is missing and give you a deadline to bring it — usually 10 to 30 days. You can bring the document by mail, in person, or sometimes by email or fax. Your case will not move forward until the office receives it, so do not delay.

Some offices will issue you a temporary WIC card while you gather missing documents, allowing you to shop while your case is being finalized. Others will wait until everything is complete. Call your local WIC office to ask their policy. If gathering a document is genuinely difficult — you lost your birth certificate and cannot afford a replacement, for example — tell the WIC worker. Many offices have resources or can accept alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring photocopies instead of originals?

Most WIC offices require originals or certified copies for at least some documents, especially birth certificates and Social Security cards. Bring originals if you have them. If you only have a photocopy, bring it anyway and ask the worker whether it is acceptable. Some offices will photocopy your original on the spot and return it to you.

What if I do not have a birth certificate for my child?

Bring whatever you have — hospital discharge papers, school records, a passport, or a doctor's letter confirming the child's age. Tell the WIC worker what is missing. Many offices will work with partial documentation while you order a birth certificate from the vital records office in the state where the child was born.

Do I need to bring my children to the appointment?

No. Bring documents proving their ages and identities, but you do not need to bring the children themselves. Some offices prefer you do not, since appointments can be long. Call ahead to ask your local office's preference.

What if my address is different from my ID?

Bring both your ID and a current document showing your new address, such as a utility bill or lease. The WIC office will update your address on file. This is common and not a problem.

Can I apply if I am not a U.S. citizen?

WIC is open to lawful residents, which includes citizens, permanent residents, and some other immigration statuses. Bring your immigration documents along with the other required papers. The WIC office can tell you whether your status qualifies. You do not need to be a citizen to enroll.