Bring proof of identity and residency to your WIC appointment

Your WIC appointment requires you to bring specific documents so the program staff can verify who you are, where you live, and that your household meets income limits. The exact documents vary slightly by state, but the core set is the same everywhere. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone are usually not accepted.

You will need a photo ID for yourself (the person applying) and proof that you live in the state where you are applying. A driver's license covers both if it shows your current address. If your ID does not have your current address, bring a separate piece of mail showing your name and address dated within the last 60 days — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a photo ID for yourself and proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.
  • Bring proof of your household income for the past 30 days: pay stubs, tax returns, a letter from your employer, or a statement from your benefits case if you receive SNAP or TANF.
  • Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, and the Social Security numbers of all household members you are listing.
  • Bring documentation for any children or pregnant or nursing women you are applying for: birth certificates, proof of pregnancy from a doctor, or proof of nursing status.
  • Call your local WIC office before your appointment to ask what documents they specifically require, because some states add extra requirements.

Income documentation you must bring

WIC programs have income limits, and staff need to see proof of what your household earned in the past 30 days. Bring recent pay stubs — usually the last two or three — showing your name, the pay period, and the amount. If you are self-employed, bring a signed statement of your income for the past 30 days or your most recent tax return.

If you receive SNAP, TANF, or other government benefits, bring a copy of your most recent benefit letter or case statement. These letters count as proof of income and often speed up the process because the WIC office can see your household size and income in one document. If you have no income, bring a statement from your employer saying you are not currently employed, or a letter from a social service agency confirming you receive no income.

Social Security numbers for all household members

Bring your own Social Security number and the Social Security numbers of everyone in your household, including children. You can bring your Social Security card, a tax return, a W-2, or any official document showing the number. If a household member does not have a Social Security number, bring documentation of that — for example, a letter from the Social Security Administration saying they applied but have not yet received one.

The WIC program uses Social Security numbers to check for duplicate benefits across states and to verify that household members are who you say they are. You do not need to memorize the numbers; writing them on a piece of paper and bringing that is fine.

Birth certificates and pregnancy or nursing proof

For each child you are applying for, bring a birth certificate or other document showing their date of birth. An original or certified copy is best, but some states accept hospital records or a passport. If you are pregnant, bring a letter or form from your doctor, midwife, or clinic stating your due date. The letter does not need to be formal — a note on clinic letterhead with a signature is enough.

If you are nursing, bring a similar letter from your healthcare provider confirming that you are breastfeeding. Some states also accept a statement from a WIC breastfeeding counselor or lactation consultant. These documents confirm that you fall into a category WIC covers (pregnant women, nursing women, or children under five).

Immunization records for children

Some states require proof that children have received their required immunizations or have an appointment scheduled. Bring your child's immunization record — usually a card or printout from your doctor's office or health department. If your child is behind on shots, bring a letter from your doctor's office or clinic showing that an appointment is scheduled.

Not all states require this at the appointment itself; some ask for it later or verify it through your healthcare provider's records. Call your local WIC office before you go to ask whether they need immunization records at your appointment or whether they will request them separately.

Proof of citizenship or immigration status

Bring a document showing that you or the person applying are a U.S. citizen or have a may have access to immigration status. A birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card (green card) all work. Some states accept a driver's license as proof of citizenship if it was issued after verification of citizenship.

If you are not a citizen but have a work visa, refugee status, or other may have access to status, bring the document that shows that status. Each state has slightly different rules about which statuses may have access to for WIC, so call ahead if you are unsure whether your status makes you may be able to access.

What to bring if you are applying for someone else

If you are applying on behalf of a child or another household member, bring a document showing your relationship to them — a birth certificate, custody order, or letter from a parent or guardian. You will also need to bring all the documents listed above for the person you are applying for (their ID or birth certificate, their Social Security number, their proof of residency if they have one).

Some states require the parent or guardian to be present at the appointment. Call your local WIC office to ask whether you can apply for someone else by yourself or whether they need to attend.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don't have a birth certificate for my child?

Bring whatever document you have that shows your child's date of birth: a hospital record, passport, immunization record, or school enrollment form. Call your WIC office before the appointment to ask what they will accept. If you have nothing, ask the WIC staff whether they can help you get a birth certificate or whether they can proceed without one.

Do I need to bring my children to the appointment?

Most WIC programs do not require children to attend the first appointment, though some do. Call your local WIC office to ask. If children do attend, bring their immunization records and any medical documents they have. Bring snacks and activities — appointments often run long.

What if my address is different on different documents?

Bring all the documents showing your different addresses and be ready to explain why. If you recently moved, bring your lease or utility bill from your new address and a document from your old address. WIC staff understand that people move and will work with you to verify your current residence.

Can I bring copies instead of originals?

Most WIC offices prefer originals or certified copies. Bring originals if you have them. If you only have photocopies, call your WIC office ahead of time to ask whether they will accept them. Some offices will, especially for pay stubs or benefit letters.

What if I'm missing one of these documents?

Call your local WIC office before your appointment and tell them what you do not have. They may be able to work around a missing document, accept an alternative, or tell you how to get it quickly. Do not skip the appointment — go and bring what you have, and ask the staff what you can do to complete the process.