Bring Your ID and Proof of Residency First

You need a photo ID and proof that you live in the state where you are applying. A driver's license covers both. If you do not have a driver's license, bring a state ID card, passport, or tribal ID. For proof of residency, a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works — the document must show your name and current address.

If you are applying on behalf of a child and you are not the parent, bring a court order or custody document showing you have legal authority. WIC staff will ask to see this before they process the application.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a photo ID and a recent utility bill or lease showing your current address in the state.
  • Have your Social Security number or the child's Social Security number ready, or bring a birth certificate if you do not have it.
  • Bring proof of income for the past 30 days — pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer stating your wage.
  • If a child is applying, bring their birth certificate and the results of their most recent health screening or doctor visit.
  • Bring your insurance card if you have one, though WIC does not require it to enroll.

Social Security Numbers and Birth Certificates

WIC requires a Social Security number for each person applying. Bring your card or a document that shows the number. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a birth certificate instead — WIC can work with that and help you understand next steps.

For children, a birth certificate is essential. It proves age and citizenship. If you do not have the original, bring a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or county where the child was born. A hospital birth record or adoption papers also work if you do not have a birth certificate yet.

Income Documentation From the Last 30 Days

WIC bases income limits on what you earn now, not what you earned last year. Bring recent pay stubs — usually the last two or three stubs show enough. If you are self-employed, bring a recent tax return or a letter you write yourself stating your monthly income, signed and dated.

If you receive unemployment, Social Security, TANF, SNAP, or other benefits, bring a recent statement or award letter showing the monthly amount. If you have no income, bring a signed statement saying so. WIC staff will not judge; they need to know the real number to determine whether the household income falls within the program limits.

Health Records for Children

Bring the results of the child's most recent health screening or doctor visit. This can be a lab report showing hemoglobin or hematocrit levels (to check for anemia), a growth chart, or a letter from a pediatrician or clinic. If the child has never been screened, WIC can refer you to a clinic or health department that will do it for free, but having a recent record speeds up the process.

If the child takes medications or has allergies or dietary restrictions, bring a list or the medication bottles themselves. This helps the nutritionist recommend the right foods.

Insurance Information (If You Have It)

Bring your health insurance card if you have one. WIC does not require insurance to enroll, and having it does not change your income limit or what you receive. WIC staff ask for it so they can coordinate care and refer you to other services if needed.

If you do not have insurance, that is fine — do not let it stop you from going to your appointment. WIC can also tell you about programs that help you get coverage.

Documents for Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women

If you are pregnant, bring a letter from your doctor or midwife stating your due date. A recent ultrasound report or prenatal visit note works too. If you are breastfeeding, bring a statement from your doctor or a note from the hospital or birth center confirming you are nursing.

These documents prove you are in a category WIC covers. Without them, WIC cannot enroll you as a pregnant or nursing participant, though you may still be able to enroll as a caregiver for a child.

What Happens if You Forget Something

If you show up without a document, the WIC office will tell you what is missing and usually give you a deadline to bring it — often 10 to 30 days. You will not lose your place in line. Some offices will let you start the process and come back with the missing piece; others will ask you to reschedule. Call ahead if you know you are missing something.

Do not make up documents or bring false information. WIC staff verify what you submit, and lying can result in being removed from the program and being asked to repay benefits. Bring what you have and be honest about what you do not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring my child to the appointment?

Yes, WIC requires the child to be present so staff can measure height and weight and do a health screening. If the child is sick or cannot attend, call the office and ask to reschedule. Do not skip the appointment without calling.

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

Bring whatever you have — a hospital record, adoption papers, or a letter from a relative stating the child's birth date. The WIC office can tell you how to get a certified copy from vital records and may let you enroll while you are waiting for it to arrive.

Can I bring someone to help me with the appointment?

Yes. A family member, friend, or advocate can come with you. If you need an interpreter, call the office ahead of time and ask them to have one ready. Most WIC offices provide interpreters for free.

Do I need to bring anything about my immigration status?

No. WIC does not ask about immigration status and does not report it. You do not need to be a citizen to enroll. Bring your ID and the other documents listed above.

What if my income changes between now and my appointment?

Bring documentation of your current income, not what you expect it to be. If your income changes after you enroll, tell WIC at your next visit or call the office. Changes do not automatically remove you; WIC will recalculate based on the new amount.