Bring your proof of identity and your child's birth certificate
WIC programs require you to prove who you are and confirm your child's age at your first appointment. Bring a photo ID — a driver's license, state ID card, or passport all work. For your child, bring an original or certified copy of their birth certificate. If you do not have a certified copy yet, contact your state's vital records office; many can issue one within a few days.
If you are pregnant, you do not need to bring a birth certificate for the baby. You will need to show proof of your pregnancy instead — a letter from your doctor or midwife with your due date, or a recent ultrasound report. The letter or report should be dated within the last few months.
Key Takeaways
- Bring a photo ID for yourself and an original or certified birth certificate for each child you are bringing to WIC.
- Proof of your address — a utility bill, lease, or recent mail — must be dated within the last 60 days in most states.
- Bring recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer to show your household income.
- Have your Social Security number ready for yourself and any household members, though some states allow you to provide it later if you do not have it memorized.
- Bring your child's medical records or the name and phone number of their doctor, because WIC staff will need to confirm their health history.
Proof of your address within the last 60 days
WIC programs need to confirm you live in the state or county where you are applying. Bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, or recent mail from a bank or government agency all count. If you are staying with family or in temporary housing, bring whatever document you have — a signed letter from the person whose name is on the lease, a shelter intake form, or a utility bill in their name with a note saying you live there.
If you have just moved and do not have a recent bill in your new address yet, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter confirming your move-in date. Some WIC programs will accept this in place of a bill.
Recent income documents for your whole household
WIC programs check household income to determine whether you meet the income limit. Bring recent pay stubs — usually the last two or three months — for yourself and anyone else in your household who works. If you are self-employed, bring your most recent tax return or profit-and-loss statement. If you receive unemployment, Social Security, child support, or other benefits, bring a recent statement or award letter showing the monthly amount.
If you have no income or have not worked recently, bring a letter from your employer saying you were laid off or let go, or a statement from a benefits office. WIC staff understand that income changes; they need to see what your situation is right now.
Your Social Security number and your child's
WIC programs ask for the Social Security number of the parent or guardian applying and the child's Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows the number — a tax return, W-2, or benefits letter. If you do not have your number memorized and do not have the card with you, many WIC offices will let you provide it by phone or mail after your appointment, so do not skip the appointment because of this.
If your child does not have a Social Security number yet, tell the WIC staff at your appointment. Some programs can still enroll your child and issue benefits while you apply for a number; others will ask you to come back once you have one. Either way, it is not a reason to delay going in.
Your child's medical information or doctor's contact details
WIC programs need to know about your child's health to make sure the foods they recommend are right for them. Bring your child's medical records if you have them — vaccination records, growth charts, or recent doctor visit notes. If you do not have records with you, bring the name, phone number, and address of your child's doctor or clinic. WIC staff will contact them directly to get the information they need.
If your child does not have a regular doctor yet, tell the WIC staff. Many can refer you to a clinic or help you find one. Bring any records you do have — even informal notes about your child's birth weight, current weight, or any health concerns.
Proof of household composition if anyone besides you and your child lives with you
If other people live in your household — a partner, parent, sibling, or other relative — WIC may need to know about them because they count toward your household size and income limit. Bring documents that show who lives with you: a lease or mortgage in multiple names, a utility bill with multiple names, or a signed statement from the person whose name is on the lease saying who lives there. You do not need formal documents; a letter you write yourself explaining who lives in the home and why can work if you do not have anything else.
If you are not sure whether someone counts as part of your household, ask the WIC staff when you arrive. The rules vary slightly by state, and they can tell you what applies to your situation.
Your WIC appointment notice or confirmation, if you have one
If you received a letter or email confirming your appointment date and time, bring it with you. It helps the staff find your file quickly and shows you are expected. If you do not have it, that is fine — you can still check in and explain when you are supposed to be there. If you scheduled your appointment by phone or online, write down the date, time, and the WIC office address so you have it with you.
Bring your phone number and any contact information the WIC office gave you. If you are running late or need to reschedule, you can call ahead.
What you do not need to bring
You do not need to bring your children with you to your first appointment, though many people do. Some WIC offices have childcare available; others do not. Call ahead and ask whether it is easier to come alone or bring them. You do not need to bring anything related to food — no receipts, no grocery lists, nothing about what you currently eat. WIC staff will ask you about your diet during the appointment.
You do not need to bring proof that you are a citizen or permanent resident. Federal law allows WIC to serve people regardless of immigration status, though some states have added their own rules. If you are unsure about your status, call the WIC office before your appointment and ask what they need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I do not have a birth certificate for my child?
Contact your state's vital records office — usually part of the health department — and request a certified copy. Many states can mail one within a week. In the meantime, bring whatever you have: a hospital discharge paper, a baptism certificate, or a document from your child's doctor showing their birth date. WIC staff can often work with you while you wait for the official certificate.
Can I bring someone else to help me at my appointment?
Yes. You can bring a partner, family member, friend, or advocate. They can help you understand what the staff explains and take notes. Some WIC offices ask that only one adult and the child come to keep the waiting room from getting crowded, so call ahead if you want to bring more than one person.
What if I do not have all these documents?
Go to your appointment anyway. WIC staff see people without complete paperwork all the time. Bring whatever you have and tell them what you are missing. They can often help you get documents or give you time to find them. Missing one document rarely stops you from starting WIC.
Do I need to bring my child's current weight and height?
No. WIC staff will measure and weigh your child at the appointment. You do not need to do this beforehand. If your child has been measured recently at a doctor's visit, you can bring that record, but it is not required.
What if I am applying while pregnant — do I need different documents?
Bring the same documents as above, but instead of a birth certificate, bring proof of pregnancy: a letter from your doctor or midwife with your due date, or a recent ultrasound report. Everything else — your ID, address proof, income documents, and Social Security number — stays the same.