Bring your ID, proof of income, and your child's health records

You will need to bring several documents to your WIC appointment so the program can verify your household income, confirm your residency, and check your child's health status. The exact list varies slightly by state, but the core documents are the same everywhere. Arriving with everything in one folder saves time and keeps your appointment on schedule.

The appointment staff will ask to see originals or certified copies — photocopies alone usually will not work. If you forget something, the office may reschedule you rather than process your case incomplete, so double-check before you leave home.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a photo ID for the person applying, proof of your household income from the last 30 days, and proof you live in the state where you are applying.
  • Your child needs a recent health screening or physical exam record showing height, weight, and blood work results if they are over one year old.
  • If you receive SNAP or Medicaid, bring a current benefit letter or card — it can speed up the income verification process.
  • Bring your Social Security number for each household member, or a letter from Social Security if you do not have a card.
  • Write down your child's birth date, your current address, and your phone number before you arrive so you can fill out forms quickly.

Documents proving who you are and where you live

Bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. If you do not have one, some states accept a tribal ID or a letter from a social service agency confirming your identity. Call your local WIC office before the appointment to ask what they will accept if you do not have a standard ID.

You also need proof that you live in the state. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address works. The document should be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency — such as a tax notice or benefit letter — also counts. If you are homeless or staying with someone else, bring a letter from a shelter, social worker, or the person letting you stay, stating your current address.

Income documents from the last 30 days

WIC uses your household income to determine whether you meet the income limit. Bring pay stubs from the last 30 days if you work. If you are self-employed, bring a recent tax return or a letter explaining your income. If you receive unemployment, Social Security, child support, or other benefits, bring the most recent benefit letter or statement showing the monthly amount.

If you receive SNAP or Medicaid, bring your current benefit letter or card. Many states use these programs to pre-screen income, which can speed up your WIC appointment. If your income changes month to month or you recently started a job, bring documentation for the last three months so the office can see the pattern.

If no one in your household has income, bring a letter from your employer stating you are unemployed, or a statement from a social service agency. Do not guess at your income — bring the actual documents so the staff can verify the exact amount.

Your child's health records

Your child needs a recent health screening or physical exam. For children under one year old, bring the birth hospital record or a recent pediatrician visit note showing weight and length. For children one year and older, bring a record from a doctor, nurse practitioner, or WIC clinic showing height, weight, and blood work results (hemoglobin or hematocrit test). The screening should be dated within the last 90 days.

If your child has never had a health screening, WIC can refer you to a clinic or doctor who will do one for free. Ask the WIC office at your appointment where to go. Some WIC clinics do the screening on-site the same day, so you may not need to bring records if the office offers this service — call ahead to ask.

Bring any records showing allergies, medical conditions, or dietary restrictions. If your child is on formula, bring the can or a photo of the label so the staff can confirm the type and make sure it is on the WIC-approved list.

Social Security numbers and birth dates

Bring your Social Security number and the Social Security number for each household member. If you do not have a card, bring a letter from Social Security confirming your number, or a tax return, W-2, or bank statement showing it. If a household member does not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from Social Security stating they are not may be able to access for one.

Write down your child's full birth date and the birth dates of any other children in your household. Bring your own birth date as well. If you do not have a birth certificate, bring whatever document shows the date — a hospital record, passport, or state ID.

Benefit cards and letters if you receive other assistance

If you receive SNAP, Medicaid, TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), or other government benefits, bring your current benefit card or the most recent benefit letter. These documents help the WIC office verify your income without asking for additional pay stubs. Some states use SNAP or Medicaid enrollment to pre-screen households, which can shorten your appointment.

If you are applying for WIC at the same time you are applying for other benefits, bring whatever documentation you have already submitted to those programs. The WIC office may be able to use it instead of asking you to provide it again.

What to do if you do not have a document

If you are missing a document, call your local WIC office before your appointment and ask what you can bring instead. Many offices accept a signed statement from you explaining why you do not have the document, or a letter from a social worker, shelter, or community organization confirming the information. Do not skip the appointment — go and explain what you do not have. The staff can often work with you to find a solution.

If your child has never had a health screening, tell the WIC office at your appointment. They will give you a referral to a doctor or clinic that can do the screening for free, and you can reschedule your WIC appointment once you have the results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring copies instead of originals?

Most WIC offices require originals or certified copies of documents like birth certificates and Social Security letters. Photocopies of pay stubs, utility bills, and benefit letters are usually acceptable. Call your local office before the appointment to confirm what they will accept.

What if I do not have a photo ID?

Some states accept a tribal ID, passport, or a letter from a social service agency confirming your identity. Call your WIC office and ask what documents they will take. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, bring a letter from a shelter or social worker instead of a utility bill.

Do I need to bring my child to the appointment?

Yes, your child must be present so the WIC staff can measure their height and weight and check their health records. If your child is very young or you cannot bring them, call the office and ask whether they can do the screening at a separate visit or refer you to a clinic.

What if my child's health screening is older than 90 days?

You will need a new screening before WIC can enroll your child. Ask the WIC office for a referral to a free clinic or doctor. Some WIC offices do screenings on-site, so ask whether they can do it the same day as your appointment.

Can I bring someone else to help me at the appointment?

Yes, you can bring a family member, friend, or interpreter. If you need an interpreter, call the WIC office ahead of time so they can arrange one. Bring the person's ID if they will be signing documents on your behalf.