What Documents to Bring to Your WIC Appointment

For a WIC appointment, most applicants should be ready to provide proof of identity, proof of where they live, proof of income or qualifying program participation, and information for each person enrolling. Pregnant applicants may also need pregnancy verification, and children or infants may need to be present for measurements or screening.

Your local WIC office will tell you exactly what to bring. Use this checklist to prepare, then confirm with the clinic.

Need the right office? Find a WIC clinic near you.

If you have not started your WIC application yet, read How to Apply for WIC: Step-by-Step for the full process. After your documents are reviewed, most clinics move directly into What Happens at Your First WIC Appointment.

The four main proof categories

Most WIC appointments involve four types of information:

Identity
Residency
Income or program participation
Participant category, such as pregnancy, postpartum status, infant, or child under five

One document may sometimes satisfy more than one category, depending on state policy.

Proof of identity

Accepted documents vary, but examples may include a driver's license, state ID, passport, birth certificate, school ID, work ID, Medicaid card, crib card or hospital record for a newborn, foster placement document, or other clinic-approved identification.

Bring identity information for each person enrolling in WIC, not only the person attending the appointment.

Proof of address

Examples may include a lease, utility bill, bank statement, insurance statement, driver's license with current address, official mail, shelter letter, or a letter from a person you live with if accepted by the clinic.

Some clinics have procedures for applicants experiencing homelessness or unstable housing. Do not skip the appointment because you lack a standard lease or utility bill; call and ask what alternatives are accepted.

Proof of income

Possible documents include recent pay stubs, employer statements, tax records for self-employment, unemployment benefit statements, Social Security or SSI letters, child support records, pension or retirement statements, or other income records requested by the clinic.

WIC usually uses gross income before taxes and deductions.

Proof of SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF

If you or a qualifying household member receives Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF, bring current proof. This may establish income eligibility.

Examples include a benefit approval letter, current benefit notice, Medicaid card, state benefits portal screenshot, SNAP or TANF notice, or a case number if accepted by the clinic.

Read Automatic WIC Eligibility Through SNAP, Medicaid, and TANF.

Pregnancy verification

Pregnant applicants may need proof of pregnancy if the clinic cannot verify it another way.

Examples can include a healthcare provider note, pregnancy test documentation from a clinic, prenatal-care record, Medicaid pregnancy-related document, or other state-approved verification.

Do not delay calling the clinic if you do not have prenatal care yet. WIC can often help with referrals.

Documents for infants and children

For each infant or child enrolling, the clinic may ask for a birth certificate, hospital record, crib card, immunization record, Medicaid card, foster-care or guardianship document, or child health records.

The child may need to attend the appointment for measurements or health screening.

Should you bring everyone who is applying?

Ask the clinic. Many appointments require infants and children to be present for height, weight, and screening. Some remote processes may accept provider measurements or scheduled follow-up.

For babies, bring diapers, feeding supplies, and anything needed during the visit.

What if you are missing a document?

Call before canceling. Some WIC agencies can use electronic verification, alternative documents, or short-term/provisional certification procedures when a participant appears eligible but needs more time to provide proof.

Do not submit false information. Explain the situation and ask what the clinic can accept.

Quick appointment checklist

Before leaving or joining a remote appointment, confirm you have identity documents, address proof, income proof or Medicaid/SNAP/TANF proof, pregnancy verification if applicable, documents for every infant or child applying, updated phone and mailing information, and questions about food, formula, breastfeeding, allergies, or benefits.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use one document for multiple proofs?

Sometimes. For example, a current benefit notice may help with identity, address, or income depending on state policy.

Do I need a Social Security card?

Not necessarily in every state or situation. Ask your clinic what identity documents are accepted.

What if I am homeless?

Contact the clinic. WIC has procedures for applicants without a traditional address.

Do I need my child's doctor records?

Bring them if you have them, especially recent height, weight, iron, allergy, or formula information. The clinic will tell you what is required.

Official sources

Confirm your clinic's checklist: Search WIC clinics near you.

Independent-site disclaimer: WICProgram.us is an independent directory and informational website. It is not affiliated with USDA, the Food and Nutrition Administration, a state WIC agency, or another government agency. WIC application steps, document rules, appointment options, and approval timing vary by state and clinic. Confirm current instructions with your local WIC office.