How to Apply for WIC in District of Columbia

DC WIC is delivered through four local healthcare partners rather than a single clinic, so the fastest way to start is to request an appointment online through the LINKU DMV platform at dcwic.org/dc-wic-appointment-request, or call the WIC site nearest you — all 15 clinic locations and phone numbers are listed at dcwic.org/wic-locations. For general questions, call DC Health WIC at 1-800-345-1942 (or 202-442-9397 locally). WIC staff will ask a few questions to confirm potential eligibility, then schedule your certification visit at the clinic of your choice.

Upload Documents in Advance (Optional)

Before your appointment, use the DC WIC Participant Portal at mydcwic.com (also available in Spanish) to confirm your contact information and upload required documents — proof of address, income, identity, and any medical information from your provider. Uploading in advance can shorten your time at the clinic.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

• Proof of identity for the person applying — photo ID, driver's license, or other government-issued ID
• Proof of DC residency — a utility bill, lease, or piece of mail addressed to you within the past 30 days
• Proof of income — your two most recent pay stubs. Not required if your household participates in DC Healthy Families, SNAP, TANF, or free or reduced-price school meals — bring that benefit notice instead
• For infants and children — birth certificate or hospital discharge papers, plus immunization records
• For pregnant applicants — documentation of pregnancy from a healthcare provider, if available

DC WIC does not ask about visa status or citizenship, and you do not need to be a U.S. citizen to apply.

What Happens at Your Appointment

Plan to spend about an hour at your first visit. A WIC health professional verifies your documents, conducts a nutrition assessment — including height, weight, and a quick blood test for iron levels — and provides personalized nutrition counseling. If approved, your eWIC card is loaded with your first month of benefits the same day, and you can start shopping right away. Ask about your free Pacify lactation support membership and seasonal Farmers' Market benefits while you're there.

Recertification

Certification periods follow federal guidelines: pregnant participants are certified through delivery, breastfeeding participants for up to a year postpartum, non-breastfeeding postpartum participants for six months, infants around six months and again near their first birthday, and children every 6–12 months until age 5. Your clinic will notify you before your certification ends — you can also check your next appointment through the Participant Portal at mydcwic.com.

Moving To or From DC

If you're moving to DC from another state, contact a DC WIC clinic and bring the Verification of Certification (VOC) form from your previous state so staff can continue your benefits without starting over. If you're leaving DC, ask your clinic for a VOC form before you go. Your DC eWIC card only works at authorized vendors within the District.