How to Apply for WIC in North Carolina

North Carolina WIC is delivered through county agencies, so applying starts with the NC WIC Referral Form at ncdhhs.gov/ncwicreferral. You can also call or text 1-844-601-6881, or text wic + your zip code (for example, wic27601) to that number to find your nearest WIC agency. After you submit a referral, a WIC clinic will contact you within 20 calendar days — or within 10 calendar days if you're pregnant, have an infant younger than six months, are experiencing homelessness, or are a migrant farmworker. You can also look up your county agency directly using the WIC County Directory at ncdhhs.gov.

Before Your Appointment

• ID for every family member applying — driver's license, birth certificate, Social Security card, current Medicaid card, military ID, or immunization record
• Proof of North Carolina residency — a current utility bill, lease, driver's license, or recent mail with your name and address
• Proof of income for all household members with income — recent pay stubs, an employer letter, or a tax return if self-employed. If you receive Medicaid, Work First Family Assistance, or NC Food and Nutrition Services, bring that documentation instead — no additional income proof needed
• For infants and children — birth certificate, hospital record, or crib card

What Happens at Your Appointment

Your first appointment is best done in person, though remote options may be available at some local clinics. A nutritionist or other health professional reviews your documents, assesses nutritional risk factors at no cost to you, confirms your eligibility, and issues your NC eWIC card if approved. Nutrition education is provided at every appointment, and follow-up sessions can often be completed online through wichealth.org.

MyNCWIC Portal — After You're Enrolled

Once you're certified, create an account on the MyNCWIC Portal (myncwic.ncdhhs.gov) using an NCID login. The portal lets you manage appointments, upload required documents, and complete some follow-up or recertification appointments by video instead of visiting the clinic in person — it is not a new-applicant site, so start with the referral form first.

Recertification in North Carolina

Pregnant participants are certified through delivery, breastfeeding participants for up to a year postpartum, non-breastfeeding postpartum participants for six months, and children periodically. Your local WIC agency will notify you when recertification is due — some appointments may be completed by video through the MyNCWIC Portal.

Moving To or From North Carolina

Moving to North Carolina? Contact your local county WIC agency and bring the Verification of Certification (VOC) form from your previous state. Moving out of North Carolina? Ask your local clinic for a VOC form before you leave so your new state can continue your benefits. Your NC eWIC card only works at authorized vendors within North Carolina.