You can use WIC without a card, but the method depends on your state and when your card was issued

Most states now issue a WIC card — a debit-like card that works at checkout — but not every state uses one, and some states allow alternatives if your card is lost, not yet arrived, or damaged. A few states still use paper vouchers instead of cards. The way you pay changes what you need to bring to the store and how the cashier processes your purchase.

If you have a card but cannot use it, the backup method is usually a paper authorization that your WIC office prints for you. This document lists the foods you can buy and the amount you can spend. Some states also allow you to call your WIC office to verify your benefits over the phone while you are at the store, though this is less common and slower.

Key Takeaways

  • Paper vouchers are still the standard in a few states, while most states use WIC cards that work like debit cards at the register.
  • If your card is lost or damaged, contact your WIC office to request a replacement card or a paper authorization document.
  • Paper authorizations list the foods and dollar amounts you can buy and must be presented at checkout along with your ID.
  • Some states allow phone verification of benefits at the store, but this takes longer and is not available everywhere.
  • The foods you can buy are the same whether you use a card or paper — only the payment method changes.

States that still use paper vouchers instead of cards

A small number of states have not switched to WIC cards and continue to issue paper vouchers. These vouchers look like checks and are printed with the specific foods and amounts you can buy. You tear them out and hand them to the cashier, who marks them as used.

States using paper vouchers include Wyoming, South Dakota, and a few others, though this list changes as states modernize their systems. If you are unsure whether your state uses vouchers or cards, call your local WIC office — they can tell you what form your benefits take and what to bring to the store.

How to get a paper authorization if your card is not working

If your WIC card has not arrived yet, is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a paper authorization from your WIC office. This is a printed document that shows the foods you can buy and how much you can spend in each category. You bring it to the store along with your ID, and the cashier processes it like a paper voucher.

Call or visit your WIC office in person to request a paper authorization. Most offices can print one the same day or within one business day. You will need to show your ID and may need to confirm your address. Some offices mail the authorization, which takes longer, so ask if you can pick it up or have it ready for you to collect.

Paper authorizations are temporary — they are meant to cover you until your card arrives or is replaced. Once your new card comes, you will use that instead. The authorization will have an expiration date printed on it, usually 30 days from the date it was issued.

Phone verification of benefits at the store

A few states allow you to call your WIC office from the store and have a staff member verify your benefits over the phone while you are at checkout. The cashier or store manager may need to speak with the WIC office directly to confirm the amount you can spend and the foods you are buying.

This method is slower than using a card or paper authorization and is not standard in all states. Ask your WIC office whether phone verification is an option in your area before you try it at the store. If it is available, the office can tell you what number to call and what information you will need to have ready.

What to bring to the store when using paper instead of a card

When you pay with a paper authorization or voucher, bring your photo ID — a driver's license, state ID, or passport. The cashier will ask to see it to confirm you are the person the authorization was issued to. Some stores also ask for your WIC case number, which is printed on your authorization or on your WIC card.

Bring the paper authorization itself, of course. Check that it has not expired before you go to the store. If you are using a temporary authorization while waiting for your card, make sure the expiration date has not passed. If it has, contact your WIC office for a new one before you shop.

The foods you can buy are the same with or without a card

Whether you use a WIC card, paper authorization, or voucher, the list of foods you can buy does not change. Your WIC office approves the same items — milk, cheese, eggs, beans, peanut butter, cereal, bread, fruits, vegetables, and infant formula or baby food, depending on your household's age and needs.

The only difference is how you pay and what document you show the cashier. The store's computer system (or the cashier, if using paper) will check that the foods you are buying are on the WIC-approved list. If you try to buy something that is not approved, it will not go through, whether you are using a card or paper.

What to do if your card is damaged or not working at checkout

If your WIC card stops working at the register — the machine will not read it, or it says you have no balance — do not leave the store without a solution. Tell the cashier or store manager that your card is not working and ask them to call your WIC office or the card company's customer service number. That number is usually printed on the back of your card.

While they are on the phone, you can ask the store to hold your groceries. If the card truly cannot be used, ask the store manager if they can process a phone verification with your WIC office, or ask them to let you come back with a paper authorization once you have called your WIC office. Most stores will work with you rather than turn you away.

After you leave the store, contact your WIC office to report the problem and request a replacement card or a temporary paper authorization. Explain what happened at checkout so they know the card is damaged or malfunctioning, not just lost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use someone else's WIC card or authorization if I am shopping for them?

No. The person whose name is on the card or authorization must be present at checkout, or the store will not accept it. This is a federal rule to prevent fraud. If someone else needs to shop for you, they will need written permission from you and your WIC office, which is rare and requires advance approval.

What if my WIC office is closed and I need to use my benefits today?

If your card is working, you can use it at any time — the card does not depend on the office being open. If your card is not working and the office is closed, you will not be able to use your benefits that day. Call the office's after-hours number if one is listed, or plan to visit or call first thing the next business day to request a paper authorization.

Do I lose my WIC benefits if I cannot use my card for a few days?

No. Your benefits do not expire or disappear because your card is not working. Once you get a replacement card or paper authorization, you can use the same benefits you had before. The only limit is the monthly amount your WIC office approved for you.

Can I use a paper authorization at any store that takes WIC?

Yes, any store that accepts WIC should accept a paper authorization as long as it is not expired and you show your ID. Some very small stores may not be familiar with paper authorizations if they usually only see WIC cards, so be prepared to explain what it is or ask to speak with a manager.

How long does it take to get a replacement WIC card?

This varies by state. Some states mail replacement cards within 5 to 10 business days, while others take longer. Call your WIC office to ask how long it will take in your state and whether you can pick it up in person to get it faster. In the meantime, request a paper authorization so you can use your benefits right away.