Transferring WIC from Florida to Washington
Mostly yes. The certification transfers via a VOC card from your Florida clinic; the benefits themselves are reissued by Washington's system. Two steps: request the VOC before moving, then bring it (plus proof of your new address) to Washington State Department of Health. Income is not re-verified mid-certification.
Official Washington WIC agency: Washington State Department of Health ↗ (application page)
Your step-by-step checklist
Before you move
- 1
Ask your current WIC clinic for a VOC card
Before leaving Florida, ask your county health department WIC office for a Verification of Certification (VOC) card — you can keep using your remaining certification in the new state. If you leave without one, the new clinic can ask your old Florida WIC office to fax the Verification of Certification.
Florida Department of Health ↗
Moving week
- 2
Carry the VOC with your moving documents
Your current state's WIC food benefits stop working after you leave its issuing system, but the VOC keeps your certification alive.
After you arrive
- 3
Contact Washington State Department of Health and book a transfer appointment
Bring the VOC and proof of your new address. With a valid VOC you are enrolled without a new income screening until your current certification period ends. Stated timing: up to 20 days.
Find a clinic / apply ↗
Florida vs Washington: the numbers that decide it
| Florida (old state) | Washington (new state) | |
|---|---|---|
| Program name | Florida WIC | Washington WIC |
| Agency | Florida Department of Health | Washington State Department of Health |
| Income limit | 185% of the federal poverty level (federal, same in every state) | 185% of the federal poverty level (federal, same in every state) |
| Accepts VOC transfer card | Yes (federally required) | Yes (federally required) |
Verified 2026-08-08 (Florida) and 2026-08-08 (Washington) against the official sources cited below.
Moving with more than one benefit?
The checklist generator merges Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, unemployment, and TANF into one ordered to-do list for this exact move.
Build the full Florida → Washington checklistCommon questions
What exactly is the VOC card?
The Verification of Certification is a document your current WIC clinic issues that proves you are certified. Federal rules (7 CFR 246.7) require every state agency to accept it, so Washington enrolls you without a new income screening until your certification period ends.
What if I forgot to get a VOC before leaving Florida?
Call your old Florida clinic — many can send the VOC or verify your certification for Washington State Department of Health directly. If that fails, you can apply fresh in Washington; WIC's income limit is the same 185% of the federal poverty level in every state.
Will my Florida WIC benefits card work in Washington?
No — WIC benefits are issued on each state's own system, so the Florida card stops working. Your certification transfers via the VOC; Washington State Department of Health reissues the food benefits on Washington's system.
Where do I actually apply in Washington?
Through Washington State Department of Health (online application linked above). Official WIC pages for both states are cited at the bottom of this page.
Related guides
Official sources
Every fact above was checked against these official pages. Last verified.
- Florida DOH — WIC — accessed 2026-08-08
- Florida DOH (Lee County) — Moving with WIC — accessed 2026-08-08
- WA Department of Health — WIC Nutrition Program — accessed 2026-08-08
- WA WIC — Apply for WIC — accessed 2026-08-08