Transferring WIC from Georgia to Maryland
Ask for one thing before the move: the VOC card. Federal WIC rules (7 CFR 246.7) require every state to accept it as proof of your certification. Once in Maryland, Maryland Department of Health transfers you in at an appointment — no new income screening until your current period ends.
Official Maryland WIC agency: Maryland Department of Health ↗ (application page)
Your step-by-step checklist
Before you move
- 1
Ask your current WIC clinic for a VOC card
Georgia issues Electronic Verification of Certification (EVOC) cards — clinics must give one to any participant likely to relocate during a certification period (policy CT-850.01, per 7 CFR 246.7(k)(1)). Ask your clinic for an EVOC before you move; the new state must accept it and honor the rest of your certification.
Georgia Department of Public 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 Maryland 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 ↗
Georgia vs Maryland: the numbers that decide it
| Georgia (old state) | Maryland (new state) | |
|---|---|---|
| Program name | Georgia WIC | Maryland WIC |
| Agency | Georgia Department of Public Health | Maryland 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 (Georgia) and 2026-08-08 (Maryland) 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 Georgia → Maryland 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 Maryland enrolls you without a new income screening until your certification period ends.
What if I forgot to get a VOC before leaving Georgia?
Call your old Georgia clinic — many can send the VOC or verify your certification for Maryland Department of Health directly. If that fails, you can apply fresh in Maryland; WIC's income limit is the same 185% of the federal poverty level in every state.
Will my Georgia WIC benefits card work in Maryland?
No — WIC benefits are issued on each state's own system, so the Georgia card stops working. Your certification transfers via the VOC; Maryland Department of Health reissues the food benefits on Maryland's system.
Where do I actually apply in Maryland?
Through Maryland 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.
- Georgia DPH — WIC — accessed 2026-08-08
- Georgia WIC Policy CT-850.01 Transfer of Certification — accessed 2026-08-08
- Maryland Department of Health — Maryland WIC Program — accessed 2026-08-08
- USDA FNA — Maryland WIC state agency contact — accessed 2026-08-08