Transferring WIC from Oregon to Minnesota
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 Minnesota, Minnesota Department of Health transfers you in at an appointment — no new income screening until your current period ends.
Official Minnesota WIC agency: Minnesota Department of Health ↗ (application page)
Your step-by-step checklist
Before you move
- 1
Ask your current WIC clinic for a VOC card
Before you leave Oregon, ask your local WIC clinic for a Verification of Certification (VOC) card. Federal rules (7 CFR 246.7) require your new state to accept it, so your certification moves with you for the rest of its period. Oregon WIC serves all 36 counties through local health departments, nonprofits, tribal organizations, migrant health centers, and Head Starts — use the county lookup to reach your clinic.
Oregon Health Authority, Public Health Division ↗
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 Minnesota 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 ↗
Oregon vs Minnesota: the numbers that decide it
| Oregon (old state) | Minnesota (new state) | |
|---|---|---|
| Program name | Oregon WIC | Minnesota WIC |
| Agency | Oregon Health Authority, Public Health Division | Minnesota 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 (Oregon) and 2026-08-08 (Minnesota) 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 Oregon → Minnesota 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 Minnesota enrolls you without a new income screening until your certification period ends.
What if I forgot to get a VOC before leaving Oregon?
Call your old Oregon clinic — many can send the VOC or verify your certification for Minnesota Department of Health directly. If that fails, you can apply fresh in Minnesota; WIC's income limit is the same 185% of the federal poverty level in every state.
Will my Oregon WIC benefits card work in Minnesota?
No — WIC benefits are issued on each state's own system, so the Oregon card stops working. Your certification transfers via the VOC; Minnesota Department of Health reissues the food benefits on Minnesota's system.
Where do I actually apply in Minnesota?
Through Minnesota 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.
- Oregon Health Authority WIC — accessed 2026-08-08
- Oregon WIC clinic/county lookup — accessed 2026-08-08
- Minnesota Department of Health — WIC — accessed 2026-08-08
- USDA FNA — Minnesota WIC state agency contact — accessed 2026-08-08