Welcome Vendor Applicants!

Thank you for your interest in becoming a WIC authorized vendor. The California Department of Public Health, Women, Infants and Children Division (CDPH/WIC) accepts applications from stores interested in accepting the California WIC Card as a form of payment in exchange for WIC authorized foods.  This page is designed to provide important information and guidance about the California WIC vendor application and authorization process. 

Becoming a California WIC Authorized Vendor

To become authorized to accept WIC as a form of payment, stores must meet authorization criteria as specified in the California WIC Vendor Agreement and state/federal regulations.  

Before submitting the application package, it is recommended that interested stores review California WIC's Vendor Authorization Criteria​, Minimum Stocking Requirements (PDF)​ and WIC Vendor Regulations​ to ensure that the store can meet these requirements. 

The New Vendor Authorization Process

California WIC accepts applications from prospective vendors year-round.  The WIC New Vendor Authorization Process includes: 

1. ​Completing and submitting the Application for Authorization of Retail Store as WIC Vendor Form (PDF)​ along with required documents.
   
2. Completing and submitting the Vendor Agreement (PDF)​.
   
3. Attending a mandatory New Vendor Training class (currently held virtually).
   
4. Successfully passing an on-site preauthorization store inspection conducted by CDPH/WIC staff.
   
5. Having an on-site electronic Point of Sale (POS) terminal that is certified to transact the California WIC Card.​
   

New Vendor Application Forms

• ​Instructions for Completing the California WIC New Vendor Application (PDF)​
  
• Application for Authorization of Retail Store as WIC Vendor Form (PDF)​​
  
• Vendor Agreement (PDF)​​
  

 ​Getting Started

• ​​Review the Instructions for Completing the California WIC New Vendor Application (PDF)​.  Gather required documents/information listed in "Information to Have Ready."
  
• Complete the Application for Authorization of Retail Store as WIC Vendor Form (PDF)​​​.  Missing or incomplete documents will delay procesessing.
  
• Complete the Vendor Agreement (PDF)​.
  
• Submit the application package following the guidance on Page 5 of Instructions for Completing the California WIC New Vendor Application (PDF)​.
  

Accepting the California WIC Card - Technical Information for Stores

• ​WIC Point of Sale (POS) Equipment Information (PDF)
• List of Certified POS Systems (PDF)​​
  

Helpful Resources

• Vendor Authorization Criteria
• Minimum Stocking Requirements (PDF)​
  
• WIC Vendor Regulations​
  
• WIC-Authorized Food List Shopping Guide (WAFL)(PDF)​
• Vendor Materials Ordering Process​ (PDF)​​
  

Questions?​

​​​Contact the CDPH/WIC Vendor Intake Unit:

phone: (855) 942-7867

e-mail: WICVendorInfo@cdph.ca.gov

website: www.wicworks.ca.gov​

Please note: The CDPH/WIC Division, has become aware of a third-party company stating that they provide services (for a fee) for individuals to become authorized California WIC Vendors. The CDPH /WIC Division would like all current and prospective vendor applicants to understand that CDPH /WIC Division does not charge individuals for the authorization process.  Individuals interested in becoming a WIC Vendor, should work directly with the CDPH /WIC Division to avoid potential scams and receive proper assistance regarding the WIC authorization process.