Freezing Your Child’s Credit
When most parents think about identity theft, they picture stolen credit cards or fraudulent charges on their own accounts. What many don’t realize is that children are an increasingly common target for identity thieves—and the damage can go undetected for years.
Because credit bureaus don’t automatically create credit files for minors, criminals who obtain a child’s personal information can use it to “create” a brand-new credit profile. Loans, credit cards, and utilities may be opened in your child’s name long before they’re old enough to apply for credit themselves. Since parents rarely have a reason to check whether their child has a credit report, these crimes often aren’t discovered until the child applies for credit as a young adult.
One of the most effective ways to prevent this is by placing a credit freeze on your child’s credit file.
What Does a Credit Freeze Do?
A credit freeze prevents new credit from being opened in your child’s name without your authorization. Even if a criminal has your child’s Social Security number and other personal details, lenders won’t be able to access the credit file while the freeze is in place.
The freeze remains active until you—or your child, once they’re older—choose to lift it to apply for credit such as a student loan, car loan, or credit card.
How to Freeze Your Child’s Credit: Step-by-Step
Freezing a child’s credit requires a bit of paperwork, but it’s a one-time process that can provide long-term protection.
1. Gather Required Documents
Each credit bureau has slightly different requirements, but you’ll generally need copies of the following:
- Your government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license)
- Your birth certificate
- Your child’s birth certificate
- Your Social Security card
- Your child’s Social Security card
- A utility bill, bank statement, or insurance statement showing your name and address
Make copies of all documents—do not send originals.
2. Complete a Freeze Request for Each Credit Bureau
You must submit a request to each of the three major credit bureaus. If you have more than one child, you’ll need to complete separate forms for each child at each bureau.
Equifax and Experian provide downloadable forms:
TransUnion requires a written request for what they call a “Protected Consumer Freeze.”
- See the “Freeze Credit for a Minor” section in TransUnion’s Credit Freeze FAQ.
3. Mail the Requests and Documentation
Because you’ll be mailing sensitive personal information, it’s strongly recommended that you use certified mail with return receipt so you can confirm delivery.
Mail your request to:
- Equifax
P.O. Box 105788
Atlanta, GA 30348-5788 - Experian
P.O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013 - TransUnion
P.O. Box 380
Woodlyn, PA 19094
4. Save the Confirmation Letters
Once a bureau receives your request, it should place the freeze within three business days. You’ll then receive a confirmation letter by mail within five business days.
These letters are important—keep them in a secure place. They include instructions for lifting or temporarily removing the freeze in the future when your child needs to apply for credit.
A Small Step That Can Prevent Big Problems
Freezing your child’s credit won’t affect your day-to-day life, but it can prevent years of frustration and financial cleanup down the road. Identity theft involving minors often goes unnoticed for a decade or more, making early prevention especially valuable.
If you’d like to learn more, the credit bureaus provide helpful resources:
- Experian: Requesting a Security Freeze for a Minor Child’s Credit Report
- Equifax: Freezing Your Child’s Credit Report FAQ
- TransUnion: Credit Freeze FAQ (see “Freeze Credit for a Minor”)
As always, if you have any questions, our team is here to help.
