Request a credit report security freeze

• Your full name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth;
• Addresses where you lived over the previous five years;
• Proof of current address such as a utility or phone bill;
• A photocopy of a government issued identification card;
• If you are an identity theft victim, include a copy of the police report, investigative report, or complaint;

It is free to place, lift or remove a security freeze.

How long does it take for a security freeze to go into effect?

After three business days from receiving your letter, the credit reporting agencies will place a freeze providing credit reports to potential creditors.

After five business days from receiving your letter to place a freeze on your account, the credit reporting agencies will send you a confirmation letter containing a unique PIN or password that can be used to authorize the removal or lifting of a security freeze.

Who can see my credit file if it is frozen?

When you have a security freeze on your credit file, certain entities still have access to it. Your report can still be released to your existing creditors or to collection agencies acting on their behalf, as well as new creditors who may make offers of credit. Government agencies may also access your credit file in response to court or administrative orders, a subpoena, or a search warrant.

To lift the security freeze to allow a specific entity or individual access to your credit report:

• Call or send a written request to the credit bureaus by mail (see telephone numbers and addresses below), include proper identification (name, address, social security number) and the PIN number or password provided to you when you placed the security freeze as well as the identity of those entities or individuals you would like to receive your credit report or the specific period of time you want the credit report available.
• The credit bureaus have 3 business days after receiving your request to lift the security freeze for identified entities or individuals

To remove the security freeze:

• Send a written request to the credit bureaus by mail (see addresses below). Include proper identification (name, address, social security number) and the PIN number or password provided to you when you placed the security freeze. NOTE: Experian is the only credit bureau that allows a telephone request to remove a security freeze at 1-888-397-3742 but requires certified or overnight mail for all removal requests by mail.
• The credit bureaus have 3 business days after receiving your request to remove the security freeze