FAQ: Credit freeze for minors

Children are potentially at higher risk for identity theft, as their credit information may not be actively monitored. So, identity thieves may apply for credit and take out loans in their name.

The theft may not be discovered for years, very possibly until the child is a young adult and applying for credit of their own. According to the Federal Trade Commission, this type of fraud may have already occurred if your child has received a notice from the IRS saying that they haven't paid their taxes, or if they've received bills for products or services that were never ordered.

How do I protect my child's credit reports?

As your child's legal guardian or parent, you're allowed to freeze their credit file for free with the three leading, nation-wide credit bureaus. You need to provide them with documentation to verify your identity, your child's identity, and your ability to act on your child's behalf. If your child doesn't yet have an existing credit file, the credit bureau will create one and freeze it for you until your child is of age and can manage their own credit.

Once a security freeze is placed on your child's credit file, it restricts access to the file, including by fraudsters who may be attempting to open a new account using the child's identity.

I have more than one child. Can I send multiple requests at the same time?

Yes, you can send multiple requests at the same time. But you'll need to provide copies of the same documentation for all your minor dependents.

How long does all this take?

Since most minor dependents typically do not have existing credit files, the credit bureaus may need to first create one before they can place a security freeze on it. This process usually takes up to an estimated three business days to complete once all the documentation is received, but you'll need to confirm this with each credit bureau.

To check on the status of the creation of your child's credit file with the credit bureaus, call the credit bureaus directly.

What happens once a security freeze is placed?

Once a minor's credit file is frozen, it will remain frozen until you, the child's parent or guardian, take action or the child takes action to lift or remove the freeze (your child is allowed to do this on their own on or after their 16th birthday).

What if I want to temporarily lift or permanently remove a security freeze - or my child does?

As a parent or legal guardian, you must submit in writing the request to temporarily lift or permanently remove a security freeze from a minor's credit file to each credit bureau. You must provide the documents listed above to verify their identity and address; the minor's identity; and proof that the parent or legal guardian is legally authorized to act on the minor's behalf. Requests can be mailed to the credit bureaus. For more details, read Setup security freezes with the credit bureaus for your child.

What happens to the security freeze once my child turns 16?

The security freeze will remain in place until you, as the child's parent or guardian, take action, or your child takes action, to lift or remove the credit file freeze after the child's 16th birthday.

What if my child is over the age of 16 but under 18?

Minors who are 16 or 17 independent of their parent or guardian may request a credit security freeze, provided they have an existing credit file. They can do so by phone or by mail and must complete the steps listed above.

However, to create their own account with one of the three major credit bureaus, they must be at least 18 years of age.

Set up security freezes with the credit bureaus for your child