How to Prepare to Freeze Your Child's Credit
Freezing your child's credit is a crucial step in protecting their financial future. Identity theft targeting minors is increasingly common because children's clean credit histories are attractive to criminals. In some cases your hand may be forced if you get notified that your child has been targeted through a data breach that stems from their healthcare provider.
This process is painful and time-consuming. There's no way to do it without snail mail and if something goes wrong you're going to have to continue to communicate over snail mail. While these lists hold true for today, there's always a chance that requirements get updated. You can find links to each bureau's FAQs around freezing a child's credit here (hopefully they keep this content up-to-date): Equifax, Experian , and TransUnion.
Time Required
- • Document gathering & printing: 1-4 hours
- • Form filling: 30 minutes
- • Mailing: 30 minutes
- • Processing time: 2-3 weeks
Cost Breakdown (per child)
- • Regular mail: ~$3 total
- - Stamps and envelopes: $3
- • With certified mail (return receipt requested): ~$30 total
- - Certified mail: $9 × 3 = $27
- - Stamps and envelopes: $3
Quick Tips
- • Only send copies, NOT originals, of all documents
- • You have to use U.S. mail, ideally certified mail with a return receipt requested for more visibility
- • Keep all confirmation letters in a safe place (the next time you come back to them may be in more than a decade!)
- • Set a reminder to follow up if no response in 30 days
Preparation Checklist (per child)
Envelope Assembly Checklist (per child)
Equifax Envelope
Experian Envelope
TransUnion Envelope
Complete Guide to Freezing Your Child's Credit
Why Freeze Your Child's Credit?
Child identity theft is a growing concern in today's digital age. Criminals target children's Social Security numbers because they represent a clean slate - no credit history and likely no monitoring. A credit freeze, also known as a security freeze, prevents new accounts from being opened in your child's name, providing crucial protection against identity theft.
Required Documents for Each Credit Bureau
To freeze your child's credit, you'll need to submit documentation to each of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. While requirements can vary slightly between bureaus, here's a comprehensive list of what you'll need:
Essential Documents
- A copy of your child's birth certificate
- A copy of your child's Social Security card
- Your own Social Security card
- A government-issued ID (driver's license or passport)
- Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement less than 60 days old)
- Legal documents proving guardianship (if you're not the biological parent)
Bureau-Specific Requirements
- Equifax: Minor Freeze Request Form (available on their website)
- Experian: Minor Security Freeze Form (available through their online portal)
- TransUnion: Written request for a "protected consumer freeze"
Mailing Process and Timeline
The process requires sending physical documents through U.S. mail to each credit bureau. Here's what you need to know about the mailing process:
- Use certified mail with return receipt requested for tracking ($9 per bureau)
- Standard processing time is 2-3 weeks per bureau
- Keep copies of all documents sent and confirmation letters received
- Follow up if you don't receive confirmation within 30 days
After the Freeze is in Place
Once the credit freeze is established, each bureau will send confirmation letters. These letters contain important information:
- Confirmation of the credit freeze
- Instructions for lifting the freeze when needed
Store these confirmation letters in a secure location - you'll need them when your child is older and ready to begin building their credit history.
Want a detailed walkthrough of exactly where to send these documents and what to expect after you mail them? We're working on an additional guide that will walk you through the rest of the process step-by-step. Subscribe to our newsletter below to get notified when it's published.
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