Kids' Credit Freezes (Step-by-Step)

What it is (1-liner)

A credit freeze blocks new credit in your child's name. It's free by law; parents/guardians do it for kids under 16, and teens 16–17 can request their own.

Red flags (top 5)

Credit offers, bills, or collection calls in your child's name.
IRS rejects a return because a dependent was "already filed."
Breach notices from schools, doctors, or apps that hold kid data.
Unfamiliar accounts on a family credit pull.
Mail addressed to your child from banks/financiers.

Do this now (60-second checklist)

Freeze at all 3 bureaus: Equifax, Experian, TransUnion (each one separately).
Gather docs (copies): child's birth certificate + SSN card; parent/guardian ID; proof of address. Follow each bureau's instructions.
Keep the PIN/keys the bureaus give you; you'll need them to lift the freeze later.

Report & support

Step-by-step recovery if you suspect child ID theft: IdentityTheft.gov (personalized plan + letters).
FTC overview on protecting your child's identity and freezing a minor's credit.

Mental health & immediate safety

If panic spikes or you feel overwhelmed, Call/Text 988 (24/7). You're doing the right thing—freezes stop new credit while you sort it out.

Scripts you can copy

To a credit bureau (mail cover note):
"I'm the parent/guardian of [Child Full Name, DOB, SSN]. Please create and freeze a credit file for my child. Enclosed: proof of identity and address for both of us."

To a school/doctor after a breach:
"We're placing a child credit freeze. Please confirm what data was exposed, how long it was exposed, and any free protection you're offering."

To a collector:
"This debt involves a minor and appears to be identity theft. Cease collection. I will provide an FTC Identity Theft Report if needed."

Lock down & recover (quick steps)

Add IRS IP PINs (for you, spouse, and eligible dependents) to block fraudulent tax filings.
Use a password manager; enable 2FA/passkeys on family email/finance.
Consider freezes for all kids and dependent adults.
Re-check annually that the freeze is still in place (and that PINs are stored safely).

Platform-specific steps

Equifax (minor freeze): process + forms.
Experian (minor freeze): request + required documents.
TransUnion (protected consumer freeze): how to submit; TU creates a file then freezes it if none exists.

Printable Quick Card (1-page content)

Freeze at Equifax + Experian + TransUnion (free).
Gather docs → Mail/submit per bureau → Save PINs → Add IRS IP PINs → Re-check yearly.

FAQs

Does a freeze cost anything? No—free nationwide.

My child has no credit file—can I still freeze? Yes; the bureau will create and then freeze the file.

Who can lift the freeze? The parent/guardian until age of majority; teens 16–17 can request/manage their own.

Should I pick "credit lock" instead? A freeze is free and strong; locks are typically paid features.

Last updated: Sept 28, 2025 • Reviewed by: ZoraSafe Safety Team