How to “Freeze” Your Credit Report

A “credit freeze," also known as a “security freeze," completely blocks the information on your credit report from would-be creditors. A credit freeze can help prevent identity theft. Most businesses will not open credit accounts without first checking a consumer's credit history. If your credit files are frozen, even someone who has your name and Social Security number might not be able to get credit in your name. Maryland consumers may place a freeze on their credit reports from all three credit reporting agencies, free of charge. Credit freezes may also be lifted, known as a “thaw," free of charge.

To place a credit freeze, send a request to each of the three credit reporting agencies. You will need to include your personal information, as described below.

Equifax

Equifax Security Freeze (Sample)
P.O. Box 105788 
Atlanta, GA 30348
1-888-298-0045

• Full name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth
• If you have moved in the past two years or had a name change, you should provide that prior address or name so you can be properly identified

Equifax Incapacitated Adult Freeze Request Form
https://assets.equifax.com/assets/personal/Incapacitated_Adult_Freeze_Request_Form.pdf

Equifax Minor Freeze Request Form
https://assets.equifax.com/assets/personal/Minor_Freeze_Request_Form.pdf

Experian

Experian Security Freeze (Sample)
P. O. Box 9554 
Allen, TX 75013
1-888-397-3742

• Full name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth
• If you have moved or had a name change in the past five years, prior addresses and proof of prior names are also required
• A copy of a government-issued ID card
• A copy of a bank statement or utility bill containing your current address

Experian Minor Credit Freeze (Sample)

TransUnion

TransUnion Security Freeze (Sample)
P. O. Box 160
Woodlyn, PA 19094
1-888-909-8872

• Full name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth
• If you have moved in the past five years, supply addresses for past five years
• A copy of a government-issued ID card

TransUnion Minor Credit Freeze (Sample)

You can also find more information about each credit reporting agency's freeze program at their websites:

• www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze/​
• ​​​​www.experian.com/freeze
• www.transunion.com/credit-freeze

While a credit freeze can provide important protection against identity theft, a credit freeze may not be for everyone. If you plan to open credit in the near future, or apply for an apartment or a job that will require your credit report to be checked, you will need to lift the freeze.