How to Remove a Freeze on Your Credit Report

If you are worried about someone getting access to your personal information or believe you might be a victim of identity theft, then placing a security freeze on your credit report can thwart many of these attacks. The freeze will prevent anyone from accessing your credit report without your consent, and identity thieves will not be able to open new lines of credit. Once you have cleared up these issues or fixed any security threats, you will need to request that the freeze be removed from your account.

Instructions

1

Decide if you want a temporary lift or if are ready for a permanent lift on your credit report. You can request a temporary lift if you need to allow a specific lender access to your account or if you need to apply for credit. All three of the major credit monitoring companies---Equifax, Experian and TransUnion---offer a temporary lift through their websites. They can also be contacted by phone or sent a request by mail.

2

Go to the credit monitoring websites and use their webpage to lift the freeze. Every state has different laws and fees regarding a credit freeze, so be sure to navigate to the right state using the link provided. You will need to have your personal information at hand including Social Security number, address and the personal identification number that you received when you put the freeze on your account. This process will need to be done for any of the three credit monitoring companies with which you placed a freeze. If you are unable to do this using the Internet, continue with steps below.

3

Call the credit monitoring companies to lift the freeze:

Equifax: (800) 685-1111
Experian: (888) 397-3742
TransUnion: (888) 909-8872

You will need your personal information and the personal identification number just like you would if using the website. The freeze should be lifted within three days of confirmation.

4

Send a request by mail:

TransUnion
Fraud Victim Assistance Department
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834

Experian Security Freeze
P.O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013

Equifax Security Freeze
P.O. Box 105788
Atlanta, GA 30348

Each of the three credit monitoring companies has certain requirements to be sent with the request. Check on the cost and specifics as dictated by state laws.

5

A permanent lift of the freeze works the same way as a temporary freeze, and it can be done through the Internet, phone or by mail. You need to specify that you wish the lift to be permanent and then follow the same procedures mentioned above.