Request TransUnion Minor Credit Freeze – Protecting your child’s identity is more important than ever in the United States. A TransUnion minor credit freeze—officially called a Protected Consumer Freeze—blocks unauthorized access to your child’s credit file, preventing identity thieves from opening accounts in their name. This free safeguard is available to parents and guardians of minors aged 15 and younger across all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about requesting a TransUnion minor credit freeze, using the most current official information directly from TransUnion and the FTC.
What Is a TransUnion Minor Credit Freeze (Protected Consumer Freeze)?
A TransUnion minor credit freeze, known as a Protected Consumer Freeze, restricts access to your child’s credit report. Lenders and creditors cannot view the file to approve new credit accounts without your explicit permission to lift the freeze.
Unlike a standard adult credit freeze (which you can place online or by phone), the protected version for minors requires documentation proving your parental authority. It applies specifically to children 15 and younger. If your child has no existing credit file, TransUnion will create one solely for the freeze—providing proactive protection even if no fraud has occurred yet.
This freeze remains in place until you (or your child at age 16+) request its removal. It can also be temporarily lifted when needed, such as for legitimate credit applications later in life.
Why Request a TransUnion Minor Credit Freeze?
Child identity theft remains a growing concern for American families. Thieves target children’s Social Security numbers because the fraud often goes undetected for years—until the child applies for their first job, student loan, or apartment.
According to FTC guidance, freezing a minor’s credit makes it significantly harder for someone to open fraudulent accounts. The process is free nationwide, thanks to federal law, and TransUnion strongly recommends it as a key layer of protection alongside monitoring for suspicious activity.
Placing a TransUnion minor credit freeze gives you peace of mind and control over your child’s financial future without impacting their current (usually nonexistent) credit history.
Key Benefits of a TransUnion Protected Consumer Freeze
- Prevents new fraudulent accounts: No one can open credit cards, loans, or utilities in your child’s name.
- Free to place, lift, or remove: No fees at any time.
- Long-term protection: Stays active until your child turns 16 and can manage it themselves (or longer if converted to a standard freeze at 18).
- Creates a file if none exists: Ensures protection starts immediately.
- Easy to manage later: Temporary lifts are possible via mail when your child needs legitimate credit access (e.g., for college financial aid).
Placing this freeze at TransUnion is one of the simplest steps you can take to safeguard your family.
Is Requesting a TransUnion Minor Credit Freeze Free?
Yes—100% free. Federal law requires Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to offer free credit freezes (including protected consumer freezes for minors) with no charges to place, temporarily lift, or remove them.
There are no hidden costs, and TransUnion processes these requests via standard or certified mail.
Step-by-Step: How to Request TransUnion Minor Credit Freeze?
Requesting a TransUnion minor credit freeze is straightforward but must be done by mail. Online and phone options are not available for minors due to the required documentation. Follow these steps:
- Prepare your written request: Write a clear letter stating you want to place a “Protected Consumer Freeze” on your child’s file. Include your full name, relationship to the child, the child’s full name, and the child’s address.
- Gather required documents (detailed in the next section).
- Make copies only: Never send original documents—use photocopies or scans.
- Mail everything to the dedicated address (see below).
- Wait for confirmation: TransUnion will send written confirmation once the freeze is active. Processing typically occurs within a few business days of receipt.
You can request this freeze even if you suspect or have confirmed identity theft.
Required Documents for TransUnion Minor Credit Freeze
TransUnion requires specific proof to verify your authority and identities. Include all of the following with your written request:
- Proof of authority (choose one):
- Court order
- Valid power of attorney
- Government-issued document showing proof of parentage (e.g., birth certificate)
- For foster care: Written certification from county welfare or probation department
- Proof of your identity (and the child’s):
- Social Security number (or copy of Social Security card) for both you and your child
- Certified/official copy of birth certificate (yours or child’s, as applicable)
- Copy of driver’s license, state ID, or other government-issued photo ID
Send only copies—TransUnion does not accept originals and will return them if mistakenly included.
Where to Mail Your TransUnion Minor Credit Freeze Request?
Send your letter and documents via standard or certified mail to:
TransUnion
P.O. Box 380
Woodlyn, PA 19094
This is the dedicated address exclusively for Protected Consumer Freeze requests. Use the exact address to avoid delays.
Keep a copy of everything you send for your records, including tracking information if using certified mail.
How to Lift or Remove a TransUnion Minor Credit Freeze?
You can temporarily lift or permanently remove the freeze at any time. The process mirrors the placement request and requires the same types of documentation (proof of authority and identity).
- Temporary lift: Mail a written request specifying the duration or purpose (e.g., for a specific lender).
- Permanent removal: Submit a written request to remove the Protected Consumer Freeze.
- Child’s rights at 16+: Your child can request removal themselves with proper identification once they turn 16.
- At age 18: The protected freeze can convert to a standard adult freeze, which can then be managed online.
Mail removal or lift requests to the same P.O. Box 380 address.
Why You Should Also Freeze at Equifax and Experian?
A TransUnion minor credit freeze protects only TransUnion’s files. For full protection, place identical Protected Consumer Freezes (or equivalent security freezes) at all three major bureaus separately. Each has slightly different processes—Equifax and Experian may offer online options in some cases—but all require documentation for minors.
Contact information and instructions are available on each bureau’s official website or via FTC resources at IdentityTheft.gov.
How to Check If Your Child Already Has a TransUnion Credit File?
Before or after requesting the freeze, use TransUnion’s secure Child Identity Theft Inquiry Form (available on their website) to check for an existing file. If one exists without your knowledge, it could indicate fraud, and TransUnion will guide you through next steps.
Even if no file is found, you can still place the Protected Consumer Freeze.
Frequently Asked Questions About TransUnion Minor Credit Freeze
Can I place the freeze online or by phone?
No—only by mail for minors.
How long does it take?
TransUnion processes mail requests promptly and sends confirmation.
What if my child turns 16?
They can manage or remove the freeze themselves with proper ID.
Does the freeze affect my child’s existing accounts?
No—it only blocks new credit inquiries.
Is this available in every state?
Yes, all 50 states and Puerto Rico for children 15 and younger.
Additional Tips to Protect Your Child’s Identity in the USA
- Monitor your child’s mail and online accounts regularly.
- Never share their Social Security number unless absolutely necessary.
- Teach older children about phishing and safe online habits.
- Consider a fraud alert in addition to the freeze (though TransUnion does not currently offer fraud alerts for minors).
- Review your family’s credit reports annually at AnnualCreditReport.com.
Taking these steps, starting with a TransUnion minor credit freeze, builds a strong defense against identity theft.
Act today to request your TransUnion Protected Consumer Freeze. Download or print this guide, gather your documents, and mail your request to TransUnion. Your child’s financial future will thank you.
All information is based on official TransUnion and FTC sources as of April 2026. Always verify the latest details directly on transunion.com/credit-freeze before mailing your request.