You can freeze your Social Security number through a free service called the Social Security Administration's iIdentity Theft Services, or by contacting the three major credit bureaus directly

A Social Security number lock (also called an "iIdentity lock") prevents someone from using your number to open new credit accounts, take out loans, or file fraudulent tax returns. The lock does not affect your existing accounts or your ability to work — it only stops new credit from being opened in your name without your permission.

The Social Security Administration offers this service free to anyone with a Social Security number. You can set up a lock online through ssa.gov/idtheft, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting a local Social Security office in person. Once locked, your number stays locked until you unlock it yourself.

You can also place a credit freeze with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — the three companies that track your credit history. A credit freeze is free and prevents lenders from checking your credit report, which stops most fraudulent accounts from being opened. Many people use both the Social Security lock and credit freezes together for extra protection.

Key Takeaways

  • The Social Security Administration's iIdentity lock is free and takes about 10 minutes to set up online at ssa.gov/idtheft.
  • A lock prevents new credit accounts from being opened in your name, but does not affect your job, existing accounts, or ability to borrow money yourself.
  • You can also freeze your credit with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion at no cost, which stops lenders from viewing your credit report.
  • Both the Social Security lock and credit freezes are temporary — you can unlock or unfreeze whenever you need to apply for new credit.

How to set up an iIdentity lock through Social Security

Go to ssa.gov/idtheft and select "Create an iIdentity Account." You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid email address. The system will ask you to create a username and password, then send a verification code to your email. Enter the code, and your lock is active immediately.

If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. A representative can set up your lock over the phone. You can also visit a Social Security office in person with your ID and Social Security card.

Once your lock is active, you will receive a Personal Identification Number (PIN) by mail within 5 to 7 business days. Keep this PIN safe — you will need it if you want to unlock your number later to apply for credit. You can also view your PIN anytime by logging into your iIdentity account online.

What happens when your Social Security number is locked

When your number is locked, credit companies cannot open new accounts, take out loans, or establish phone or utility service in your name without contacting Social Security first. The lock creates a barrier that requires the person applying for credit to prove they are you — which a thief cannot do.

Your lock does not stop you from doing anything. You can still work, file taxes, receive Social Security benefits, or use your existing bank and credit accounts normally. If you want to apply for a mortgage, car loan, credit card, or any new credit yourself, you simply unlock your number first using your PIN, apply for the credit, then lock it again.

Unlocking takes about one minute online or by phone. Many people unlock temporarily when they know they are shopping for credit, then lock again once the application is approved.

How to freeze your credit with the three major bureaus

A credit freeze stops Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion from sharing your credit report with lenders. Without access to your report, most lenders will not open new accounts. You must contact each bureau separately — there is no single place to freeze all three at once.

Equifax: Go to equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze, call 1-800-349-9960, or mail a request to Equifax Security Freeze, P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348-5788.

Experian: Go to experian.com/freeze/center, call 1-888-397-3742, or mail a request to Experian Security Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013.

TransUnion: Go to transunion.com/credit-freeze/place-credit-freeze, call 1-888-909-8872, or mail a request to TransUnion Security Freeze, P.O. Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094.

Online is fastest — most freezes activate within one business day. By phone or mail, allow 3 to 5 business days. You will receive a confirmation number and PIN. Save both, because you will need the PIN to unfreeze later.

Differences between a Social Security lock and a credit freeze

Both stop fraudulent credit from being opened, but they work in different ways. A Social Security lock blocks the Social Security Administration's records from being used to verify identity. A credit freeze blocks lenders from viewing your credit history. Together, they create two separate barriers.

A Social Security lock is faster to set up (10 minutes online) and covers your number across all three credit bureaus at once. A credit freeze requires contacting three separate companies but may stop more types of fraud because it prevents lenders from checking your credit at all.

Most people use both. The Social Security lock is your first line of defense; the credit freeze is your backup. If you have already been a victim of identity theft, using both is especially important because it closes multiple paths a thief might use.

What to do if you have already been a victim of identity theft

If someone has already opened accounts in your name, a lock or freeze will stop them from opening more, but you will need to report the existing fraud. File a report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov. The FTC will create a record of the theft and give you a recovery plan.

Contact each of the three credit bureaus and ask them to place a fraud alert on your account. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts — it is free and lasts one year (seven years if you have been a victim of identity theft). You only need to contact one bureau; they are required to notify the other two.

Request a free copy of your credit report from each bureau at annualcreditreport.com. Review them for accounts you did not open. Dispute any fraudulent accounts in writing with the bureau that is reporting them. Keep copies of all correspondence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will locking my Social Security number hurt my credit score?

No. A lock does not affect your credit score or credit history. Your existing accounts continue to report normally, and your score will not change. The lock only prevents new accounts from being opened without your permission.

Can I unlock my Social Security number if I need to apply for credit?

Yes. Log into your iIdentity account at ssa.gov/idtheft and select "Unlock" using your PIN, or call 1-800-772-1213. Unlocking takes about one minute and is effective immediately. You can lock and unlock as many times as you need.

What if I lose my PIN?

You can retrieve your PIN anytime by logging into your iIdentity account online. If you cannot access your account, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and a representative can help you recover it or reset your account.

Do I need to lock my Social Security number if I already have a credit freeze?

A credit freeze alone provides good protection, but using both is stronger. A Social Security lock blocks identity verification at the source, while a credit freeze blocks lenders from checking your credit. Together they close multiple paths to fraud.

How long does a Social Security lock stay in place?

Your lock stays active until you unlock it yourself. It does not expire after a certain time. You can keep it locked indefinitely and unlock it whenever you need to apply for new credit.