You can lock your Social Security number through a free service called a credit freeze or Social Security number lock

The Social Security Administration offers a free service that lets you lock your Social Security number so no one can use it to open new accounts or take out loans in your name. You set up the lock yourself through ssa.gov, and it takes just a few minutes. The lock stays in place until you remove it — you do not have to renew it or pay anything.

This is different from a credit freeze, which you set up with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). Both tools work together to stop identity theft, but they work in different ways. A Social Security number lock stops someone from using your number to create a new Social Security account or change your existing account. A credit freeze stops lenders from checking your credit report when someone tries to open an account using your information.

Key Takeaways

  • You can lock your Social Security number for free through ssa.gov using your my Social Security account.
  • A Social Security number lock prevents someone from creating a new Social Security account or changing your existing account using your number.
  • You should also set up a credit freeze with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to stop lenders from checking your credit when someone tries to open accounts in your name.
  • You can unlock your Social Security number anytime through your my Social Security account if you need to explore for a job or other service that requires a new Social Security account.

How to lock your Social Security number through the SSA

Start by creating or signing into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a phone number. The SSA will send you a one-time code to verify your identity — you enter this code to confirm you are who you say you are.

Once you are logged in, look for the option to set up a lock. The SSA calls this the "Social Security Number Lock" or "my Social Security Lock." Click through the steps, which ask you to confirm your identity one more time using information from your Social Security record. The lock goes into effect right away — you will see a message confirming it is active.

Keep your my Social Security login information in a safe place. You will need it if you ever want to unlock your number or check the status of your lock.

Setting up a credit freeze with the three credit bureaus

A credit freeze stops lenders from pulling your credit report when someone tries to open a credit card, loan, or phone account in your name. You set this up separately with each of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Each one has its own website and process, but all three are free.

For Equifax, go to equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services and select "Freeze My Credit." For Experian, visit experian.com/freeze and choose the freeze option. For TransUnion, go to transunion.com/credit-freeze/place-credit-freeze and follow their steps. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address. Each bureau will give you a PIN or password — write these down and store them somewhere safe, because you will need them if you want to unfreeze your credit later.

The freeze takes effect within one business day. After that, lenders cannot see your credit report without your permission, which means they are much less likely to approve fraudulent accounts.

When to unlock your Social Security number temporarily

If you are starting a new job, explore for a loan, or signing up for a service that requires a background check or credit pull, you may need to unlock your Social Security number temporarily. You can do this through your my Social Security account — just log in and select the option to lift the lock for a set period of time, usually between one hour and 30 days.

When you temporarily unlock, choose the shortest time frame that makes sense for what you are doing. For example, if you are explore for a job today, unlock for one day. If you are shopping for a mortgage and expect the process to take two weeks, unlock for 30 days. Once that time passes, the lock goes back into effect automatically.

You may also need to temporarily unfreeze your credit with the three bureaus if a lender needs to pull your credit report. You can do this on each bureau's website using the PIN you saved when you set up the freeze.

What a Social Security number lock does and does not protect

A Social Security number lock stops someone from creating a new Social Security account in your name or changing information on your existing account. It also prevents someone from using your number to commit tax fraud or claim benefits you are not may have access to to. This is powerful protection against identity theft.

However, a lock does not protect you if someone already has access to your existing accounts — for example, if they know your password to your bank account or email. It also does not stop someone from using your information to commit fraud in other ways, like opening a utility account or renting an apartment. That is why you should also set up a credit freeze and monitor your accounts regularly for suspicious activity.

Checking the status of your lock

You can check whether your Social Security number lock is active anytime by logging into your my Social Security account. Look for a section that shows your lock status — it will say whether the lock is on, off, or temporarily unlocked.

If you ever forget whether you set up a lock, or if you want to confirm it is still in place, this is the fastest way to find out. You can also check your credit freeze status by visiting each of the three credit bureaus' websites and logging in with your PIN.

Other steps to take alongside a Social Security number lock

A Social Security number lock and credit freeze are strong tools, but they work best as part of a larger plan to protect your identity. Check your credit reports regularly — you can get one free report from each of the three bureaus every 12 months at annualcreditreport.com. Look for accounts you do not recognize or inquiries from companies you did not contact.

Monitor your Social Security earnings record by logging into your my Social Security account and reviewing the income listed. If you see earnings you did not make, that could mean someone is using your number to work. Report any suspicious activity to the SSA and to the Federal Trade Commission at reportidentitytheft.ftc.gov.

Use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts, and consider using a password manager to keep track of them. Enable two-factor authentication on accounts that offer it — this adds an extra step when you log in, making it harder for someone else to access your accounts even if they have your password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does locking my Social Security number cost anything?

No. The Social Security number lock is completely free. Credit freezes with the three credit bureaus are also free. Be cautious of websites or services that charge you to lock your number or set up a credit freeze — these are scams.

Will locking my Social Security number affect my credit score?

No. Locking your Social Security number and setting up a credit freeze do not lower your credit score or change it in any way. They only prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.

Can I lock my Social Security number if I do not have a my Social Security account yet?

Yes. You can create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov even if you do not have one now. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and phone number. Once your account is set up and verified, you can lock your number right away.

What happens if I need to unlock my number but forget my my Social Security password?

You can reset your password by going to ssa.gov and selecting the option to reset or recover your login information. You will need to verify your identity using information from your Social Security record. If you have trouble, you can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 for help.

If I lock my Social Security number, do I still need a credit freeze?

Both tools protect you in different ways, so setting up both is stronger than using just one. A Social Security number lock stops someone from creating a new Social Security account in your name. A credit freeze stops lenders from checking your credit when someone tries to open a credit card, loan, or phone account. Together, they cover more ground.