How to Get Your Child's Credit Report

Children are issued Social Security numbers shortly after they're born, but parents often rarely use the numbers until they need them to claim children as dependents on tax forms. Yet periodically checking children's credit reports could help protect them from identity theft if someone gains access to their Social Security numbers. However, be prepared to gather documentation on yourself and your children, and submit requests to more than one credit bureau to get the reports.

Instructions

1

Check with the three major credit bureaus to find out what you need to send to them to get a copy of your child's credit report. Those three bureaus are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. It's important to get a copy of a report from all three bureaus because each may have different information about your child.

2

Send a request to each bureau asking for a copy of your child's credit report. Such requests usually aren't handled online to protect children's identities. You likely will need to include copies of your child's birth certificate, Social Security card and your driver's license to verify your identities.

3

Expect things to be handled a little differently at TransUnion. That agency first accepts email requests to check a child's credit report. TransUnion will find out if a report exists for the child. If there is no credit file, a parent will get an email stating that. If a credit file is found, a birth certificate and other documents will have to be mailed to the agency to get a copy of the child's credit report.

4

Assist the credit bureaus in thoroughly checking a credit report by alerting them in a letter if you suspect your child's identity has been stolen. Credit card offers and unfamiliar magazine subscriptions arriving in the mail in your child's name are signs that someone may be using your child's name or Social Security number without authorization.

5

Verify that the letter and documents you're sending to the credit bureaus arrive at their destinations, since you're sending a copy of your driver's license and other sensitive information. This can be done by mailing the documents in a registered, return-receipt envelope so that you receive a receipt back that verifies delivery.