How to Transfer Your Credit History

Your credit history is tied to your Social Security number. If that number changes for some reason, your credit history may--or may not--transfer automatically. The Internal Revenue Service and the three nationwide credit bureaus work together to prevent people from seeking new Social Security numbers for the sole reason of trying to hide bad credit. However, there are legitimate reasons for seeking a new Social Security number. You may have been the victim of identity theft or your Social Security number may have been compromised in some other way.

Instructions

1

Apply for a new Social Security number, if you have not already done so. Contact the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 for information on completing the process.

2

Notify the nationwide credit bureaus that your Social Security number has changed, and that you want your credit history transferred. Send the credit bureaus a letter stating your old Social Security number and the new number. Include copies of paperwork filed with the Social Security Administration and the department's response. Also send other identifying information, such as a copy of your driver's license and a recent utility bill. Mail the information to the credit bureaus.

Equifax

P.O. Box 740241

Atlanta, GA 30374-0241

877-576-5734

equifax.com

Experian

P.O. Box 2104

Allen, TX 75013

888-397-3742

experian.com

TransUnion

P.O. Box 1000

Chester, PA 19022

800-680-7289

3

Call the credit bureaus if you have not received a response after 45 days. After the credit bureaus confirm the transfer, check for yourself by pulling your credit report using your new Social Security number. Get a copy for free at AnnualCreditReport.com--the only site endorsed by the Federal Trade Commission to offer free reports as required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act. View and print your report from the site's homepage.