All about credit reports

Requesting reports in special situations

How do I request a credit report as a legal guardian?

Legal representatives or court appointed guardians can request a copy of the credit report for their wards by mail.

Send the request along with the following information about the ward:

  • Legal name
  • Address
  • Birth date
  • A copy of the ward's birth certificate
  • A copy of the ward's Social Security card

And information about yourself:

  • Proof of your legal representation or guardianship
  • A copy of your driver's license or other government-issued identity card with your current address
  • A copy of a current utility bill

Make sure the driver's license and the utility bill have the same address.

Send the request and information to all three credit reporting companies.

How do I request a credit report for a child under 13?

The credit reporting companies do not knowingly keep credit files on children under 13. If you suspect someone is using your child's information illegally, you should:

  • Contact all three credit reporting companies and report the situation.
  • File a police report with your local law enforcement agency.
  • File a complaint with the CFPB.

When you contact the credit reporting companies, provide the following information about the child:

  • Legal name
  • Address
  • Birth date
  • A copy of the child's birth certificate
  • A copy of the child's Social Security card

And information about yourself:

  • A copy of your driver's license or other government-issued identity card with your current address
  • A copy of a current utility bill

Make sure the driver's license and the utility bill have the same address.

You may also need to prove that you have legal custody of your child in cases where the credit reporting company has a legitimate need to obtain such proof.

Send the request and information to all three credit reporting companies.

How do I request a credit report for a minor?

If you want to determine if there is a credit report on a minor, you should contact the credit reporting companies and provide the following information about the child:

  • Legal name
  • Address
  • Birth date
  • A copy of the child's birth certificate
  • A copy of the child's Social Security card

And information about yourself:

  • A copy of your driver's license or other government-issued identity card with your current address
  • A copy of a current utility bill

Make sure the driver's license and the utility bill have the same address. You may also need to prove that you have legal custody of your child in cases where the credit reporting company has a legitimate need to obtain such proof.

Send the request and information to all three credit reporting companies.

Please note that, due to federal requirements, requests for children under 13 cannot be requested online. Minors between the ages of 13 through 17 can also order a report through the AnnualCreditReport.com website.

If you suspect someone is using your child's information illegally, you should:

  • Contact all three credit reporting companies and report the situation.
  • File a police report with your local law enforcement agency.

The Federal Trade Commission's website provides additional information on protecting your child's privacy online , and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's website provides information on protecting your child from credit reporting problems.

How do I obtain a credit report for a deceased person?

The spouse or executor of the estate may request the deceased person's credit report by mailing a request to each of the credit reporting companies.

Send a letter along with the following information about the deceased:

  • Legal name
  • Social Security Number
  • Date of birth
  • Date of death
  • Last known address
  • A copy of the death certificate or letters testamentary

Also send information about yourself, including:

  • Your full name
  • Address for sending final confirmation
  • In the case of an executor, include the court order or other document showing that you are an executor.

Mail the request and information to all three of the credit reporting companies:

  • Equifax
  • P.O. Box 105139
  • Atlanta, GA 30348-5139

  • Experian
  • P.O. Box 2002
  • Allen, TX 75013

  • TransUnion
  • P.O. Box 2000
  • Chester, PA 19016