Duration of a Credit Freeze in California
California law grants individuals the right to impose a “security freeze” on their credit files, effectively preventing potential creditors from accessing their credit history. This measure serves as a safeguard against identity theft.
Permanence of a Credit Freeze
In California, a credit freeze remains in place indefinitely until the individual decides to lift it. This differs from other states, where credit freezes may expire after a certain period.
Lifting a Credit Freeze
To lift a credit freeze, individuals must contact the credit bureaus that issued the freeze. The credit bureaus are required to remove the freeze within one hour if the request is made by phone or online. If the request is made by mail, it may take up to three business days for the freeze to be lifted.
Free Credit Freezes
As of September 21, 2018, credit freezes and unfreezes are free of charge in California. This applies to both individuals and their minor children.
Temporary Credit Freeze Lifts
Individuals can temporarily lift a credit freeze to open new credit accounts or obtain loans. They can do so for a specific period or for a specific creditor.
Contacting Credit Bureaus
To place a credit freeze, individuals must contact each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) separately. Each bureau has its own process for freezing and lifting credit files.
Citations
- How to “Freeze” Your Credit Files | State of California – Department of Justice – Office of the Attorney General
- How Long Does a Credit Freeze Last?
- How to Freeze Your Credit – NerdWallet
FAQs
How long does a credit freeze last in California?
**Answer:** A credit freeze in California remains in effect until the individual decides to lift it.
Can a credit freeze expire in California?
**Answer:** No, credit freezes in California do not expire.
How do I lift a credit freeze in California?
**Answer:** Contact the credit bureaus that issued the freeze by phone, online, or mail. The freeze will be lifted within one hour if requested by phone or online, or within three business days if requested by mail.
Is there a fee to freeze or unfreeze my credit in California?
**Answer:** No, credit freezes and unfreezes are free of charge in California.
Can I temporarily lift a credit freeze?
**Answer:** Yes, individuals can temporarily lift a credit freeze to open new credit accounts or obtain loans.
How do I contact the credit bureaus to freeze my credit?
**Answer:** Contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion individually to place a credit freeze. Each bureau has its own process.
What is a security freeze?
**Answer:** A security freeze is a term used in California for a credit freeze.
Why should I freeze my credit?
**Answer:** Freezing your credit can protect against identity theft by preventing potential creditors from accessing your credit history without your consent.