How to Temporarily Lift a Security Freeze

By Jennifer White

2 min readMar 1, 2019

Dear Experian,

I need to lift the security freeze for 24 hours to buy a car. How do I do that?

- PDT

Dear PDT,

If your Experian credit file is frozen and you need to apply for credit, you can lift the freeze at Experian's Freeze Center. Simply create an Experian account to log in to your Experian membership and untoggle your freeze.

Temporarily Lifting a Security Freeze

You can specify how long you want the security freeze to be lifted—a day, week or more. Temporarily lifting a security freeze will allow you to apply with multiple lenders in order to get their best possible rate, as long as the applications are processed within the time frame you specified.

Permanently Removing Your Freeze

If you no longer wish to have a security freeze on your Experian credit file, you can simply toggle your freeze off in your Experian account. You may also request removal by phone or by mail.

If you submit your request in writing, be sure to include the following information:

• Full name
• Complete addresses for the past two years
• Date of birth
• Social security number
• Copy of a government issued identification card, such as a driver's license, state ID card, etc.
• Copy of a utility bill, bank or insurance statement, etc.

You can learn more about security freezes and freezing your Experian credit file on our blog.

Thanks for asking,

Jennifer White, Consumer Education Specialist