You can freeze your Social Security number at no cost through the Social Security Administration's iIdentity Theft Services website

A Social Security number lock is a free security tool that prevents someone else from using your number to open accounts, get loans, or file tax returns in your name. The Social Security Administration (SSA) lets you turn the lock on and off yourself through their website — you do not need to call, visit an office, or pay a fee.

The lock works by flagging your number in the SSA's system. When someone tries to use your Social Security number to create a new account or file a tax return, the institution handling the request sees the lock and must verify your identity before proceeding. This does not affect your own ability to work, file taxes, or use Social Security benefits — you can unlock your number whenever you need to.

The process takes about 15 minutes and requires you to create or sign into your my Social Security account online. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and a way to verify your identity — usually a phone number or email address associated with your account.

Key Takeaways

  • You set up a Social Security number lock through my Social Security, the SSA's official online portal, at ssa.gov/myaccount.
  • The lock is free and does not affect your ability to work, file taxes, or receive benefits — it only stops others from using your number.
  • You can turn the lock on or off yourself at any time, and you do not need to contact the SSA to manage it.
  • A lock is different from a credit freeze; a lock protects your Social Security number specifically, while a credit freeze stops new credit accounts in your name.
  • If someone has already stolen your number, a lock prevents new fraud going forward but does not undo past damage — you will also need to file an identity theft report.

How to set up your Social Security number lock online

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in with your my Social Security username and password. If you do not have an account, you will need to create one. The SSA will ask you to verify your identity using information from your credit file or by answering security questions based on your financial history.

Once you are signed in, look for the "Security" or "Lock Your Number" section — the exact wording changes occasionally, but it is always in the account settings area. Click the option to lock your Social Security number. The system will ask you to confirm your request and may send a verification code to your phone or email. Enter the code, and your lock is active when ready.

You will see a confirmation message on screen and receive an email from the SSA. Keep that email for your records. The lock stays in place until you turn it off yourself — the SSA does not remove it automatically after a set time.

What happens when your Social Security number is locked

When your number is locked, banks, credit card companies, loan servicers, and other financial institutions must take extra steps before opening a new account or issuing credit in your name. They see the lock flag when they check your Social Security number and must contact you directly to verify that you requested the account. This verification step stops most identity theft attempts because the thief cannot complete the process without your permission.

The lock does not prevent you from doing anything. You can still file taxes, start a job, open a bank account, or explore for a loan — you just have to unlock your number first. Unlocking takes the same 15 minutes online, and you can do it as many times as you need. Some people lock their number permanently and unlock it only when they are actively explore for credit or a job.

If an institution tells you they cannot process your request because your number is locked, that is the lock working as intended. Unlock your number through my Social Security, complete your process, and then lock it again.

Difference between a Social Security number lock and a credit freeze

A Social Security number lock and a credit freeze are two separate tools that protect you in different ways. The lock stops someone from using your Social Security number to open new accounts. A credit freeze stops new credit accounts from being opened in your name by preventing credit bureaus from sharing your credit report with lenders.

You can use both at the same time — they work together. The SSA offers the lock for free on their website. A credit freeze is handled by the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and is also free, but you have to contact each bureau separately or use a service that does it for you.

If you have already been a victim of identity theft, both tools are worth setting up. The lock protects your Social Security number specifically, while the freeze protects your credit. Together they make it much harder for a thief to open accounts or take out loans in your name.

What to do if your Social Security number has already been stolen

If you know or suspect your Social Security number has been used fraudulently, locking your number will stop new fraud going forward, but it does not undo accounts or charges that have already been opened. You will need to take additional steps.

First, file an identity theft report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at identitytheft.gov. The FTC will create a report that you can use to dispute fraudulent accounts with creditors and credit bureaus. Print or save a copy of the report — you will need it when you contact banks and credit card companies.

Second, contact each financial institution where fraud occurred and report the unauthorized accounts or charges. Provide them with your FTC identity theft report. Third, place a fraud alert on your credit file by contacting one of the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) — the bureaus are required to notify the other two. A fraud alert lasts one year and tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts.

After you have filed the FTC report and contacted your banks, lock your Social Security number through my Social Security to prevent new fraud. Keep copies of all correspondence with the FTC, your banks, and the credit bureaus in case you need to dispute charges later.

When to unlock your Social Security number temporarily

You will need to unlock your number when you are actively explore for credit, a job, housing, insurance, or any service that requires a credit check or Social Security number verification. Unlock your number a day or two before you submit the process, complete all your applications while it is unlocked, and then lock it again.

Some employers and landlords run background checks that include Social Security number verification. If you are job hunting or apartment hunting, you may want to leave your number unlocked during that period. Once you have completed your applications and received decisions, lock it again.

If you forget to unlock your number before explore for something, contact the institution and let them know your number is locked. They can usually guide you through the verification process, or you can unlock your number and resubmit your process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does locking my Social Security number affect my credit score?

No. A lock does not appear on your credit report and does not change your credit score. It only prevents new accounts from being opened without your verification. Your existing accounts, payment history, and credit activity remain unchanged.

Can I lock my Social Security number if I do not have a my Social Security account?

You will need to create a my Social Security account first. Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and select "Create an account." The SSA will verify your identity using information from your credit file or by asking security questions. Once your account is set up, you can lock your number when ready.

What if I lose access to my my Social Security account?

If you forget your password, use the "Forgot username or password?" link on the login page to reset it. If you no longer have access to the phone number or email associated with your account, contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to update your contact information. You can also visit a local Social Security office in person.

Can someone unlock my Social Security number lock if they have stolen my information?

No. To unlock your number, someone would need to sign into your my Social Security account, which requires your username, password, and a verification code sent to your phone or email. If your account is compromised, contact the SSA when ready at 1-800-772-1213 to find your account and report the breach.

Is a Social Security number lock the same as a credit freeze?

No. A lock protects your Social Security number specifically and is managed by the SSA. A credit freeze stops new credit accounts and is managed by credit bureaus. You can set up both — they provide different layers of protection against identity theft.