EXHIBIT 5 [LETTERHEAD OF ALSTON & BIRD APPEARS HERE] September 26, 1995 Equifax Inc. 1600 Peachtree Street, N.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30309 Re: Registration Statement on Form S-3 ---------------------------------- Ladies and Gentlemen: We have served as counsel for Equifax Inc., a Georgia corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-3 to be filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Registration Statement"), of an aggregate of 30,296 shares (the "Shares") of the Company's common stock $2.50 par value, to be sold by certain selling shareholders named in the Registration Statement. In the capacity described above, we have considered such matters of law and of fact, including the examination of originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such records, certificates and other documents, as in our judgment are necessary or appropriate to render the opinions hereinafter set forth. Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion that the Shares have been duly authorized and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable under the laws of the State of Georgia as in effect on this date. We hereby consent to the reference to our Firm under the heading "Legal Opinion" in the Prospectus contained in the Registration Statement and to the filing of this Opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. Very truly yours, ALSTON & BIRD By: /s/ Teri McMahon ------------------------------------- Teri McMahon