Where Can I Find the Parcel Number for My Property?

When it comes to managing or researching real estate, understanding the details tied to a property is essential—and one of the most important identifiers you’ll encounter is the parcel number. Often overlooked by casual buyers and homeowners, the parcel number serves as a unique key to unlocking a wealth of information about a property. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, refinance, or simply learn more about a piece of land, knowing where to find this number can save you time and streamline your efforts.

A parcel number, sometimes called an assessor’s parcel number (APN), is assigned by local government agencies to help track property ownership, boundaries, and tax assessments. Despite its significance, many people find themselves unsure of where to locate this number or how it fits into the broader landscape of property records. This article will shed light on the common places and resources where parcel numbers can be found, guiding you through the initial steps of property research.

Before diving into the specifics, it’s helpful to understand why the parcel number matters and how it functions within property documentation. By grasping its role, you’ll be better equipped to navigate public records, online databases, and official documents—setting the stage for a smoother and more informed property experience.

Using Online Resources to Locate Your Parcel Number

Many counties and municipalities provide online tools to help property owners and interested parties find parcel numbers quickly and easily. These online resources are often hosted on official government websites, such as county assessor or tax collector portals. Typically, you will need to input some basic information about the property, such as the address or owner’s name, to retrieve the parcel number.

When using online property search tools, keep in mind the following:

Accuracy of Input: Enter the full and correct property address, including street number, street name, city, and ZIP code, to ensure precise results.
Multiple Properties: If the owner has multiple properties, make sure to distinguish between them by verifying the property details.
Map-Based Searches: Some online systems offer interactive maps that allow you to click on a property parcel to view its corresponding number.
Access Restrictions: In rare cases, certain jurisdictions may require user registration or limit access to property data.

Online portals typically provide additional information alongside the parcel number, such as property tax data, legal descriptions, and assessed values, which can be useful for research or transactions.

Consulting County or Municipal Offices

If an online search is unavailable or insufficient, visiting or contacting the local county or municipal office is a reliable alternative. Offices that commonly handle parcel number inquiries include:

County Assessor’s Office: Responsible for property valuations and assessments.
County Recorder or Clerk’s Office: Maintains property records and deeds.
Tax Collector or Treasurer’s Office: Handles property tax records tied to parcel numbers.

When reaching out to these offices, be prepared to provide identifying details about the property, such as:

Property owner’s full name
Property address
Legal description or subdivision name (if known)

Staff at these offices can assist by accessing official records and providing the correct parcel number. In some cases, they may offer printed documents or copies of maps showing parcel boundaries and numbers.

Understanding Different Parcel Number Formats

Parcel numbers can vary significantly in format depending on the local government’s system. Understanding the structure of these numbers can help in locating and verifying the correct parcel.

Common components of a parcel number include:

Section, Township, and Range: Used in rural or agricultural areas, based on the Public Land Survey System.
Block and Lot Numbers: Common in urban subdivisions, referencing specific lots within blocks.
Unique Numeric or Alphanumeric Codes: Assigned by the county assessor for identification.

Below is an example table illustrating typical parcel number formats in various regions:

Region	Parcel Number Format	Description
California	123-456-789	Three sets of numbers separated by dashes representing map book, page, and parcel
Texas	R1234-56789-000	Alphanumeric code with prefix indicating region, followed by unique parcel ID
Florida	30-10-15-0000-00000-0000	Section-Township-Range-Block-Lot-Parcel sequence
New York	12.34-5-67	Borough-Block-Lot format commonly used in NYC

Knowing the typical format used in your area can help you recognize the correct parcel number and avoid confusion with other property identifiers.

Using Property Deeds and Tax Statements

Parcel numbers are often listed on official property documents, making them a valuable resource for verification. Key documents to examine include:

Property Deeds: The legal document transferring ownership usually contains the parcel number or legal description that can be cross-referenced.
Property Tax Statements: Annual tax bills often list the parcel number to ensure the correct property is being taxed.
Mortgage or Title Documents: These may also reference the parcel number as part of the property description.

If you have access to these documents, carefully review the sections related to property identification. This method is especially helpful if online searches or county office inquiries have not yielded clear results.

Professional Assistance for Parcel Number Identification

In cases where locating the parcel number is complex—such as with irregularly subdivided land, recent changes in ownership, or ambiguous property descriptions—professional assistance may be necessary.

Professionals who can help include:

Title Companies: They perform detailed searches and provide title reports that include parcel numbers.
Real Estate Agents: Experienced agents often have access to MLS databases and county records.
Land Surveyors: They can provide precise property boundary surveys that identify parcel numbers.
Attorneys Specializing in Real Estate: They can assist with legal documents and clarify property identification.

Engaging a professional ensures accuracy and can save time, especially during property transactions or legal matters involving land.

Locating the Parcel Number for a Property

The parcel number, also known as the assessor’s parcel number (APN), tax parcel number, or property identification number, is a unique identifier assigned to parcels of real estate by local government agencies. This number is essential for property tax assessment, title searches, and legal documentation.

To find the parcel number for a specific property, consider the following reliable sources and methods:

County Assessor’s Office: The most authoritative source for parcel numbers is the county assessor or property appraiser’s office. These offices maintain detailed records and maps of all properties within their jurisdiction. You can:

Visit the office in person and request the parcel number by providing the property address.
Use the official county assessor’s online property search portal if available.

County Recorder or Clerk’s Office: These offices often have records of property deeds and plats that include parcel numbers.
Online GIS Mapping Systems: Many counties provide Geographic Information System (GIS) portals where you can search properties by address, owner name, or location and view parcel boundaries along with parcel numbers.
Property Tax Bill or Statement: The parcel number is typically printed on the annual property tax bill sent by the county or municipality.
Title Company or Real Estate Agent: Professionals involved in real estate transactions can provide parcel numbers as part of property documentation.

Using Online County Property Search Tools

Most counties in the United States offer online property search tools designed to provide quick access to parcel numbers and other property details.

Step	Action	Details
1	Access County Assessor Website	Navigate to the official county assessor or property appraiser’s website through a trusted search engine or government portal.
2	Locate Property Search Tool	Find the section labeled “Property Search,” “Parcel Search,” or “GIS Mapping.”
3	Enter Property Details	Input the property address, owner’s name, or subdivision to begin the search.
4	Review Search Results	Identify the correct property from the list and locate the parcel number in the summary or detailed information.
5	Download or Record Parcel Number	Save or note the parcel number for your records; some sites allow exporting property reports.

Alternative Methods to Obtain a Parcel Number

If online tools or government offices are inaccessible or unhelpful, consider these alternatives:

Title Search Services: Professional title companies can perform a title search to obtain parcel numbers and verify property details.
Real Estate Listings: Some Multiple Listing Service (MLS) databases and property listing websites display parcel numbers within property details.
Local Planning or Zoning Department: These departments may maintain parcel information, especially when related to land use and development permits.
Property Deeds or Legal Documents: Review any legal documents related to the property, such as deeds or mortgage statements, where parcel numbers are often referenced.

Expert Guidance on Locating Parcel Numbers for Property

Jessica Martinez (Senior Land Surveyor, GeoMap Solutions). When searching for a parcel number, the most reliable source is your local county assessor’s office or their official website. These offices maintain comprehensive property records, and many provide online databases where you can search by address or owner name to retrieve the parcel number quickly and accurately.

Dr. Alan Chen (Professor of Urban Planning, State University). Parcel numbers are critical identifiers in property management and urban development. Aside from county records, geographic information system (GIS) portals operated by municipalities often allow public access to parcel data, including parcel numbers, maps, and zoning information, making them invaluable tools for property research.

Linda Foster (Real Estate Attorney, Foster & Associates). For legal transactions and due diligence, obtaining the parcel number from the county recorder or clerk’s office is essential. This number ensures precise identification of the property in deeds, liens, and title searches, reducing the risk of errors in property documentation and facilitating smoother real estate transactions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a parcel number for a property?
A parcel number, also known as an Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN), is a unique identifier assigned to a specific piece of real estate by the local tax assessor’s office for property identification and taxation purposes.

Where can I find the parcel number for my property?
You can find your parcel number on your property tax bill, deed, or mortgage documents. Additionally, it is available through your county assessor’s website or local property records office.

Can I look up a parcel number online?
Yes, many counties provide online GIS mapping tools or property search portals where you can enter your address or owner’s name to locate the parcel number.

What information do I need to find a parcel number online?
Typically, you need the property address, owner’s name, or legal description to search for the parcel number on county assessor or property appraiser websites.

Why is the parcel number important?
The parcel number is essential for property tax assessment, title searches, property transactions, and verifying legal property boundaries.

Who should I contact if I cannot find my parcel number?
If you cannot locate your parcel number online or in your documents, contact your local county assessor’s office or property records department for assistance.
Locating the parcel number for a property is an essential step in various real estate, legal, and tax-related processes. Typically, the parcel number, also known as the assessor’s parcel number (APN), can be found through local government resources such as the county assessor’s office, property tax records, or online GIS mapping systems. These official sources maintain detailed property records that include the parcel number, which uniquely identifies a specific piece of land within a jurisdiction.

In addition to government offices and websites, property owners can often find the parcel number on documents such as the property deed, mortgage statements, or property tax bills. Real estate agents and title companies also have access to parcel number information and can assist in locating it if needed. Understanding where to find this number is crucial for property transactions, tax assessments, and resolving ownership or zoning inquiries.

Ultimately, the parcel number serves as a key identifier in the management and administration of real estate. By utilizing official county resources and relevant property documents, individuals can efficiently obtain this information. Familiarity with these sources ensures accurate property identification and supports informed decision-making in all property-related matters.

Author Profile

Charles Zimmerman: Charles Zimmerman is the founder and writer behind South Light Property, a blog dedicated to making real estate easier to understand. Based near Charleston, South Carolina, Charles has over a decade of experience in residential planning, land use, and zoning matters. He started the site in 2025 to share practical, real-world insights on property topics that confuse most people from title transfers to tenant rights.

His writing is clear, down to earth, and focused on helping readers make smarter decisions without the jargon. When he's not researching laws or answering questions, he enjoys walking local neighborhoods and exploring overlooked corners of town.