How to Find the Parcel Number of a Property

The parcel number of a property is critical for different property deals and legitimate matters. A parcel number, also known as a tax assessor parcel number or an APN, refers to an identification number that is unique to a specific area of land on a tax map or plat. Whatever the reason may be - you aim to sell your vacant land or resolve a dispute - understanding more about your property parcel number is crucial. 

Table of Content

What Is a Parcel Number Format?

Top 5 Steps on How to Find Parcel Number

• Step 1: Check Your Tax Bill
• Step 2: Renew Your Land Purchase Paperwork
• Step 3: Research Your County Tax Assessor’s Office Website
• Step 4: Review the Deed of Trust
• Step 5: Get Help From a Professional

Final Thoughts on What Is a Parcel Number and How to Find It

{{form-banner}}

Here we are with the most detailed guide on what a parcel number is, what it looks like, and where to find it. This comprehensive article will give insights into every aspect of the topic related to the parcel number and, ultimately, all that you need to know when you have to do something in real estate.

Getting the Details Before You Sell Your Land One of the first things you can do is to get the crucial information, which is the parcel number (or parcel dimensions, addresses, or anything that identifies the parcel). Variation, depending on local terms: It would still be a number accompanying a ParceL (or an Assessor Parcel Number (APN) in this case) or ASsessed value IDentifier (ASID Simplified) from your local government whose responsibility concerns Real Estate Taxes pertains to your area. 

This number distinguishes your property from all other properties within its local jurisdiction. This knowledge can aid in the sales process so everyone involved (buyer, real estate agents, a title company attorney, etc.) knows how to identify the land being referenced appropriately.

Parcel numbers vary from state to state and at the county level, but the idea is the same in most counties, and the basic format to identify and monitor property is in place by boundaries to the tax base. Parcel Number: A commonly double-digit serial number that does not constitute or otherwise include part of the legal description of the real property used for identification in official records. 

This number is significant when it comes to property taxes, making transactions, and keeping records updated. Enabling faster communication and record-keeping among the local government authorities, property owners, and real estate professionals has become the base of real estate management.

Knowing how to locate your parcel number can be helpful if you need to sell your property or have to navigate legal issues, for instance. Luckily, there are a few ways you can find it, including looking at your tax bill or land purchase documents, searching online on your county tax assessor's office website, or you can hire land professionals to assist you. 

Both of these methods provide a convenient way to find the parcel number so you can make sure you have the correct details within. With this guide, you become more than prepared for anything that requires you to know your parcel number in your future real estate dealings.

What Is a Parcel Number Format?

What is a Assessor's Parcel Number aka APN?? Parcel numbers are different in terms of format by area; however, they typically are a combination of numbers where each number represents different areas, blocks, and lot numbers. As an example, in certain counties, the format is damaging 123-456-789 - the very first set of numbers identifies the section, the 2nd set identifies the block, as well as the third specified one recognizes the exact great lot within the obstruction. This sequence is essential for those in the business of real estate transactions as it is the core touch point for searching and controlling property records in general.

The parcel number, employed as an identifier on local parcel maps, plays a crucial role in property identification. It has a distinctive format that often includes three or four sets of numbers. The first set contains the book number where your parcel is situated, and the second set includes the book page where your map is located. The actual parcel number is the last set, and its length can vary. 

Additionally, some parcels may have a fourth set of numbers used to identify separate units on lots divided into condominiums, apartments, or duplexes. Each of these sets is separated by a hyphen, creating a clear and organized structure that simplifies property identification. This detailed numbering system ensures that each property can be uniquely and accurately identified within a large database.

Tax IDs play a significant role in property transactions. In some counties, these IDs may include additional letters at the end, such as 'M' for mineral rights, 'P' for possessory interest, 'S' for surface rights only, 'T' for tax-exempt properties, and 'U' for utility. 

These letters provide key information about the property's rights and restrictions, which can significantly impact its use and value. It's essential for property owners, potential buyers, and real estate professionals to grasp these nuances when dealing with property transactions and associated legal documentation.

Top 5 Steps on How to Find Parcel Number

Since parcel numbers are a matter of public record, most counties offer several ways for land owners and prospective buyers to obtain them. The exact process to follow may be slightly different depending on the county and the data that the office has available. Still, these are a few of the more typical ways that can help you hunt down that parcel number relatively quickly and all by yourself. How to Get It: Follow these steps so you can have access to this vital piece of information in order to maintain the accuracy and updating of your property records. These are the top 5 steps you can do to find your property number quickly.

Step 1: Review Your Tax Bill

Finding Your Parcel Number On Your Property Tax Bill is the most straightforward way to find your parcel number is to check your property tax bill. Every year, the tax assessor sends out your property tax bill with great details about your real property, like the parcel number. The parcel number is usually near the top or listed in a property detail section. Avoid having to look for that tax bill to find a parcel number when you need it; having the bill information in a safe place might be a good idea. You will be sent additional or special assessment bills throughout the year along with your tax bill; all should list your parcel number. These are essential documents; you should have them in a particular folder, and do not lose them as they will be required in the future. If you do not have a physical copy, many tax assessor offices now have an online portal where you can view your tax bills and easily download them!

Step 2: Renew Your Paperwork to Purchase Land

When you purchase land, you receive a deed and a closing statement. Since parcel numbers are used as an identification for properties, these documents typically include the parcel number. Reviewing your purchase paperwork is an excellent approach to finding the parcel number without being forced to research through countless papers. 

If you are still looking for the original paperwork, contacting the title company or the real estate agent who helped with the purchase may be worth your time. They usually have details of the purchase and can provide you with the information. Any property owner should also keep all their real estate paperwork in order and on hand—but that is just good house owner.

{{form-banner}}

Step 3: Research Your County Tax Assessor’s Office Website

Researching your county tax assessor's office website is a crucial step in finding your parcel number. Each county maintains its property records, so accessing the correct website is essential for accurate information. Once you know your county, you can easily find the property assessor's site, which provides various tools and resources to help you locate your parcel number efficiently.

Find Out What County (or Township) Your Land is Located In

Just search through the tax assessor website and find the one for the specific county or township where you own the land. Property records are kept at the local level—at specific county recorders' offices—and not every county has digitized property records. This information is available on your deeds or via an online search, ensuring you are well informed and prepared for any real estate transactions.

Find “(The County) Property Assessor” or “(County) Property Records”

Search the Web for "(The County) Property Assessor" or "(County) Property Records." Now, you need to learn what your local county is, and after that, you should look up the county's property assessor or its property records site. For instance, search "Los Angeles County Property Assessor" or "Los Angeles County Property Records." This search will direct you to the official website, where you can access all sorts of products and services related to the property.

Look for a "Search Records" or "Find Property" Button

Select the search function, usually "Search Records" or "Find Property," on the county assessor's website. This function permits you to search for your property by other types of details such as the property address, owner name, or parcel number. By inputting your property information, you should be able to find your APN and more.

Step 4: Review the Deed of Trust

Another essential document with the parcel number is the deed of trust. It comes with the legal work you get when you have a mortgage on the property. Featuring a wealth of information about the property, the borrower, the loan, and the lender, the report reveals what a borrower is seeking. 

It is usually located on the first page or in the "property description" section of the two documents. If you need to know where your Deed of Trust is, call your mortgage lender or the Title Company that issued the trust and request a copy. You can also get them many times from a site that has the official records of the county or in person at the county recorder’s office.

Step 5: Get Help From a Professional

If you need help to track down the parcel number using any of the methods above, having a professional step-in can be helpful. Resources and databases that can find the parcel number are available to real estate agents, attorneys, and title companies. They have experience working with property records and will save you time and effort. 

Experts can also help you comprehend the relevance of the plot number and what it is used for in different legal and property transactions. This will give you peace of mind, especially when you are facing complicated real estate issues or when taking care of a significant no-face transaction hindrance.

{{form-banner}}

Final Thoughts on What Is a Parcel Number and How to Find It

Understanding the parcel number for a property is a fundamental aspect of real estate, whether you're purchasing a property or updating your property records. This vital information can be easily obtained by familiarizing yourself with the structure of parcel numbers and following the process outlined above. You may need to pull your tax bill, purchase paperwork, visit your county tax assessor's web page, read through your Deed of Trust, or contact an appropriate professional. All of these moves are instrumental in a seamless, successful real estate sale process. It may appear hard initially, but if broken down, you should be able to do it fast. In short, maintaining proper files in your property records and utilizing as many local resources as possible brings you closer to a hassle-free and quicker process.