An assessor parcel number (APN) is the unique number assigned to each land parcel by the local county tax assessor. APN codes aren’t random. Each one of these useful record-keeping numbers is coded based on a property’s location and type.
If you don’t already know your property’s unique APN, you’re missing a vital piece of information that every homeowner should have. Here’s everything you need to know to find a home’s APN number.
What is an APN in Real Estate?
Whether you’re a homeowner or soon-to-be buyer, an APN provides critical information for defining the legal description of a property. What is my parcel number used for? APNs are recorded on county parcel maps to do the following:
- Assess taxes.
- Confirm home type and lot size.
- Determine property location.
- Define property lines.
- Record property tax history and home assessments.
- Record sale price history.
- Help define the address needed for a property title review.
How do I find a parcel number for an address? Finding an APN number doesn’t require special paperwork. Here are five ways to track down an APN.
1. Check Your County Assessor’s Website
How do I find a parcel number for an address if I don’t own the property? Homebuyers often look for APN numbers to get information on tax assessments or price history when they’re curious about homes or raw land.
Even people who have already purchased properties are sometimes curious about property boundaries when it comes to things like fence lines or easements.
You may also simply be curious about the history of the property you live in if you’ve purchased an older home. There’s good news in all of these situations.
APNs are public information. Most county assessor websites allow you to search for APNs using property addresses or property owner names.
Depending on where you live, your local assessor may refer to APNs as property tax information, real estate property searches, or parcel maps. If you can’t find the APN you’re looking for, contact the county assessor’s office to get help over the phone or book an in-person appointment.
2. Know How APNs Are Formatted
The APN is sometimes called the assessor’s identification number (AIN) or property identification number (PIN). APNs resemble the banking or digital pins we use in our daily lives. Unlike pins that are randomly generated, APNs follow this uniform blueprint:
- First Set of Numbers: Book number.
- Second Set of Numbers: Page number.
- Third Set of Numbers: Parcel number.
While most APNs will follow a format of 111-11-111, pin length can vary by property type. Standard APNs always have three number sets. Condos, duplexes, apartments, and other lots that aren’t unattached single-family units under SFR Zoning will have a fourth set of numbers to distinguish a parcel from neighboring or adjoining parcels.
3. Reference Your Property Tax Bill
If you’re wondering how to find a parcel number for your home, the fastest method in most cases is simply to check your property tax bill. Most bills have the APN listed near other basic identification information at the top of the first page. You’re not out of luck if you didn’t file away past tax bills. Simply check the stub that you tear off to return with your next property tax payment to find the APN.
4. Review the Deed of Trust
A deed of trust is the agreement document signed by buyers and lenders at closing, permitting the lender to hold the property’s legal title until the mortgage is paid in full. While it’s important in its own right, the deed of trust is also helpful because it generally notes the property’s APN.
5. Ask Your Real Estate Agent
If you’ve exhausted all the do-it-yourself APN number tips, reach out to your real estate agent. Real estate agents pay to have access to quick-search databases that the general public can’t access. Generally, an APN is placed in a specific field in the multiple listing service (MLS) that is not visible on listings. Your agent should be able to pull up your APN in minutes.
APN Number Takeaways
APN numbers are public information. In most cases, you can simply look at your property tax bill or deed of trust to find your home’s APN. Since there’s no uniform standard for where APN numbers are located on real estate documents, it’s recommended that you keep all mortgage and home records in a single spot for easy reference. If these documents don’t list your APN, consider either calling your real estate agent or visiting your county assessor’s website.
