How to Find a Parcel Number by Address

An assessor's parcel number (APN) is not something you probably think about or use often. However, when you need this number, it is nice to know how to find it. What is a parcel number you may ask? It is number that identifies real estate property and is assigned by your tax assessor office. 

• Understand that the assessor's parcel number (APN) goes by different acronyms because it is sometimes referred to as property identification number (PIN), property account number (PAN) or assessor identification number (AIN). If you hear any of these acronyms, you will know what they are. 


• Visit your local county Assessor's Office website and look for the property assessor's parcel number. If your county does not have a website, call the office for this information. This is public information so you should not have any problems accessing it. Enter the property address in the search field including street address and city, then click search. The information will populate on the top of the property page. 


• Contact your local county tax assessor office in person, if they cannot give you this information via the phone and the information is not online. Give the clerk the property address as well as the owner's name. Some county tax assessor's offices will give you the information even if you do not have the owner's name. Request the parcel number for the property. Usually, this does not cost anything. 


• Request a title report from the title company. The title company can locate the assessor parcel number on the homeowner's paperwork. Give the title company representative the name and address of the property you need so they can retrieve this information. Find out if there is a cost for this information as well.