Find Your Property Parcel Number: A Simple Guide

Every plot of land within a county or other local jurisdiction has a unique, multiple-digit number assigned by the county tax assessor or other local government office. The number serves to identify land according to its boundary lines for tax purposes only, and is not part of the land's legal description. Depending on your location, tax officials may refer to it as a parcel number, a property index number or an assessor's parcel number.

Because parcel numbers are public records, most counties offer multiple ways for homeowners and buyers to find this information. Make sure you know the correct street address before beginning your research.

Step 1

Look for the number on a previous year's tax statement or a property tax revaluation notice. The number will likely be in the informational section, usually at the top of the bill.

Step 2

Contact your lender if property taxes are included in your mortgage payment and you either can't find or didn't get a copy of the bill.

Step 3

Check for the number on the property's listing sheet, in the tax section of the title report, or on the property deed.

Step 4

Ask your real estate agent for the information.

Step 5

Search for the number online. County assessor websites usually have property research tools, including maps and searchable databases that require only the street address to search for information.

Tip

If you can’t find your local county assessor’s website, look for it on your state Department of Revenue website.

Step 6

Visit the tax assessor's office in person. Some offices have self-service computers where you can look up the number. Staff members can also provide assistance.