A unique identifier assigned by local government to a specific real estate property for taxation and record-keeping purposes.
Definition
A parcel number, also known as an assessor's parcel number (APN), is a unique alphanumeric code assigned by county or municipal governments to identify a specific parcel of real estate within their jurisdiction. This identifier is used in public property records, including tax assessments, deeds, and title records, facilitating consistent tracking and retrieval of information related to ownership, boundaries, tax liabilities, and liens.
Why It Matters
Parcel numbers enable researchers and investigators to accurately locate and access detailed property records across various government databases and documents. They serve as a reliable reference point, especially when street addresses have changed or are ambiguous, ensuring precise linkage to the exact property being researched in OSINT and public-record investigations.