A parcel number (also called Assessor's Parcel Number, APN, property ID, or tax ID) is the unique code your county assigns to identify your specific piece of real estate. It's used for all official records: property taxes, deeds, assessments, and legal documents.
The parcel number is essential when researching your property, filing tax protests, looking up assessed values, or accessing county records. It's typically found on your property tax bill, appraisal notice, or deed.
Format varies by county—it may be a simple number, a series of numbers separated by dashes, or an alphanumeric code.
Your parcel number is the key to accessing all your property information. Knowing where to find it saves time when researching your assessment or filing an appeal.
Where to find your parcel number:
• Property tax bill — Listed prominently
• Appraisal notice — Near the property address
• Deed — In the legal description
• County website — Search by address
• Title documents — From when you purchased
When you're ready to protest your taxes, have your parcel number handy—it makes the process much smoother.
Common parcel number formats:
Texas (Harris County): 1234-56-789-0001-000
California (Los Angeles): 1234-567-890
Simple format: R123456
Using your parcel number, you can:
• Look up your property on the appraisal district website
• Find your assessed value, exemptions, and tax history
• File a property tax protest
• Research comparable properties
• Access deed records and ownership history
No. Your address is for mail and navigation; your parcel number is the official identifier in county records. Multiple addresses might share a parcel, or one property might have multiple parcels. Always verify using the parcel number for official purposes.
Check your property tax bill, appraisal notice, or deed. You can also search your county appraisal district's website by address to find the parcel number. Some counties call it APN, property ID, or account number.
Rarely, but yes. Parcel numbers may change if properties are subdivided, combined, or if the county restructures its numbering system. Major changes are usually documented in county records.