glossary

Parcel number and APN

Parcel number and assessor's parcel number, or APN, are general names for local property identifiers. Washington, DC property tax records commonly use SSL instead.

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Formats vary by jurisdiction

A local assessor defines the identifier and format used in its system. A national data product should preserve the local identifier and state which entity it identifies.

Verified DC example

At 801 New Jersey Avenue NW, the verified Quoin example uses the possessory-interest SSL PI0006230380. The format shows why a DC account identifier should not be forced into a generic numeric APN format.

Lookup guidance

Resolve a complete address to the local identifier, confirm the intended account, and use that identifier in later record requests. An identifier does not establish legal boundaries or title.