What Is a Parcel ID (APN or Folio Number) in Real Estate?

A Parcel ID — sometimes called an APN (Assessor’s Parcel Number), Folio Number, PID, or PIN — is a unique identifier assigned by your county assessor. It tracks ownership, boundaries, and property details for tax and legal purposes — like a serial number for your home or land.

📄 Why Parcel IDs and APNs Matter

Every parcel of real estate in the U.S. has a unique number used by counties and municipalities to manage tax rolls, property ownership, and legal descriptions. When you sell or list your home, this ID ensures the correct property record connects with the MLS, title company, and county assessor.

🧾 Common Names for a Parcel ID

Depending on where you live, your local property appraiser or assessor may refer to this number in different ways:

  • Assessor’s Identification Number (AIN)
  • Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN)
  • Folio Number
  • Parcel ID or Parcel Identification Number (PIN or PID)
  • Property Account Number
  • Tax Account Number
  • Tax Map Number

No matter what it’s called, all these identifiers serve the same purpose — to track your property in public records.

🔍 Where to Find Your Parcel ID or APN

  • On your property tax bill or county assessment notice
  • In your deed or title paperwork
  • On your county assessor or property appraiser’s website
  • Through your county recorder’s public property search tool

🏠 Parcel ID vs. MLS Listing Number

A Parcel ID or APN is assigned by your county government for tax and record-keeping. An MLS listing number is created when your home is listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service — connecting your property to Realtor.com, Zillow, and other real estate platforms.

💡 Why FSBO Sellers Should Know Their Parcel ID

When listing your home through Brokerless Flat Fee MLS, including your Parcel ID or APN helps ensure your listing syncs with public records. This avoids data mismatches that can cause delays with appraisals, title work, or MLS display accuracy.

List Your Property Accurately with Brokerless

Brokerless helps FSBO sellers create verified MLS listings that match county records — including your Parcel ID, APN, or Folio Number — for one low flat fee.

List on the MLS

Whether your county calls it a Parcel ID, APN, Folio Number, PIN, or Tax Map Number, it’s the single most important identifier linking your property to official records, taxes, and MLS data.