Last Updated on March 5, 2016

LINC Number

By Alan F Macdonald

LINC Number

What is a LINC Number?

A LINC number (sometimes written as LINC#) is a code given to a property (parcel of land) for identification. LINC stands for LAND IDENTIFICATION NUMERIC CODE.

Real Estate Agent Explains LINC Numbers

LINC numbers were originally generated to categorize all the parcels of land in the province when the Alberta Land Titles became an automated system through the Alberta Land Titles Automation (ALTA) in 1988 – meaning they were all made electronic, having previously been paper records. All title certificates were issued a title number, and also a LINC number. Now, all new titles are also assigned a LINC number.

LINC numbers have 10 digits, but are not intelligently assigned – so they do not indicate any value or details about the property. In Alberta, LINC numbers can be found on real estate listings and land titles and some contracts. The format of a LINC number in Alberta looks like this: 0000 000 000 (four digits followed by a space, then three digits and a space and three more digits).

So you can see what one looks like, here is a fictional example of an Alberta land title certificate with the location and format of a LINC number:

Sample land title with LINC number location and format

Sample land title showing a LINC number location and format

LINC numbers do not ever change, unless the boundaries of the parcel of land change, and then a new code would be generated.

See here to learn more on how the Land Titles system works in Alberta.

Why Does It Matter?

LINC numbers are used to identify properties more definitely, usually as a double checking that the property is being correctly referred to. Sometimes legal descriptions can look similar – for example, plan numbers of houses can sometimes be the same in a neighbourhood. Because of this, it is best that everyone check and double check the information involved in a real estate contracts and LINC numbers helps with this.

LINC numbers are one way to search for a property on the Alberta land titles system, known as “Spin2” – the Spatial Information System that people use to search the land titles directory.

To find a LINC number? Check out this tutorial.


 

by +Alan F Macdonald REALTOR® | Copyright © – gimme-shelter.com

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AboutAlan F Macdonald

Alan F Macdonald is a real estate agent with Maxwell Challenge Realty in Edmonton, Alberta.

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Join the discussion 3 Comments

  • Pauline Bate says:

    Good to know!! Thank you!

  • Candace says:

    What should one do if they discover a condo with Linc number that was different just last year? (so says the feature sheets of the Realtors)

    • Alan F Macdonald says:

      Hi Candace,

      The LINC number does not change, so it is just likely a mistake. Either the first number was incorrect, or the second number is – not a big deal if it is just on a feature sheet. It becomes a bigger issue if it is wrong on a contract or there is a mistake at Land Titles – which is rare, but possible. It is easy to verify the correct number with Land Titles, though. If you are in Alberta, you can get the legal address and check the LINC number any time with this tutorial – https://www.gimme-shelter.com/data/how-find-propertys-linc-number-title-number-90004-2/

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