What is a LINC Number in Alberta?
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 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. While the land title itself is proof of ownership in a property, the LINC number is the numeric code that makes these titles easier to track and understand.
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:
Unlike the property ownership details on al and title, 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.
Other information you might reference on a land title includes the short legal and long legal description.
Why Does It Matter?
LINC numbers are used to identify properties more definitely, usually as a way of 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. 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.
Good to know!! Thank you!
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)
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/