The online Land Registry system uses several different types of nine-digit numbers to manage land and clients. Each type represents a range of one billion possible numbers. This document was created to assist customers in understanding the various types of nine-digit numbers in the online Land Registry system.

Nine-Digit Numbers:  What do they mean?

Nine-digit numbers are the phone numbers of the computer world. As with phone numbers, no number is assigned twice.

Nine-digit-long numbers are useful for two reasons:

1. People find it easier to remember items in threes, so it is easier to remember and therefore write down a number that is a set of three threes (eg. 123,123,123).
2. Computers have a range of numbers to assign from 000,000,000 to 999,999,999; that is, there is the possibility of one billion numbers to assign. It is doubtful the end of a large range like this will be reached soon.

Note: Nine-digit numbers are used in many different places. Your Saskatchewan Health Services number and your social insurance number, for instance, are both nine digits long.

Nine-Digit Numbers in the Online Land Registry System

Because we are talking about several different ranges of a billion numbers each, it is possible that the same nine digits would be used to represent two different land components. For instance, there may be one parcel with the parcel number 123456789, and a completely different parcel with the title number 123456789.

Although unlikely, it is even possible for a parcel to have the same parcel and title numbers. Remember, these are two completely different types of numbers, just as your Health Services number is completely different from and unrelated to your social insurance number, even if they should somehow end up being the same nine digits.

Account Number

An account number identifies billing parties for any business conducted with ISC.

Example:
When a client uses ISC services (e.g. by doing searches on ISC's online services website, submitting registration work, or requesting output resulting from transactions, such as a title print request), the account number tells ISC which account is to be billed.

Client Number

A client number identifies a particular individual or non-individual (corporate entity) within the online Land Registry system. It is possible to have multiple client numbers. In this case, the client numbers common to one person or entity can be amalgamated into one number.

Some examples:
Client numbers can be generated in multiple ways, but are used for two purposes.

1. Client numbers serve as identifiers of individuals and corporations who own land or hold interests in the online Land Registry system.
2. Client numbers serve as identifiers of individuals and non-individuals who do business with ISC, either by signing onto our online services website to do searches, or by submitting packets of registration work.

Note: All numbers are unique nine-digit numbers.

Much flexibility has been built into the client and account number system. Depending on the needs of each client, some may wish to have a single client number, but also the ability to bill to multiple accounts.

• A law firm may use a single client number but many account numbers, one for each lawyer in the office.
• A surveying firm may have many client numbers (one for each surveyor) yet decide to use only one account for billing purposes.

Interest Number

The interest number is used to differentiate between multiple interests existing in one interest register.

Example:
Frank Black wants to discharge the mortgage registered on Parcel A (Interest Number 100000111) while leaving the other mortgage interests on the other titles. Having an interest number allows Frank to effectively deal with each interest in the interest register separately.

Interest Register Number

The interest register number is assigned to a registered interest (mortgage, easement, etc.) that gives a record of the interest holders, their respective shares in the interest, and the other interests, titles or parcels affected by an interest. The number is the same for each title that the interest is registered against.

Example:

• Frank Black has three parcels of land (each with separate titles) with the same mortgage registered on all three parcels
• Frank Black has one interest register number for this mortgage – 100000089
• Frank Black has three interest numbers, one for each title on which the mortgage has been registered

Packet Number

A packet number is assigned to a packet cover page as it is downloaded. It can be used to track the status of a submitted packet or when researching a previously registered transaction.

Note: A packet consists of one or more applications submitted together for registration.

Examples:

• Patti submitted a packet to ISC. She now wants to check the status of that packet. Patti has kept track of her packet number and can use this unique nine-digit number to search the status online.
• Patti has some questions regarding her submitted packet and calls ISC's Customer Support Team. Patti has kept track of her packet number, which assists customer support in researching her specific issue.

Parcel Number

A parcel number is assigned to each parcel, replacing the entire text-based legal land description. Parcel numbers do not change upon change of ownership; instead, they will only change as a result of a transform (e.g. through subdivision or consolidation).

Example:
In the case of a single parcel of land that has multiple owners (tenants in common), one could use the parcel number as the indicator of what is being transferred rather than using the separate title numbers for each separate owner. In this case, simply supply the parcel number once, rather than supply each of the title numbers in question separately.

Title Number

Each title in the online Land Registry system is assigned a title number, replacing the old Certificate of Title number. Unlike the old world Certificate of Title number, the new nine-digit title number has no reference to the year or the registration district. Also, unlike parcel numbers, title numbers will change each time a title is transferred.

Using the Title Number

Use this number to indicate the title or titles you are transferring. Title numbers are linked to an owner or owners. This link must be validated on the authorization form, by supplying the title number(s), the name of the current owner or owners as well as the relevant signatures of the authorizing parties. The authorization must also be signed and witnessed.