Owner-Applied Numbers

Privacy and identity theft has become a worry for many. While many people used to recommend using an owner’s California driver’s license number, that’s no longer good advice. Instead Farm Bureau recommends that property be marked with a 10-digit number. This Owner Applied Number (often referred to as an OAN) is recognizable – and traceable – by law enforcement agencies around the world.

Your own Owner Applied Number:

• Read the information (a PDF file) on how to request your OAN.

• Or go directly to the OAN Application page at AgCrime.net.

• For information on how to mark your property, click here:  How to Mark Property.pdf.

The FBI maintains the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) that provides tracking for OANs.

The California Farm Bureau Federation said, "The Owner Applied Number crime prevention program has been initiated in our state for the identification of farm machinery, equipment and even household goods.

"The county sheriff’s offices within the state issue the remaining portion of the number to each individual. With this system the state and county can be located, and by contacting the local sheriff’s office within the county the individual can be identified within minutes. These numbers will be issued and maintained by your local county sheriff’s department as part of their active records.

"This information enables the law enforcement agencies to pinpoint ID numbers within any state and county in the U.S., whether stolen equipment is found across the country or within the same county."

For more about Owner Applied Numbers, visit the California Farm Bureau Federation Ag Crime Prevention pages.