What Is a Folio Identifier on a Property Title?

If you’re searching for property records in Australia, you may come across the term folio identifier, title reference or volume and folio.

A folio identifier is a reference used to identify a particular registered title or land record. It helps connect a property search to the correct record in the relevant state or territory land-title register.

The terminology and format are not the same across Australia, so the reference you see will depend on where the property is located.

Why is a folio identifier important?

A street address tells you where a property is located, but it does not necessarily identify the exact registered parcel of land.

One street address can sometimes relate to more than one lot, title or strata parcel.

A folio or title reference provides a more precise way of identifying the registered land record associated with the property.

This can be particularly important for:

• strata properties

• properties made up of multiple lots

• adjoining parcels held under separate titles

• properties where the street address has changed

• land without a straightforward street address.
  

What does a folio identifier look like?

The format depends on the jurisdiction.

New South Wales

In NSW, a title reference commonly incorporates the lot and plan number.

For example, a property described as Lot 23 in Deposited Plan 789678 may have a title reference shown as:

23/789678

Strata titles may instead include references such as:

1/SP456

NSW Land Registry Services also uses the term folio identifier when matching street addresses to title records.

Tasmania

Tasmania commonly identifies titles using a Volume/Folio reference.

For example:

Volume 147849 / Folio 1

Tasmanian title information may include both:

Folio Text — the written title information; andFolio Plan — the plan or diagram associated with the title.

Together, these form the current title search information for the property.

Where can I find a folio identifier?

Depending on the property and jurisdiction, the title or folio reference may appear on:

• an existing title search

• a contract of sale

• previous conveyancing documents

• council or valuation records

• property-search results

• other land registry documents.

If you only know the property address, an address search can often be used to identify the corresponding title reference.

Is a folio identifier the same as a street address?

No.

A street address describes the physical location commonly used to identify the property.

A folio identifier or title reference identifies the registered land record.

The distinction is important because one address can sometimes correspond with multiple registered parcels or titles.

Can one property address have more than one folio identifier?

Yes.

This can occur where a property contains multiple lots or where several registered interests or parcels are associated with the same street address.

This is why it is important to confirm that you are ordering the correct title record rather than relying solely on an address.

Can I find a folio identifier if I only know the address?

Often, yes.

Property and land-title search systems can commonly use an address to identify the relevant property record and corresponding title reference.

Where several possible records are returned, you may need to confirm the correct lot, plan or title before ordering documents.

Need to find the title for a property?

Title Now makes it easy to order property title searches online using a property address.

Search for the property, confirm the correct record and order the available property documents online.

Official sources

Titles Queensland · NSW Land Registry Services · Land.Vic · Landgate · Land Services SA · Service Tasmania · Access Canberra · Northern Territory Land Titles Office. Last reviewed: 8 September 2026.

A title search reports information recorded in the relevant land-title register at the time represented by the search. Later dealings may change the register.

Title Now is an independent property-document ordering service. It is not a government department, land registry, law firm, conveyancing practice or surveying business. This information is general and does not constitute legal, conveyancing, planning or surveying advice.