UPRN: Unique Property Reference Number

UPRN stands for Unique Property Reference Number and is a 12-digit code uniquely assigned to every addressable location in Great Britain. It provides a consistent and accurate way to identify properties for uses such as address validation, logistics, emergency response, and geospatial mapping.

Ideal Postcodes provides UPRN identifiers and rooftop accurate coordinates with each UK address lookup at no extra cost.

Key Features

• Each UPRN is a unique identifier that is linked to only one property or object.

• A UPRN shows the exact location of a property on a map by linking to rooftop-level geographic coordinates.

• The UPRN is permanent and stays with the property, even if the address changes.

Who Assigns UPRNs and How Are They Created?

Unique Property Reference Numbers (UPRNs) are assigned by local authorities, who are responsible for naming and numbering streets and properties. These are then shared with Ordnance Survey, which incorporates them into the AddressBase products. OS also assigns UPRNs to features in the landscape that may not have a traditional address, such as bus stops or utility structures.

Lifecycle of a UPRN

A UPRN is created when a property is first developed and stays with it throughout its entire lifecycle. Even if the building is demolished, the original UPRN remains as part of the historical record. If a new property is later built on the same site, it will be given a new, unique UPRN.

Read more about The UPRN lifecycle.

Types of Locations That Receive UPRNs

Every addressable object receives a UPRN. This includes not only residential, commercial, and industrial properties, but also non-traditional locations such as bus shelters, electricity substations and named ponds. Temporary locations such as construction sites or pop-up events are also given UPRNs.

Why UPRNs are Important for Business

Accurate Property Identification
UPRNs ensure that a specific location is identified correctly, even in complex cases like apartment buildings or places with similar names.

Avoiding Errors in Data Exchange
Businesses can reduce mistakes caused by inconsistent address formats, typos, or ambiguous names.

Linking Datasets Across Different Systems
Using UPRNs as a common key can connect data from property databases, billing, service records, and more, creating a more unified and reliable view.

Improved Delivery Services
Delivery teams use UPRNs to plan the most efficient delivery routes and ensure parcels reach the correct address.

For more information visit our UPRN page.

UPRN and the Postcode Address File

Less than 1% of the addresses on PAF do not carry a UPRN. This is because UPRN data is derived from Ordnance Survey's AddressBase products, which in turn retrieves addressing data from local authorities. Upon receiving an address, it is matched with the address on PAF. If a PAF address is not matched in this process, it does not receive a UPRN.

Here are some instances where that could happen:

• PAF has split an address into multiple addresses but the local authority view that as one address and vice versa (cannot match two UDPRNs to one UPRN)
• The Local Authority does not believe the address exists anymore and should therefore not be included
• Addresses that are for postal use only, e.g. mail handling sites

Comparing UPRN with Other Identifiers

UDPRN vs UPRN

Like the UPRN, the UDPRN or Unique Delivery Point Reference Number is a unique ID for a premises, and they essentially perform similar functions. There is a one-to-one link between UPRN and UDPRN.

Some key differences are:

Feature	UPRN	UDPRN
Coverage	Great Britain (excludes Northern Ireland)	UK-wide
Length	12 digits	8 digits
Update Frequency	Every six weeks	Daily
Source	Ordnance Survey AddressBase	Royal Mail Postcode Address File (PAF)

UPRN and Multiple Residence

For properties with multiple residences, like apartment buildings, each individual residence (e.g., a front door) has its own UPRN, provided that the postal service can deliver to that address. UPRNs can also be assigned at the building level, linking each sub-occupancy to the UPRN of its parent property.

Linking UPRN to Energy Meter Numbers

Each energy meter at a property is assigned a unique identifier that precisely locates its electricity or gas supply point. This identifier is known as the Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) for electricity and the Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) for gas.

The Unique Property Reference Number (UPRN) is essential for accurately matching property addresses to their respective electricity (MPAN) and gas (MPRN) meter points on the utilities register. It is also required for switching energy providers. Read more about Address Validation for Utilities.

How to Use UPRNs with Ideal Postcodes

We provide UPRN data included with every UK address lookup through our address validation services. Our API also allows you to extract a full address from a UPRN.

Frequently Asked Questions

When might a record not have a UPRN?
A record might not have a UPRN if the property is very new and hasn’t yet been added to official databases, or if the address is incomplete/doesn’t match standard formats. Sometimes, records from Royal Mail’s PAF and Ordnance Survey are not fully in sync, so a UPRN might be missing if there’s no matching record in AddressBase at the time.

How can I get a UPRN if I have an address?
The address finder returns the UPRN for a given address. You’ll also receive rooftop accurate coordinates at no extra cost.

How can we add UPRNs to our existing database of addresses?
Contact us to discuss linking your current address data with the corresponding UPRNs.