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A system known as Owner Applied Numbers (OAN)
can be used for the protection of equipment, vehicles, and other
valuables. This system can be entered into its own specific field in
both California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Crime
Information Center (NCIC) records. The set of additional identification
numbers are placed on vehicles, equipment or other valuables as a
supplemental means of identification to the manufacturer’s factory I.D.
numbers.
OAN are usually hand stamped
on heavy equipment and will not generally be as large or precise as
those applied by the manufacturer. The OAN are most often stamped using
1/8” or 1/4” letters and numbers. In California, the OAN I.D. system
uses a 10 digit coded number which is issued by the Sheriff’s Department
and is recommended for business, industry and agriculture. |
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The OAN System is composed of ten characters, which identify the
state, county, and business. The coded identification number allows
local law enforcement to identify stolen property and contact the
owner. OAN are stamped in several locations on heavy equipment and may
be affixed by metal die stamps, indelible ink, branding iron or
electric pencils. Be alert for any number that appears to have been
secondarily applied to the equipment being examined.
OAN are used and approved by:
County Sheriff’s Offices
California Highway Patrol
California Farm Bureau Federation |