> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.shovels.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How Permits Are Tracked Through Their Lifecycle

> Understand how Shovels tracks individual permits from filing to completion using unique IDs and status updates without creating duplicates.

Each permit in the Shovels database receives a unique permit ID that remains persistent throughout its entire lifecycle.

## How It Works

As updates are made to a permit—such as status changes, valuation adjustments, or contractor assignments—we update the data while maintaining the same permit ID.

This approach ensures:

* A continuous record of the permit's progression
* No duplicate entries from status updates
* Reliable tracking across data refreshes

## Permit Lifecycle Stages

The permit lifecycle typically flows through several stages:

| Stage             | Status      | Date Field    |
| ----------------- | ----------- | ------------- |
| Filing            | `in_review` | `file_date`   |
| Approval          | `active`    | `issued_date` |
| Completion        | `final`     | `final_date`  |
| Abandoned/Revoked | `inactive`  | -             |

## Status Updates

For each status change, we update the corresponding date fields while maintaining the same unique identifier. This allows users to track a permit's complete history without piecing together fragments across multiple records.

## Deduplication

Our deduplication process ensures that even when jurisdictions report the same permit multiple times with different statuses, Shovels presents a single, up-to-date record with the most current information.

<Info>
  If a permit has a final status but no final date, it typically indicates an **over-the-counter permit**—one that was approved immediately without the need for a follow-up inspection.
</Info>

## Related Articles

* [Permit statuses explained](/docs/knowledge-base/data/permits/permit-statuses)
* [Tracking multiple permits](/docs/knowledge-base/data/permits/permit-tracking)
* [Understanding start and end dates](/docs/knowledge-base/data/permits/start-end-dates)