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Planning assigns addresses for structures in Knox County.  We may be required to change an address to comply with local regulations.

Below are some FAQs to explain why a change may be necessary and to help you in the process. 

 

1. Why is my address changing? 

There are multiple reasons you may have received an address change letter.  Below are some common examples:  

  • An address discrepancy was identified due to one of the following reasons:  

    • The address number is not in sequence with other structures.  

    • The address number is not appropriate for the street block range.  

    • The address is a duplication of another address in Knox County.  

    • An even or odd address number is used on the wrong side of the street.  

    • Alpha characters and ½ numbers are not permitted.  

  • Knox 911 requested the change to assist with emergency response.  

  • The U.S. Postal Service requested the change to assist with mail delivery.  

  • Insufficient addresses are available for new, proposed structures or development.   

  • Access to your structure or property has changed.  

  • A street name change was approved.  

 

2. What happens next? 

Your old address will remain in Planning’s database for up to one year to assist in the change process. Planning will notify Knox 911, U.S. Postal Service, local government agencies, and utility districts of the new address.    

 

3. When is the address change effective? 

Your new address is effective immediately; however, we recommend waiting 2-3 months before making changes.  This will allow agencies that are not notified by Planning sufficient time to input your new address into their system.  

   

4. What should I do? 

The first step is to change your address with the U.S. Postal Service.  You may do this by visiting your local USPS branch or submitting an Official USPS Change-of-Address on the USPS website (www.USPS.com).  If your new address does not appear in the dropdown list, it has not been added to the USPS database.  Check back in a few weeks to see if the new address appears before going any further.  

 

5. Once I’ve submitted the change of address with USPS, what else should I do?  

Most private companies, service providers, and state/federal agencies will need to be contacted directly by you to update your information.  Refer to the Address Change Checklist for additional information. You also need to:  

  • Post the new address where it is visible from the streets.  

  • Notify any tenant renting or leasing your property.  

  • Notify your friends and family.  

 

6. How long will the post office forward mail? 

The post office will forward mail for six months after you submit a change of address form. You may request a six-month extension of your mail forwarding, for a total of 12 months.  

 

7. When will my new address appear on search engines and websites (i.e. Google or Apple maps, Amazon, FedEx, etc.)?  

Search engines and other websites use USPS as their source of addressing data. There is frequently a delay of several months until these companies update their information.  Planning cannot update search engines or websites. 

 

8. Does my property deed need to be updated? 

No.  Deeds are referenced by the legal description of the property boundary, not the address.  

 

9. Do I need to update my driver’s license?  

Yes.  Visit www.TN.gov/safety to update your address.  A new license will not be automatically issued, but you may request a duplicate license with the new address. Confirm the new address is correct when renewing your license.  

 

10. What items should I need to update as a business owner?   

Business owners should consider updating the following items, as applicable to your business. There may be other parties you need to notify of the change.  

  • Business website  

  • Business licenses or lease agreements  

  • Business listing on Google and other navigational maps  

  • Business cards/stationary  

  • Promotional items  

  • Clients or customers  

  • Social media  

  • Directory listings  

  • Vendors  

 

11. What if I disagree with the address change or have other questions?  

Please contact address staff to discuss potential options if you disagree with the address change.  We can be reached between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm by phone at 865.215.2507 or via email to addressing@knoxplanning.org.