Knox County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Knox County in 2026
KnoxCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Knox County. Members of the public may find ownership histories, deed transfers, tax assessments, mortgage filings, liens, plat maps, and related encumbrance documents through this resource. Record availability and completeness may vary depending on the source agency and the age of the document.
Property records in Knox County may be searched through several official channels, including online portals, in-person visits to county offices, mail requests, and through licensed professionals such as title companies and real estate attorneys.
Official Resources for Searching Knox County Property Records:
| Resource | Access Type | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Knox County Property Search | Online | Free |
| Knox County Property Tax | Online | Free |
| Knox County Register of Deeds | In-person / Online | Free to search; fees for copies |
| Knox County Assessor of Property | In-person / Online | Free |
| Kentucky Court of Justice – Knox County | In-person | Fees apply |
1. Property Appraiser Website
The Knox County Property Search portal serves as the primary online resource for property assessment information. As stated by the Knox County Property Records and Taxation office, the agency "makes every effort to maintain the most accurate information possible." Members of the public may access this portal at no cost and without registration.
Search options available through the portal include:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel ID number
- Subdivision name
- Map or GIS location
Information available through the portal includes:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Legal description and parcel number
- Land use and zoning classification
- Square footage, year built, and lot size
- Assessed value of land and improvements
- Taxable value and exemptions applied
- Sales history and GIS map location
Steps to search:
- Navigate to the Knox County Property Search portal
- Select a search type (address, owner name, or parcel ID)
- Enter the applicable search criteria
- Review the results list
- Select a property to view the full property card, maps, and sales history
- Print or save the information as needed
2. County Register of Deeds
The Knox County Register of Deeds maintains official recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plats. Members of the public may search recorded instruments by grantor name, grantee name, document type, recording date range, or instrument number.
Documents available through this office include:
- Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
- Mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and tax liens
- Easements and declarations of restrictions
- Plats and surveys
- Lis pendens filings
Knox County Register of Deeds
400 Main Street, Suite 225
Knoxville, TN 37902
Phone: (865) 215-2330
Knox County Register of Deeds
3. Tax Collector Website
The Knox County Property Tax portal provides free public access to tax billing and payment information. Members of the public may search by property address, owner name, parcel number, or tax account number.
Information available includes:
- Current tax bill and outstanding balances
- Payment history and installment plan status
- Exemptions applied and millage rates
- Tax certificate information for delinquent accounts
4. GIS and Mapping System
Knox County maintains an interactive GIS mapping system that allows members of the public to visually locate properties, view parcel boundaries, aerial photography, zoning layers, flood zones, and environmental features. Users may click on any parcel to access linked property records.
In-Person Searches:
Knox County Assessor of Property
400 Main Street, Suite 204
Knoxville, TN 37902
Phone: (865) 215-2360
Knox County Assessor of Property
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Knox County Register of Deeds
400 Main Street, Suite 225
Knoxville, TN 37902
Phone: (865) 215-2330
Knox County Register of Deeds
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Knox County Trustee (Tax Collector)
400 Main Street, Suite 630
Knoxville, TN 37902
Phone: (865) 215-2305
Knox County Trustee
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
By Mail Requests:
Members of the public may submit written requests to the Knox County Register of Deeds by mail. Requests should specify the document by instrument number, book and page reference, or property address and approximate date range. Payment for applicable copy fees must accompany the request. Certified copies are available upon request with the appropriate fee.
Through Professionals:
Title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed appraisers provide comprehensive title searches, abstracts of title, and title insurance commitments. These professionals identify all recorded interests affecting a property and are commonly engaged during real estate transactions. Costs vary by provider and scope of work.
Search Tips:
- When searching by owner name, attempt both last-name-first and full-name formats, and consider name spelling variations or business entity names
- When searching by address, try variations with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W)
- For historical records not available online, an in-person visit to the Register of Deeds or Assessor's office is required
- Very recent transactions may not yet appear online due to recording processing delays
What Is Knox County Property Records
Property records are official documents related to real property — land and the structures affixed to it — maintained by county government agencies. These records constitute the legal foundation for establishing ownership, recording encumbrances, and facilitating real estate transactions. Under Tennessee law, Tennessee Code Annotated § 66-24-101 governs the recording of instruments affecting real property, establishing the legal framework under which Knox County maintains its property records system.
Types of property records maintained in Knox County include:
Ownership Records:
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
- Chain of title documents and transfer records
- Life estate deeds and trust documents affecting property
Encumbrance Records:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens, mechanic's liens, and judgment liens
- Easements, restrictions, and covenants
- Homeowner association documents
- Lis pendens filings
Tax and Assessment Records:
- Property tax assessments and tax bills
- Payment history and delinquency records
- Exemptions including homestead, senior, veteran, and disability
- Special assessments and millage rates
Legal Description Records:
- Plat maps and subdivision plats
- Surveys and metes and bounds descriptions
- Lot and block information
Building and Permit Records:
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Code violations and zoning information
- Land use designations
Who Maintains Property Records in Knox County:
The Knox County Register of Deeds records and indexes official instruments including deeds, mortgages, and liens. The Knox County Assessor of Property maintains valuation records, property characteristics, and exemption information. The Knox County Trustee administers tax billing and collection. The Knox County Department of Engineering and Public Works maintains zoning and permit records.
Are Property Records Public Information in Knox County?
Property records in Knox County are public information. Under the Tennessee Public Records Act, Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503, all public records are open for personal inspection by any citizen of Tennessee, and the statute broadly defines public records to include documents maintained by government agencies in the course of their official functions. Property records fall squarely within this definition.
Members of the public — including non-residents, out-of-state inquirers, real estate professionals, researchers, and journalists — may access property records without demonstrating a specific purpose or obtaining prior authorization. No ownership interest in the property is required to inspect or obtain copies of property records.
Why property records are maintained as public information:
- To establish transparent chains of title and prevent fraudulent transfers
- To provide constructive notice of recorded interests to all parties
- To support the real estate marketplace, title insurance industry, and lending sector
- To enable accurate property tax assessment and collection
- To facilitate historical, genealogical, and journalistic research
What property information is freely accessible:
- Current and historical ownership
- Legal descriptions and parcel numbers
- Sale prices and transfer amounts
- Recorded mortgage amounts
- Liens and encumbrances
- Tax assessments and payment history
- Property characteristics
- Deeds and recorded instruments
- Plat maps and surveys
Privacy Considerations:
Certain personal information is protected within property records. Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted from documents recorded under current practice. Under Tennessee law, certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, and domestic violence victims — may qualify for address confidentiality protections. Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is not fully subject to public disclosure; members of the public should contact the Knox County Assessor of Property for applicable policies.
Commercial Use:
Commercial entities may lawfully aggregate and use public property records for purposes including real estate marketing, property valuation services, title searches, investment analysis, and market research. Anti-harassment laws and fair housing statutes continue to apply regardless of the public nature of the underlying records.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Knox County?
Members of the public may inspect property records online at no cost through the Knox County Property Search portal and the Knox County Property Tax portal. Fees apply when requesting physical copies or certified documents from county offices.
Standard Fee Schedule — Knox County Register of Deeds:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certified copy (per document) | $1.00 plus $0.50 per page |
| Recording a new instrument (first page) | $5.00 |
| Recording (each additional page) | $2.00 |
| Online document viewing | Free |
Standard Fee Schedule — Knox County Assessor of Property:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Online property record access | Free |
| Printed property record card | Nominal fee (contact office) |
| GIS map prints | Nominal fee (contact office) |
Standard Fee Schedule — Knox County Trustee:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Online tax record access | Free |
| Printed tax bill copy | Nominal fee (contact office) |
Fees are subject to change. Members of the public should confirm current fees directly with the applicable office prior to submitting a request. Accepted payment methods at county offices include cash, check, and credit or debit card. Mail requests to the Register of Deeds should include a check or money order payable to the Knox County Register of Deeds.
No fee is charged for the inspection of public records under the Tennessee Public Records Act. Fees apply only to the reproduction of records. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requesters in certain circumstances; members of the public should inquire directly with the applicable office.
What's Included in a Knox County Property Record
A Knox County property record is a comprehensive compilation of information drawn from multiple county agencies. The following categories of information are included in a complete property record.
Ownership Information:
- Legal owner name(s) and ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, trust, LLC, corporation, or life estate)
- Acquisition date and deed book/page or instrument number
- Mailing address for tax billing purposes
- Chain of title with previous owners, transfer dates, and historical deed references
Property Identification:
- Site address and mailing address
- Legal description including lot and block number, subdivision name, plat book and page reference, and metes and bounds description where applicable
- Parcel ID and tax account number
Physical Characteristics:
- Lot size in square feet or acres, lot dimensions, and frontage
- Land use designation and zoning classification
- Total living area, year built, number of stories, and building type
- Construction type, exterior wall material, roof type, and foundation type
- Number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and total rooms
- Additional features including garage, pool, porch, fireplace, HVAC, water source, and sewer system
Valuation Information:
- Assessed land value, building value, and total assessed value
- Market value estimate and assessment year
- Historical assessed values for prior years
Tax Information:
- Total tax amount due, taxable value after exemptions, and millage rate
- Breakdown by taxing authority (county, school district, municipality, special districts)
- Payment status, due dates, and discount information
- Tax payment history and delinquency history if applicable
- Exemptions applied including homestead, senior, disability, and veteran exemptions
Sales History:
- Sale dates, sale prices, and sale types (warranty deed, quitclaim, foreclosure, tax deed, etc.)
- Grantor and grantee names and deed document numbers
- Documentary stamp amounts
Encumbrances and Liens:
- Recorded mortgages including lender name, recording date, and original amount
- Tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, and code enforcement liens
- Easements, restrictions, covenants, and lis pendens filings
Legal and Regulatory Information:
- Current zoning classification and permitted uses
- Special district assignments (school, fire, water)
- Deed restrictions and subdivision covenants
- Flood zone designation (FEMA) and environmental constraints
Maps and Images:
- Property exterior photograph
- Aerial photograph and GIS map with parcel boundaries
- Plat map and property sketch
What is not typically included in public property records:
- Current mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
- Interior photographs
- Detailed personal financial information beyond recorded documents
- Social Security numbers (redacted under current practice)
- Private agreements not submitted for recording
- Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
How Long Does Knox County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Knox County are maintained permanently. Recorded instruments affecting title to real property — including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and easements — are never destroyed. This permanent retention requirement reflects both the legal necessity of an unbroken chain of title and the historical importance of land records to the public.
Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-401, county officials are required to maintain public records in accordance with the state's records retention schedules, and instruments affecting real property are classified for permanent retention.
Records Kept Permanently:
- All recorded deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's, and all conveyance types) dating back to county formation
- All recorded mortgages, satisfactions, and releases
- All recorded liens and lien releases
- All plats, subdivision plats, re-plats, and condominium declarations
- Easements, restrictions, covenants, and declarations
- Court documents and powers of attorney affecting property
Format and Storage:
Historical records from the early periods of Knox County's existence are preserved in handwritten ledgers and typed record books. Mid-twentieth century records are available on microfilm. Records from recent decades are maintained as digital scans within electronic document management systems, with off-site backup and cloud-based redundancy.
Online Availability by Time Period:
| Time Period | Availability |
|---|---|
| Recent (last 20+ years) | Fully online; immediate free access |
| Moderate age (20–50 years) | Partially online; microfilm available in-person |
| Historical (50+ years) | In-person access; staff retrieval required |
| Very old (100+ years) | Archive storage; advance notice may be required |
Property Appraiser Assessment Records:
The Knox County Assessor of Property maintains current and historical assessment records permanently. Property cards and assessment rolls are preserved indefinitely. Online access to assessment history is available for recent years; historical assessments prior to digitization are accessible in person at the Assessor's office.
Tax Records:
The Knox County Trustee retains tax payment records for a minimum of seven to ten years. Tax deed records are maintained permanently by the Register of Deeds. Delinquency records are retained for several years following resolution.
Accessing Historical Records:
Members of the public seeking records older than those available online should contact the Knox County Register of Deeds directly. Staff can retrieve documents from vault storage, microfilm archives, or original record books. Retrieval is available on the same day for most requests; very old or archived records may require advance notice. Standard copy fees apply.
Knox County Register of Deeds
400 Main Street, Suite 225
Knoxville, TN 37902
Phone: (865) 215-2330
Knox County Register of Deeds
How To Find Liens on Property in Knox County?
Liens on property in Knox County are recorded instruments and are therefore accessible as public records through the Knox County Register of Deeds and, for tax-related liens, through the Knox County Trustee and the Kentucky Department of Revenue's delinquent property tax resources where applicable to Kentucky-side jurisdictions.
Types of liens that may appear on Knox County property records:
- Federal and state tax liens
- County and municipal tax liens
- Judgment liens arising from court proceedings
- Mechanic's liens filed by contractors or materialmen
- HOA assessment liens
- Code enforcement liens
- Child support liens
Steps to search for liens on a Knox County property:
- Navigate to the Knox County Property Search portal and enter the property address or parcel number to identify the parcel and review any encumbrances noted in the assessment record.
- Visit the Knox County Register of Deeds online search system and search by the property owner's name (as grantee or grantor) and by document type, filtering for lien-related instruments.
- Search the Knox County Trustee's portal at Knox County Property Tax to identify any outstanding tax obligations or delinquent tax accounts associated with the parcel.
- For federal tax liens, search the IRS lien records through the Register of Deeds, as federal tax liens are recorded at the county level under 26 U.S.C. § 6323, which governs the validity and priority of federal tax liens against third parties.
- For judgment liens, search the Knox County Circuit and General Sessions Court records through the Knox County Court of Justice portal to identify any civil judgments that may have been docketed against the property owner.
- For in-person searches, visit the Register of Deeds and request a grantor/grantee index search for the property owner's name across all document types.
Knox County Register of Deeds
400 Main Street, Suite 225
Knoxville, TN 37902
Phone: (865) 215-2330
Knox County Register of Deeds
Knox County Trustee
400 Main Street, Suite 630
Knoxville, TN 37902
Phone: (865) 215-2305
Knox County Trustee
Members of the public should be aware that a lien search conducted through the Register of Deeds reflects only recorded instruments. Unrecorded claims, pending litigation not yet docketed as a lis pendens, and certain statutory liens that attach by operation of law without recording may not appear in a standard records search. Title companies and real estate attorneys conduct comprehensive lien searches as part of the title examination process.
What Is Property Owner Rule in Knox County?
The property owner rule in Knox County refers to the body of Tennessee statutory and common law principles governing who may own real property, how ownership is established and transferred, and what rights and obligations attach to property ownership. Under Tennessee law, any natural person, legal entity (including corporations, limited liability companies, and trusts), or governmental body may hold title to real property in Knox County.
Ownership Types Recognized Under Tennessee Law:
- Tenancy in severalty: A single individual or entity holds sole ownership of the property.
- Joint tenancy with right of survivorship: Two or more owners hold equal undivided interests; upon the death of one owner, the surviving owner(s) automatically acquire the deceased owner's interest.
- Tenancy in common: Two or more owners hold undivided interests that may be unequal; each owner's interest passes through their estate upon death rather than to the co-owners.
- Tenancy by the entirety: A form of co-ownership available exclusively to married couples in Tennessee, providing creditor protections not available under other ownership forms.
- Trust ownership: A trustee holds legal title on behalf of beneficiaries pursuant to a trust instrument.
- Entity ownership: Corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and other legal entities may hold title to real property.
Recording Requirements:
Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 66-26-103, a deed or other instrument conveying an interest in real property must be recorded with the Knox County Register of Deeds to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and creditors. An unrecorded deed is valid between the parties to the transaction but is subordinate to the interests of a subsequent bona fide purchaser for value who records first without notice of the prior unrecorded conveyance.
Homestead Protections:
Tennessee law provides homestead exemption protections for owner-occupied primary residences. Under current law, qualifying homeowners may receive a reduction in assessed value for property tax purposes. The Knox County Assessor of Property administers exemption applications, and members of the public may obtain application forms and eligibility requirements directly from that office.
Property Tax Obligations:
Property ownership in Knox County carries an obligation to pay annual ad valorem property taxes assessed by the Knox County Assessor of Property and collected by the Knox County Trustee. The Kentucky Department of Revenue's property tax framework provides a comparable reference for ad valorem taxation principles applicable in neighboring jurisdictions. Failure to pay Knox County property taxes results in delinquency proceedings, and after a statutory period, the county may pursue a tax sale to recover unpaid taxes.
Foreign Ownership:
Tennessee does not currently impose a blanket prohibition on foreign nationals owning real property, though federal and state legislation addressing foreign ownership of agricultural and sensitive lands continues to evolve. Members of the public with questions regarding current restrictions should consult a licensed Tennessee real estate attorney.
Knox County Assessor of Property
400 Main Street, Suite 204
Knoxville, TN 37902
Phone: (865) 215-2360
Knox County Assessor of Property