PCS to Fort Knox — Complete Guide for 2026

You got your orders. Fort Knox, Kentucky. Whether this is your first PCS or your fifth, every move comes with a mountain of logistics, decisions, and deadlines. This guide walks you through everything — from the day you receive orders to the day you settle into your new home near Fort Knox. It was written with the same straightforward approach you'd want from a battle buddy who's been through it.

Your PCS Timeline: Orders to Moving Day

The following timeline assumes a typical PCS with 60-90 days of lead time. Adjust as needed — some of you will get 30 days of notice and have to compress everything. That's the military for you.

90 Days Out: Receive Orders

• Review your orders carefully. Confirm your report date, authorized dependents, and any special entitlements (EFMP, advance housing allowance, TLE authorization).
• Call the Fort Knox Housing Services Office at (502) 624-3669. This is your first call. They'll walk you through on-post and off-post options, provide current Knox Hills availability, and connect you with resources.
• Decide: on-post or off-post? Read our on-post vs off-post comparison to understand the tradeoffs. If you're leaning toward buying, get pre-approved for a VA loan now — it takes 1-2 weeks and costs nothing.
• If buying off-post, contact a realtor. Start your home search early, especially if you're moving during summer PCS season (May-August) when inventory moves fast. A local agent who understands military timelines is essential.
• Apply for Knox Hills if going on-post. Call (502) 378-3708. Waitlists can run 30-90 days, so don't wait.
• Review your BAH rate for Fort Knox. Know your monthly housing budget before you start looking. The 2026 rates increased 5-7% over 2025.

60 Days Out: Schedule Your Move

• Schedule your household goods (HHG) move. Log into DPS (Defense Personal Property System) at move.mil to schedule your government-funded move. Summer dates fill up fast — book as early as possible. See our military relocation guide for details on HHG vs PPM (DITY) moves.
• Research schools. If you have children, identify which school system you'll use: Hardin County Schools (off-post, Purple Star designated), Elizabethtown Independent (off-post, within city limits), or DoDEA (on-post). Gather immunization records, previous school transcripts, and a copy of your orders.
• Arrange temporary housing if needed. Fort Knox has on-post temporary lodging (IHG hotel) and Knox Hills offers temporary units for waitlisted families. Off-post, there are extended-stay hotels along the I-65 corridor in Elizabethtown. You're authorized up to 10 days of TLE (Temporary Lodging Expense).
• Finalize your housing decision. If buying, this is when you should be under contract or close to it. If renting, secure a lease. If going on-post, confirm your Knox Hills status.

30 Days Out: Final Preparations

• Set up utilities for off-post housing. Electricity is typically through Nolin RECC or E.ON/LG&E depending on your location. Water and sewer vary by municipality. Internet providers include Spectrum and AT&T.
• Forward your mail. Update your address with USPS, your bank, insurance, and any subscription services.
• Prepare your vehicle registration. Kentucky requires vehicle registration within 30 days of establishing residency. Active duty military have some exemptions — check with your legal office.
• Gather important documents. Orders, marriage certificate, birth certificates, POA (if spouse needs to handle anything), vehicle titles, insurance cards, medical and dental records, and school records for children.
• Confirm your HHG pickup date. Verify the movers are coming when expected. Have a plan B if they don't.

Moving Week

• Clear your current housing. Complete your move-out inspection if on-post, or your lease walkthrough if renting.
• Travel to Fort Knox. Keep all travel receipts — fuel, lodging, meals. You're entitled to MALT (mileage allowance) and per diem for the travel days authorized on your orders.
• Check into temporary lodging if needed. The on-post hotel accepts reservations at government rates. Extended-stay options in E-town include hotels along the N Dixie Avenue corridor.

First Week at Fort Knox

• Report to your unit and in-process. Your gaining unit will provide an in-processing checklist. Follow it to the letter.
• Visit the Housing Services Office. Even if you've already secured housing, check in so they can update your status.
• Enroll children in school. Visit the school with your child, orders, immunization records, and previous transcripts. Hardin County schools have dedicated military family liaisons to ease the transition.
• Update DEERS and get new ID cards. The Fort Knox ID card center handles this during in-processing.
• Register your vehicle on post. You'll need a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance to get a post access decal.
• Set up banking. Several banks and credit unions have branches on post, including Armed Forces Bank and Fort Knox Federal Credit Union.

On-Post vs Off-Post: The Quick Decision Framework

This is the biggest decision most PCSing families face. Here's a simplified framework:

Read the full comparison in our on-post vs off-post guide. If you're leaning toward buying, our off-post housing guide compares Elizabethtown, Radcliff, Vine Grove, and Brandenburg side by side.

School Enrollment Timeline

If you have school-age children, plan for enrollment as part of your PCS — not an afterthought. Here's how it works:

• 60+ days out: Identify which school district your housing falls in. Use our neighborhood guides to see school assignments by area.
• 30 days out: Contact the school directly to ask about enrollment procedures, required documents, and class availability. Request to be connected with the school's military family liaison.
• First week: Visit the school in person with your child. Bring orders, immunization records, previous school transcripts (or a contact for the sending school), birth certificate, and proof of address. Kentucky participates in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, which protects your child's academic placement during PCS transitions.

Temporary Housing Options

Not everyone lands in permanent housing on day one. Here are your temporary options:

• On-post hotel: IHG Army Hotels on Fort Knox offers rooms at government rates. Book early during PCS season.
• Knox Hills temporary housing: If you're waitlisted for on-post housing, Knox Hills may have temporary furnished units available.
• Off-post extended stay: Elizabethtown has several extended-stay hotels along N Dixie Avenue and the I-65 corridor, including options with kitchenettes.
• TLE entitlement: You're authorized up to 10 days of Temporary Lodging Expense per your orders, which reimburses a portion of temporary lodging costs.

Frequently Asked Questions