Union County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Union County in 2026
UnionGARecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to property records in Union County, Georgia. Members of the public may access records that could include ownership history, assessed values, recorded deeds, tax information, liens, and encumbrances. Available record categories may encompass deeds and conveyances, mortgage documents, property tax assessments, lien filings, plat maps, and building permit records.
Property records in Union County may be searched through several official channels, including the Union County Tax Assessor's Office, the Board of Assessors, and the Clerk of Superior Court. Members of the public may conduct searches online, visit offices in person, submit requests by mail, or engage title companies and real estate attorneys for professional assistance.
Multiple Access Methods:
- Online searches through county portals (most convenient)
- In-person visits to county offices for certified copies
- By mail with written requests and applicable fees
- Through professionals such as title companies and real estate attorneys
Online Search Methods
The Union County Tax Assessor's Office maintains property assessment data accessible to the public at no charge. Members of the public may search the Union County Tax Assessor portal by property address, owner name, or parcel identification number. No registration is required for basic property lookups.
Search Options Available:
- By property address
- By owner name
- By parcel ID number
- By subdivision name
- By map or GIS location
Information Available Through the Tax Assessor Portal:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Property site address and legal description
- Parcel or folio number
- Land use and zoning classification
- Property characteristics including square footage, year built, lot size, and building type
- Assessed value of land and improvements
- Taxable value and exemptions applied
- Sales history
- GIS map location
How to Search the Tax Assessor Portal:
- Navigate to the Union County Tax Assessor website
- Select the preferred search type (address, owner name, or parcel number)
- Enter the search criteria in the appropriate field
- Review the results list returned
- Select the specific property to view the full property card
- Review ownership details, assessed values, sales history, and map data
- Print or save the information as needed
County Clerk of Superior Court — Official Records Search
The Clerk of Superior Court serves as the official recorder of real estate documents for Union County, maintaining records of deeds, plats, mortgages, liens, and related instruments. Members of the public may search recorded documents through the Clerk's office.
Searchable By:
- Grantor name (seller)
- Grantee name (buyer)
- Book and page number
- Document type
- Recording date range
- Instrument number
Documents Available:
- 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
- Powers of attorney affecting property
- Lis pendens filings
- HOA documents
How to Search Recorded Documents:
- Contact or visit the Clerk of Superior Court office
- Select the preferred search type (grantor/grantee name, document type, or date range)
- Enter the search criteria
- Review the results and note the book and page or instrument number
- Request document images or certified copies as needed
- Pay applicable fees for copies or certified documents
In-Person Searches
Union County Tax Assessor's Office
65 Courthouse Street
Blairsville, GA 30512
Phone: (706) 439-6011
Tax Assessor | Union County, GA
Services available in person include public access computers, staff assistance, property cards, maps and plats, and exemption application processing.
Union County Clerk of Superior Court
114 Courthouse Street
Blairsville, GA 30512
Phone: (706) 439-6022
Clerk of Superior Court | Union County, GA
Services available in person include viewing official recorded documents, requesting certified copies, searching grantor and grantee indexes, accessing record books, and receiving staff assistance with document searches.
By Mail Requests
Members of the public may submit written requests by mail to the Clerk of Superior Court or the Tax Assessor's Office. Requests should specify the property by address, parcel number, or legal description, and should include the document type and approximate date range where known. Payment for applicable copy fees must accompany the request. Certified copies are available upon request with the appropriate fee.
Mailing Address — Clerk of Superior Court:
114 Courthouse Street
Blairsville, GA 30512
Mailing Address — Tax Assessor's Office:
65 Courthouse Street
Blairsville, GA 30512
Through Professionals
Title companies conduct comprehensive title searches and produce abstracts of title identifying all recorded interests in a property. Real estate attorneys provide legal title opinions and assist with complex ownership issues or disputes. Real estate agents may access MLS data for listed properties, pull property histories, and compile comparable sales data as part of their representation services. Costs for professional services vary by provider and scope of work.
Search Tips
By Address: Use the complete street address and include unit or apartment numbers where applicable. Attempt searches with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W) and check for spelling variations.
By Owner Name: Search by last name first, then full name. Check variations including middle initials, married versus maiden names, and business entity names versus individual names.
By Legal Description: Use the exact legal description from the deed, including subdivision name, lot and block numbers, and section, township, and range where applicable.
For Historical Records: Records predating digitization may require an in-person visit to the courthouse. Staff at the Clerk's office can assist with historical research using microfilm or original record books.
Common Search Challenges:
- Very recent transactions may not yet appear due to recording delays
- Very old records may not be digitized
- Indexing errors or name spelling variations may affect results
- Property address changes over time may complicate searches
- Common names or similar addresses may return multiple results; verify by parcel number or legal description
What Cannot Be Found Online:
- Unrecorded documents and private agreements not submitted for recording
- Current pending sales prior to closing
- Documents filed under seal
- Some pre-digital historical records
What Is Union County Property Records
Property records are official documents related to real property — land and buildings — maintained by county government as legal records of ownership, transactions, and encumbrances. Under Georgia law, specifically O.C.G.A. § 44-2-1, instruments affecting title to real property must be recorded with the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where the property is located. These records are essential for establishing clear title and are accessible to any member of the public.
Purpose of Property Records:
- Establish legal ownership and chain of title
- Record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens
- Document property transfers and conveyances
- Support property tax assessment and collection
- Protect property rights and enable title insurance
- Facilitate real estate transactions
Types of Property Records
Ownership Records:
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
- Title documents and transfer records
- Ownership history and chain of title
- 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
- HOA documents and lis pendens filings
Tax and Assessment Records:
- Property tax assessments and tax bills
- Payment history and exemptions
- Millage rates and special assessments
- Tax delinquency records
Legal Descriptions:
- Plat maps and surveys
- Subdivision plats and lot and block information
- Metes and bounds descriptions
Building and Permit Records:
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Code violations and zoning information
- Land use designations
Who Maintains Property Records
The Clerk of Superior Court records, indexes, and maintains official instruments including deeds, mortgages, and liens. The Union County Board of Assessors maintains property valuations, assessment records, property characteristics, ownership information, and exemption applications. The Tax Assessor's Office maintains tax bills, payment records, and delinquency information. The Union County Planning and Zoning Department maintains permits, inspections, zoning records, and code enforcement files.
As stated on the Union County website, "The Board of Assessors evaluates property values for tax purposes, ensuring fairness and compliance with local laws. They review assessments and handle" appeals and related matters.
Are Property Records Public Information in Union County?
Property records in Union County are public information. Under Georgia's Open Records Act, O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq., public records are open for personal inspection and copying by any member of the public. No special permission, stated purpose, or residency requirement is necessary to access property records.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
- Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.)
- Georgia recording statutes (O.C.G.A. § 44-2-1 et seq.)
- Common law tradition of public land records
- Centuries-old practice in American property law
Why Property Records Are Public:
Transparency in property ownership serves multiple public interests. The public has a right to know who owns real property, and open records support accountability in property taxation and prevent fraudulent transfers. Commercially, public property records enable real estate transactions, title searches, title insurance, property appraisals, market analysis, and mortgage lending. Legally, recorded documents provide constructive notice to all parties, establish chain of title, protect against fraudulent conveyances, and record the priority of competing interests.
What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:
- Current and historical property ownership
- Legal descriptions and property addresses
- Sale prices and transfer amounts
- Recorded mortgage amounts
- Liens and encumbrances
- Tax assessments and payment history
- Property characteristics such as size, age, and building type
- Deeds and all recorded instruments
- Plat maps and surveys
Privacy Considerations:
Certain personal information is protected within otherwise public records. Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted from recorded documents under state and federal law. Some individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, domestic violence victims, and stalking victims — may be eligible for address confidentiality protections. Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is not fully public; members of the public should contact the Tax Assessor's Office for applicable policies.
Who Can Access Property Records:
Any person may access property records regardless of residency, ownership status, or stated purpose. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, appraisers, lenders, attorneys, property owners reviewing their own records, investors, genealogists, historians, and members of the media.
Commercial Use of Property Records:
Permitted commercial uses include real estate marketing, property valuation services, title insurance and searches, investment analysis, and market research. Commercial data aggregators such as CoreLogic and First American compile public records into subscription databases. Such aggregation is legal; however, anti-harassment laws, fair housing laws, and other applicable statutes continue to govern how information may be used regardless of its public nature.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Union County?
Members of the public may inspect property records at no charge. Fees apply when copies or certified documents are requested. Under O.C.G.A. § 15-6-77, the Clerk of Superior Court is authorized to charge fees for recording, copying, and certifying documents.
Current Standard Fee Schedule — Clerk of Superior Court:
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Recording a deed or instrument (first page) | $25.00 |
| Each additional page | $2.00 |
| Certified copy of a recorded document | $2.50 per page + $2.50 certification fee |
| Uncertified copy of a recorded document | $0.25–$1.00 per page (varies) |
| Search fee (staff-assisted) | Varies by scope |
Tax Assessor's Office:
- Online property record viewing: Free
- Printed property record cards: Small per-page copying fee (typically $0.10–$0.25 per page)
- GIS map prints: Fee may apply
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Check or money order payable to the Clerk of Superior Court or Union County Tax Assessor
- Credit or debit card (availability varies; confirm with the office)
What Is Available at No Cost:
- Online viewing of property assessment data through the Tax Assessor portal
- Online viewing of recorded document indexes through the Clerk's office
- In-person inspection of public records without copying
Fee waiver provisions may apply in limited circumstances as authorized by Georgia law. Members of the public seeking fee waivers should submit a written request to the applicable office with supporting documentation.
What's Included in a Union County Property Record
A complete Union County property record encompasses ownership information, property identification data, physical characteristics, valuation information, tax data, sales history, encumbrances, and legal and regulatory details.
Ownership Information:
- Current owner name(s) as recorded on the deed
- Ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, trust, LLC, corporation, life estate)
- Acquisition date and deed book and page or instrument number
- Mailing address for tax bill 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 or folio number and tax account number
Physical Characteristics:
- Lot size in square feet or acres, lot dimensions, frontage, and depth
- Zoning classification and land use designation
- Total living area, year built, number of stories, building type, and construction type
- Number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and total rooms
- Additional features including garage, pool, porch, fireplace, HVAC, water source, and sewer system
- Condition and quality ratings
Valuation Information:
- Land value and building value (assessed)
- Total assessed value and market value
- Historical assessed values for prior years
- Agricultural classification where applicable
Tax Information:
- Total tax amount due, taxable value after exemptions, and millage rate
- Breakdown by taxing authority (county, school district, special districts)
- Tax payment history and delinquency history
- Exemptions applied, including homestead, senior, disability, veteran, and agricultural 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 with amounts, lender names, and recording dates
- Tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, and code enforcement liens
- Easements, restrictions, covenants, leases, life estates, and lis pendens filings
Legal and Regulatory Information:
- Zoning classification and permitted uses
- Special district assignments (school, fire, water)
- Deed restrictions and subdivision covenants
- Flood zone designation (FEMA), wetlands, and environmental constraints
Maps and Images:
- Property exterior photo and aerial photograph
- GIS map with property boundaries and plat map
- Property sketch or floor plan where available
What Is Not Typically in Public Property Records:
- Current mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
- Personal financial information beyond recorded documents
- Interior photographs
- Social Security numbers (redacted)
- Private agreements not submitted for recording
- Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
How Long Does Union County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Union County are maintained permanently. Recorded instruments affecting title to real property are never destroyed, as they form the legal foundation for chain of title and are required by law to remain accessible to the public.
Legal Basis for Permanent Retention:
Georgia law and the Georgia Secretary of State's records retention schedules require permanent preservation of recorded real property instruments. The recording statutes under O.C.G.A. § 44-2-1 establish the legal necessity of maintaining a continuous, unbroken record of all instruments affecting title.
Records Kept Permanently:
- All recorded deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's, and all conveyance types) dating back to county formation
- All recorded mortgages, satisfactions, releases, modifications, and assignments
- All recorded liens and releases of liens
- All plats, subdivision plats, re-plats, condominium declarations, and survey plats
- Easements, restrictions, covenants, declarations, and powers of attorney affecting property
- Court documents and any instrument affecting title
Format and Storage:
Historical records exist in handwritten ledgers, typed record books, microfilm, and digital scans depending on the era of recording. Modern records are maintained in electronic document management systems with scanned images of original documents, digital backups, and off-site storage. The Clerk of Superior Court maintains climate-controlled storage for paper records and microfilm archives.
Access to Historical Records by Time Period:
| Time Period | Availability | Access Method |
|---|---|---|
| Last 20 years | Fully online in most systems | Immediate, free viewing |
| 20–50 years ago | May be online; microfilm available | Staff retrieval, same-day |
| 50–100 years ago | Microfilm or original books | Staff retrieval, appointment helpful |
| 100+ years ago | Archive storage | Advance notice may be required |
Property Appraiser Assessment Records:
- Current and historical assessments: Permanent
- Property cards: Permanent
- Assessment rolls: Permanent
- Exemption applications: Retained for a minimum of five to seven years per state retention schedules
Tax Records:
- Tax payment records: Minimum seven to ten years
- Tax certificates: Until redeemed or tax deed issued
- Tax deed records: Permanent
Chain of Title:
Every transfer from the original land grant to the present is preserved in the permanent record. Title searches in Georgia review a minimum of thirty to sixty years of chain of title, though a full abstract may extend to the original grant. Gaps in the chain of title create title defects that must be resolved before a clear title can be conveyed.
Digitization and Preservation:
Union County, in common with many Georgia counties, is engaged in ongoing digitization of historical records. Grant-funded preservation projects scan original books and microfilm to make records accessible online. Multiple digital backups and disaster recovery plans ensure the permanent preservation of the public record.
Contact for Historical Records:
Union County Clerk of Superior Court
114 Courthouse Street
Blairsville, GA 30512
Phone: (706) 439-6022
Clerk of Superior Court | Union County, GA
Union County Tax Assessor's Office
65 Courthouse Street
Blairsville, GA 30512
Phone: (706) 439-6011
Tax Assessor | Union County, GA
How To Find Liens on Property in Union County
Liens on property in Union County are recorded instruments and are therefore part of the public record maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court. Members of the public may search for liens through the Clerk's official records index, the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA) online portal, or by conducting an in-person search at the courthouse.
Types of Liens Recorded Against Property:
- Federal and state tax liens (IRS and Georgia Department of Revenue)
- Judgment liens arising from civil court judgments
- Mechanic's liens filed by contractors, subcontractors, or materialmen
- HOA assessment liens
- Code enforcement liens
- Child support liens
- Lis pendens (notice of pending litigation affecting title)
Step-by-Step Search Process:
- Navigate to the GSCCCA real estate records search portal at gsccca.org, which provides statewide access to recorded instruments indexed by the Clerk of Superior Court in each Georgia county.
- Select "Real Estate Index" and choose Union County from the county selector.
- Search by the property owner's name (as grantor or grantee) or by the property's legal description.
- Review all recorded instruments associated with the property, filtering by document type to identify liens, lis pendens, and related encumbrances.
- Note the book and page number or instrument number for any lien identified.
- Request a copy or certified copy of the lien document from the Clerk of Superior Court if needed.
Federal Tax Liens:
Federal tax liens filed by the Internal Revenue Service are recorded with the Clerk of Superior Court under Georgia law. Members of the public may also search the IRS lien database through the IRS Centralized Lien Operation for confirmation of federal tax lien status.
Georgia Department of Revenue Tax Liens:
State tax liens are filed by the Georgia Department of Revenue and recorded with the Clerk of Superior Court. The Georgia Department of Revenue maintains information on state tax lien procedures.
In-Person Lien Search:
Members of the public may visit the Clerk of Superior Court in person to conduct a lien search using the grantor-grantee index. Staff can assist in identifying all recorded instruments affecting a specific parcel. A complete title search conducted by a licensed title company or real estate attorney will identify all recorded liens, encumbrances, and title defects.
Union County Clerk of Superior Court
114 Courthouse Street
Blairsville, GA 30512
Phone: (706) 439-6022
Clerk of Superior Court | Union County, GA
What Is Property Owner Rule in Union County
The property owner rule in Union County refers to the body of Georgia law and local regulations governing the rights, responsibilities, and limitations of real property ownership within the county. Under Georgia law, property ownership is established by a recorded deed conveying title from a grantor to a grantee, and the rights of ownership are subject to applicable state statutes, local ordinances, zoning regulations, and recorded encumbrances.
Establishment of Ownership:
Under O.C.G.A. § 44-5-30, a deed to real property must be in writing, signed by the grantor, attested by at least two witnesses (one of whom may be a notary public), and recorded with the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where the property is located to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and creditors. Unrecorded deeds are valid between the parties but do not provide constructive notice to third parties.
Property Owner Rights in Georgia:
Property owners in Union County hold the right to use, enjoy, lease, sell, mortgage, and devise their property subject to applicable law. These rights include:
- The right to exclude others from the property
- The right to transfer ownership by deed, will, or operation of law
- The right to encumber the property with mortgages or liens
- The right to appeal property tax assessments through the Union County Board of Assessors
- The right to apply for applicable tax exemptions, including the homestead exemption available to owner-occupants under Georgia law
Property Tax Assessment and the Owner's Role:
The Board of Assessors is responsible for evaluating property values for tax purposes and ensuring fairness and compliance with local laws. Property owners have the right to receive notice of assessment changes and to file a written appeal within forty-five days of the date of the assessment notice, as provided under Georgia law. The appeal process allows owners to contest the fair market value, uniformity of assessment, taxability, or applicable exemptions.
Zoning and Land Use Regulations:
Property ownership in Union County is subject to the county's zoning ordinance, which designates permitted uses for each parcel. Owners must comply with setback requirements, height restrictions, lot coverage limits, and use restrictions applicable to their zoning district. Variances and special use permits may be sought through the Union County Planning and Zoning Department for uses not permitted by right.
Homestead Exemption:
Owner-occupants of residential property in Union County may apply for the Georgia homestead exemption, which reduces the assessed value of the property for county and school tax purposes. Applications are filed with the Tax Assessor's Office and must be submitted by April 1 of the tax year for which the exemption is sought.
Eminent Domain:
Under Georgia law and the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution, property may be taken for public use by the government through eminent domain, provided that just compensation is paid to the owner. Property owners subject to condemnation proceedings have the right to contest the amount of compensation offered.
Union County Board of Assessors
65 Courthouse Street
Blairsville, GA 30512
Phone: (706) 439-6011
Board of Assessors | Union County, GA