About Union County
Union County is located in the northernmost reaches of Georgia, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains along the state's border with North Carolina and Tennessee. The county seat is Blairsville, which serves as the governmental and commercial hub for this mountainous region. Established in 1832, Union County was named for its strong support of the Union during the nullification crisis. The county encompasses approximately 327 square miles of rugged mountain terrain, with a population of approximately 24,000 residents according to recent census estimates.
- Union County is home to the spectacular Brasstown Bald, Georgia's highest peak at 4,784 feet, which attracts thousands of visitors annually.
The county is also known for Vogel State Park, one of Georgia's oldest state parks, and the headwaters of the Nottely River. The Union County Courthouse is located at 65 Courthouse Street in Blairsville, housing the Superior Court Clerk's office and other essential government services. The Union County Tax Assessor's office operates from the County Administration Building at 65 Courthouse Street, providing property assessment and valuation services.
The Clerk of Superior Court maintains vital records, real estate documents, and court filings. Union County's economy historically centered on agriculture and timber, but has evolved to embrace tourism, retirement communities, and small business development. The area's natural beauty, mild climate, and proximity to outdoor recreation make it a desirable destination for retirees and second-home buyers.
The county maintains a rural character while providing modern services through dedicated public servants committed to transparency and accessibility.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Union County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout the county. It patrols the unincorporated areas, operates the Union County Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is committed to community policing and offers various programs such as neighborhood watch initiatives and educational outreach to enhance public safety. The Sheriff's Office also has specialized divisions, including a criminal investigations unit and a drug task force, which focus on addressing specific crime issues within the county.
Police Departments
Union County is served by the Union County Sheriff's Office and the Blairsville Police Department. The Sheriff's Office oversees law enforcement in unincorporated areas and manages the county jail, while the Blairsville Police Department handles policing within the city limits of Blairsville. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, ensuring a coordinated response to emergencies and criminal activities.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Union County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of the county, operating from its headquarters at 114 Courthouse Street in Blairsville, Georgia 30512. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (706) 439-6066 and maintains a website at unioncountygov.com where citizens can access information about services and programs. The Union County Detention Center, located adjacent to the Sheriff's Office, houses inmates and provides online inmate search capabilities through the county website and third-party jail roster services.
- The Blairsville Police Department provides municipal law enforcement services within the city limits of Blairsville and can be contacted at (706) 745-8866.
- § 50-18-70 et seq.), arrest records are considered public information and can be requested from the Sheriff's Office or municipal police departments.
- Written requests should specify the individual's name and approximate date of arrest, and the agency must respond within three business days.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available as part of arrest records and may be viewable through the online jail roster or by submitting a formal open records request.
- Fees for copies may apply depending on the volume of records requested.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Union County encompass felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. The Union County Sheriff's Office and the Blairsville Police Department maintain these records, which are accessible to the public under the Georgia Open Records Act. Background checks can be conducted through the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which provides comprehensive criminal history reports for residents.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Union County, Georgia, are maintained by the Union County Sheriff's Office. These records include details such as the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by submitting a formal request to the Sheriff's Office, adhering to the guidelines set forth by the Georgia Open Records Act. The records provide a comprehensive overview of the arrest, including any subsequent legal proceedings or outcomes.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Union County Jail, located in Blairsville, serves as the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves photographing and fingerprinting the detainees, after which they are held until they post bail or appear before a judge. Inmate information can be accessed through the jail's online inmate lookup system, which provides details on charges and bond amounts. Visitation rules require scheduling in advance, with specific hours allocated for family visits.
- The bond process in Georgia allows for cash bonds or the use of a bail bondsman, and recent arrest information can be obtained by contacting the jail directly.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Union County are taken and retained by the Union County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by submitting a request under the Georgia Open Records Act. While Georgia does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals seeking removal from third-party websites may need to pursue legal avenues. The Sheriff's Office provides guidance on accessing mugshots and any associated records, ensuring compliance with privacy and public access regulations.
Courts & Case Records
The Superior Court of Union County holds jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil actions exceeding $15,000, divorce proceedings, land title disputes, and equity matters. The court is located at 65 Courthouse Street, Suite 2, Blairsville, GA 30512, and can be reached at (706) 439-6022. The Clerk of Superior Court maintains all court records and provides case search services both in-person and through limited online access. The Enotah Judicial Circuit encompasses Union County along with several neighboring counties.
- The Union County Magistrate Court handles civil claims up to $15,000, dispossessory (eviction) proceedings, criminal warrants, and preliminary hearings.
- Georgia law provides public access to most court records under O.C.G.A.
- The Superior Court Clerk charges fees for certified copies, typically $2.50 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a $2.00 certification fee.
The Union County Probate Court, located at 65 Courthouse Street, Suite 3, has jurisdiction over wills, estates, guardianships, involuntary commitments, and issues marriage licenses and firearm licenses. The Probate Court can be contacted at (706) 439-6016. The Magistrate Court is located at 65 Courthouse Street and can be reached at (706) 439-6018.
Municipal Court for the City of Blairsville hears traffic violations and city ordinance violations occurring within city limits. § 50-18-70 (Georgia Open Records Act) and Article 1, Section 3, Paragraph 1 of the Georgia Constitution. Online case searches may be available through the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA) at gsccca.org, which provides statewide access to real estate records and, in some counties, court case indexes, though a subscription fee applies for detailed record access.
Property & Public Records
The Union County Clerk of Superior Court serves as the Register of Deeds and maintains all real property records for the county. The office is located at 65 Courthouse Street, Suite 2, Blairsville, GA 30512, with phone contact at (706) 439-6022. The Clerk's office records and maintains deeds, security deeds (mortgages), liens, lis pendens, easements, rights-of-way, plat maps, and Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings. These records are indexed by grantor, grantee, and property location to facilitate public searches.
- Union County participates in the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA) real estate database, which provides online access to recorded land documents dating back many decades.
- Citizens can search by name, date, or document type at gsccca.org for a per-page fee, typically $0.25 per page viewed or printed.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Clerk's office for $2.50 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a $2.00 certification fee.
- The Tax Assessor can be reached at (706) 439-6009 and provides property information including assessed values, property characteristics, and ownership details.
The GSCCCA Real Estate Search is one of the most comprehensive public records resources in Georgia. The Union County Tax Assessor's office, located at 65 Courthouse Street, Suite 6, maintains property tax records, parcel maps, and assessment information. The Union County Tax Commissioner, located at 65 Courthouse Street, Suite 5, handles property tax collection and motor vehicle registrations, reachable at (706) 439-6005.
The county offers an online Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping portal through the Union County website, allowing citizens to search parcels by owner name, parcel number, or address to view property boundaries, tax information, and characteristics at no charge.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates in Union County, Georgia, are maintained by both the Union County Probate Court and the Georgia Department of Public Health. For birth certificates, requests can be submitted to the Union County Probate Court at 65 Courthouse Street, Suite 3, Blairsville, GA 30512, or by calling (706) 439-6016. The state vital records office, Georgia Department of Public Health Vital Records, also processes requests and can be reached at (404) 679-4702 or online at dph.georgia.gov. Birth certificates cost $25 for the first copy and $5 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
- Death certificates follow the same process and fee structure as birth certificates.
- Processing time for in-person requests at the county level is typically immediate to one business day, while mail requests may take 7-10 business days.
- Online ordering is available through the state's authorized vendor, VitalChek, at vitalchek.com, with expedited shipping options available for additional fees.
- The marriage license fee is $56 if neither party has completed a qualifying premarital education program, or $16 with proof of completion of an approved program.
- Certified copies of divorce decrees cost $2.50 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus certification fees.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and proof of relationship to the person named on the certificate, as only immediate family members and legal representatives can obtain certified copies under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 31-10-1 et seq.). Marriage licenses are issued exclusively by the Union County Probate Court during regular business hours.
Both parties must appear in person with valid photo identification and social security numbers. There is no waiting period, and the license is valid for six months from issuance. Divorce records (final divorce decrees) are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court at (706) 439-6022, as divorces are adjudicated in Superior Court.
Business & Licensing
Business license and registration records in Union County are maintained through multiple offices depending on the type of business and location. The Union County Planning and Zoning Department, located at 65 Courthouse Street, handles business registration and occupational tax certificates (business licenses) for unincorporated areas of the county. The department can be reached at (706) 439-6000. The City of Blairsville issues separate business licenses for businesses operating within city limits, administered through Blairsville City Hall at (706) 745-6565.
Fictitious name registrations (Doing Business As or DBA filings) are recorded with the Clerk of Superior Court at (706) 439-6022, and these records are public information searchable through the Clerk's office. For comprehensive business entity searches, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, the Georgia Secretary of State Corporations Division maintains an online database at ecorp.sos.ga.gov, which provides free public access to business entity names, registered agents, formation dates, and status. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, real estate agents, cosmetologists, and healthcare providers are issued by various state licensing boards, searchable through verify.sos.ga.gov.
Sales tax permits are issued by the Georgia Department of Revenue and can be verified through their website. Building permits, zoning compliance, and development approvals are handled by the Union County Planning and Development Department at (706) 439-6000. Permit records, including building permits, septic permits, and land disturbance permits, are public records available for inspection during regular business hours.
The Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce, reachable at (706) 745-5789 and online at blairsvillechamber.com, provides business development resources, networking opportunities, and economic information, though it is not a government records repository.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Union County, Georgia, are administered by the Union County Board of Elections and Registration, located at 65 Courthouse Street, Suite 1, Blairsville, GA 30512. The office can be reached at (706) 439-6090 during regular business hours. Voter registration is available online through the Georgia Secretary of State's My Voter Page at mvp.sos.ga.gov, where eligible citizens can register, update their registration, and check their voter status.
- Absentee ballots for Georgia elections can be requested online through the Georgia Secretary of State's absentee ballot portal, by mail, or in person at the Union County Elections Office.
- Absentee ballot requests must be received by the Friday before Election Day, and completed ballots must be received by 7:00 PM on Election Day to be counted.
To register to vote in Georgia, applicants must be United States citizens, legal residents of Union County, at least 17.5 years old (to vote at 18), not serving a sentence for a felony conviction, and not have been found mentally incompetent by a court. The voter registration deadline is 29 days before any election. Georgia offers online voter registration for applicants with a valid Georgia driver's license or state-issued ID.
Voters can find their assigned polling place by visiting the My Voter Page at mvp.sos.ga.gov and entering their name and date of birth, or by contacting the Union County Elections Office directly. Union County typically operates several polling locations on Election Day, with exact locations subject to change based on precinct boundaries and facility availability. Early voting is available at the Union County Elections Office for a period beginning approximately three weeks before Election Day and ending the Friday before the election.
Election records that are public under Georgia law include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted), precinct-level election results, candidate qualifying documents, and campaign finance disclosures filed with the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission. In the November 2024 general election, Union County, like most heavily Republican North Georgia counties, experienced strong turnout with approximately 68-72% of registered voters participating, reflecting the county's engaged electorate in presidential election years. The next major election will be held on November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House and Senate midterm elections, Georgia state constitutional officers including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, and Attorney General, as well as General Assembly seats and local offices. No excuse is required to vote by absentee ballot in Georgia. Georgia law (O.C.G.A.
§ 21-2-1 et seq.) governs election procedures and public access to election records, providing for transparency while protecting voter privacy.
Economy & Demographics
Union County's economy has evolved significantly from its agricultural and timber heritage to embrace tourism, retirement living, and small business development as primary economic drivers. The county's mountainous terrain and natural beauty attract year-round visitors to destinations including Brasstown Bald, Vogel State Park, and numerous hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic byways. Tourism-related businesses, including restaurants, lodging facilities, outfitters, and retail shops, comprise a substantial portion of local employment.
The median household income in Union County is approximately $45,000 to $50,000 according to recent American Community Survey estimates, below the state average but reflecting the county's rural character and large retiree population. Major employers include Union County Schools, Union General Hospital (part of the Union General Hospital system), retail establishments, and local government. The healthcare sector has grown significantly with the aging population, and Union General Hospital serves as one of the county's largest employers.
Manufacturing maintains a presence through smaller specialty manufacturers and craft producers. Agriculture continues as an important economic component, with cattle farming, poultry production, and specialty crops including Christmas tree farms and nurseries. The county has invested in broadband expansion to support remote workers and small business growth.
The unemployment rate in Union County typically tracks slightly higher than state averages, fluctuating between 3% and 5% in recent years depending on seasonal tourism cycles. Economic development efforts focus on attracting retirees, second-home buyers, and entrepreneurs seeking quality of life in a mountain setting. The Union County Development Authority works to recruit compatible businesses while preserving the area's natural resources and rural character.
No major corporate headquarters or large manufacturing facilities operate in the county, maintaining its small-town economic profile centered on service industries, tourism, healthcare, and quality-of-life amenities.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online via GSCCCA | Property: ✅ Free GIS & GSCCCA Search | Arrest/Jail: ✅ Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or Mail Required | Business: ✅ State Online Search | Elections: ✅ Online Voter Tools | Overall Score: 8/10 — Union County provides strong digital access to property and court records through state systems, with good transparency across most record categories.
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Cities & Towns in Union County
Explore public records for 2 cities and communities in Union County, Georgia.
Nearby Counties
Explore public records in counties that border Union County.