About Union County
Union County is located in the south-central Piedmont region of North Carolina, bordering South Carolina to the south. Union County Seat is Monroe, situated approximately 25 miles southeast of Charlotte. Established in 1842 from parts of Anson and Mecklenburg counties, Union County includes approximately 640 square miles and has experienced remarkable population growth, surpassing 240,000 residents as of recent estimates, making it one of the fastest-growing counties in North Carolina.
- Union County Register of Deeds office maintains property records and is accessible at the Government Center.
Union County is part of the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia metropolitan area and is a growing suburban bedroom community. Major municipalities include Monroe, Waxhaw, Indian Trail, Stallings, Weddington, and Marshville. Union County Government Center is located at 500 North Main Street in Monroe, housing many administrative offices.
Union County Tax Assessor's Office, responsible for property valuations, operates from the same complex. The Clerk of Superior Court handles court records and estate matters. Union County's scene features rolling hills, farmland transitioning to suburban development, and portions of the Rocky River and Richardson Creek watersheds.
Union County retains agricultural heritage while embracing residential and commercial growth driven by proximity to Charlotte. Notable landmarks include Union County Heritage Room & Museum, downtown Monroe's historic courthouse square, and Cane Creek Park. Union County's economy has diversified from its cotton and textile manufacturing roots to logistics, healthcare, retail, and professional services.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Union County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Union County. It oversees Union County Detention Center, manages the processing of arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is committed to transparency and community engagement, so that residents are informed and involved in public safety efforts.
Police Departments
In addition to Union County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within Union County, including the Monroe Police Department, Indian Trail Police Department, and Waxhaw Police Department. Each department is responsible for law enforcement within its respective city limits, handling local crime, traffic enforcement, and community policing. These agencies often collaborate with the Sheriff's Office on major investigations and regional public safety initiatives, making sure of full law enforcement coverage across Union County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Union County Sheriff's Office, located at 3344 Presson Road in Monroe, North Carolina 28112, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas and provides county-wide services including court security, civil process, and detention operations. Union County Jail, located at the Law Enforcement Center on Presson Road, houses inmates awaiting trial and serving sentences.
- Citizens may request arrest records from the Sheriff's Office or relevant municipal police department through written public records requests.
- Booking photos and mugshots are generally available through the Sheriff's Office inmate search system and may also be requested directly from law enforcement agencies.
- Processing times and any associated fees vary by agency.
Municipal police departments operate within incorporated areas: the Monroe Police Department serves Union County Seat, the Indian Trail Police Department covers that growing town, the Stallings Police Department provides services to Stallings, the Waxhaw Police Department patrols Waxhaw, the Marshville Police Department serves Marshville, and the Weddington Police Department covers Weddington. Each municipal department maintains its own records and operates independently. Arrest records in Union County are public records under North Carolina General Statute § 132-1, the North Carolina Public Records Act, which establishes that records made or received in the transaction of public business are the property of the people.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Union County's criminal records system includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can request criminal records through the Sheriff's Office or the state bureau, which offers a summary of an individual's criminal history. This system ensures that Union County residents have access to necessary information for personal and professional purposes.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Union County are maintained by Union County Sheriff's Office. These records are accessible to the public under the North Carolina Public Records Law. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. An arrest record typically includes the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges filed, and the arresting officer's information. The process ensures transparency while protecting the privacy of individuals involved.
Jail & Inmate Records
Union County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or serving short sentences. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and recording personal information of the detainee. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with scheduled times and regulations that visitors must adhere to.
- The bond and bail process follows North Carolina law, allowing for the release of detainees upon payment of a set amount, which can be arranged through the court or a bail bondsman.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Union County are taken and retained by Union County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These images are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by request. North Carolina does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals may petition for removal or sealing under certain circumstances, such as expungement of the related charges. The availability of mugshots online handles transparency and public awareness.
Courts & Case Records
Union County Courthouse, located at 500 North Main Street in Monroe, North Carolina 28112, houses both the Superior Court and District Court. Union County Clerk of Superior Court manages court records and can be contacted through the office’s website. Superior Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $25,000, and appeals from District Court. District Court has jurisdiction over misdemeanors, traffic violations, civil cases under $25,000, estates, special proceedings, domestic cases including divorce and child custody, and juvenile matters.
- Union County also operates a magistrate's office providing 24-hour services for initial appearances, search warrants, arrest warrants, and small claims matters under $10,000.
- Fees for certified copies of court documents typically cost $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, though fees are subject to change.
Court records searches can be conducted in person at the Clerk of Court's office during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. North Carolina offers a statewide online case search through the North Carolina Judicial Branch website at www.nccourts.gov, where users can search civil and criminal cases by party name, case number, or attorney. The public's right to access court records in North Carolina is governed by North Carolina General Statute § 7A-109, which establishes the duties of the Clerk of Superior Court, and North Carolina General Statute § 132-1, the Public Records Act.
Certain records such as juvenile proceedings, adoption files, and sealed cases are confidential under specific statutes. Estate files, land records recorded with the court, and special proceedings are maintained by the Clerk's office and available for public inspection.
Property & Public Records
Union County Register of Deeds, located at 500 North Main Street, Suite 165, Monroe, North Carolina 28112, maintains and records all real property transactions including deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, easements, rights-of-way, maps, plats, and other instruments affecting real property. The office can be reached at and operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Register of Deeds also records military discharge papers (DD-214s), Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) financing statements, federal and state tax liens, and various certificates and assumed business name filings.
- Digital images of recorded documents are available online dating back several decades.
- Recording fees vary by document type, with standard deeds typically costing $26.00 for the first 15 pages and $4.00 per additional page.
- Certified copies cost $5.00 for the first page and $3.00 for each additional page.
- Union County offers an online GIS property mapping system and tax record search at www.unioncountync.gov, allowing citizens to search parcels by owner name, address, parcel identification number, or interactive map.
- Property tax bills and payment history are available online, and payments can be made electronically.
Union County provides free online access to recorded documents through the Register of Deeds website at www.unioncountync.gov/rod, where users can search by grantor/grantee name, property description, deed book and page, or instrument number. Property tax records are maintained by Union County Tax Assessor's Office and Tax Collector's Office, both located in the Government Center at 500 North Main Street. The Tax Assessor, reachable, maintains property valuations, ownership records, and assessment data.
The system displays assessed values, tax amounts, sales history, property characteristics, and aerial photography.
Vital Records
Vital records for Union County, North Carolina, are administered under North Carolina General Statute Chapter 130A, Article 4, which governs the registration and certification of births, deaths, marriages, and divorces. Birth and death certificates occurring in Union County can be obtained from Union County Register of Deeds Vital Records Division at 500 North Main Street, Suite 165, Monroe, NC 28112, or by calling. Birth certificates cost $24.00 for a certified copy, and death certificates cost $24.00 for the first copy and $15.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Processing typically requires 10-15 business days for mail requests, though walk-in requests may be processed while you wait if records are readily available.
- Online ordering is available through the state's authorized vendor VitalChek at a higher fee including service charges.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Union County Register of Deeds office with both parties present, requiring valid identification and payment of $60.00.
- Amendments to vital records require supporting documentation and may involve additional fees and processing through the state vital records office.
Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest, as only eligible persons (family members, legal representatives, or those with court orders) may obtain certified copies. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Vital Records Office in Raleigh is the central repository for all North Carolina vital records and can be contacted at or through their website at vitalrecords.nc.gov. There is no waiting period or blood test requirement in North Carolina.
Divorce records (divorce decrees and judgments) are maintained by Union County Clerk of Superior Court, as divorces are court proceedings.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Union County are managed by multiple agencies depending on the type of record. Union County Register of Deeds maintains records of assumed business names (also called fictitious names or DBAs) under North Carolina General Statute § 66-68, which requires businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name to file a certificate. These filings cost $26.00 and can be searched through the Register of Deeds office at or online at www.unioncountync.gov/rod.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and nonprofit corporations, businesses must register with the North Carolina Secretary of State Corporations Division. The Secretary of State maintains a free online business entity search at www.sosnc.gov where users can search by business name, registered agent, or identification number to view formation documents, registered agents, annual reports, and entity status. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, plumbers, electricians, and other trades are issued by state licensing boards, not Union County.
Sales tax permits and withholding account numbers are obtained from the North Carolina Department of Revenue. Union County's Planning Department, located at 500 North Main Street, Suite 270, Monroe, handles building permits, zoning compliance, land use permits, and development applications. The Planning Department can be reached at and maintains information about commercial and residential development projects.
Business personal property taxes are assessed and collected by Union County Tax Office. Union County Chamber of Commerce, operating as Union County Economic Development office at www.unioncountync.gov/economicdevelopment, provides resources for entrepreneurs and businesses seeking to locate or expand in Union County.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Union County, North Carolina, are administered by Union County Board of Elections, located at 500 North Main Street, Suite 138, Monroe, North Carolina 28112. The Board of Elections can be contacted through the office’s website, and maintains a website at www.unioncountync.gov/elections with full voter information, sample ballots, polling locations, and election results.
- North Carolina law requires voters to register at least 25 days before an election.
- In the November 2024 general election, Union County recorded turnout of approximately 73% of registered voters, reflecting strong civic engagement characteristic of competitive statewide races.
- Absentee by-mail ballots can be requested through the State Board of Elections online portal or by submitting a written request to Union County Board of Elections.
- North Carolina requires absentee ballot requests include the voter's name, address, birth date, and signature.
- Civilian absentee ballot requests must be received by 5:00 PM on the Tuesday before Election Day.
Voter registration in Union County can be completed online through the North Carolina State Board of Elections website at www.ncsbe.gov, in person at the Board of Elections office, at the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles when obtaining or renewing a driver's license, or by mail using a voter registration application form. Eligible voters must be U.S. Citizens, North Carolina residents for at least 30 days prior to the election, at least 18 years old by the date of the general election, and not serving a sentence for a felony conviction.
Voters can verify their registration status, find their polling place, and view sample ballots through the State Board of Elections website or by contacting Union County Board of Elections. North Carolina offers same-day registration during the early voting period. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races, North Carolina State Senate and House elections, and various county and municipal offices. Early voting (one-stop absentee voting) is available at multiple locations throughout Union County for approximately two and a half weeks before Election Day, including weekends. Election records including precinct-level results, voter registration statistics, candidate filings, and campaign finance reports for county candidates are public records available through Union County Board of Elections.
Under North Carolina General Statute § 163-274, voter registration records are public but with restrictions on certain uses such as commercial solicitation. Campaign finance disclosures for state and county candidates are available through the State Board of Elections website. Union County provides transparent election administration with detailed results posted online by precinct shortly after polls close.
Economy & Demographics
Union County's economy has transformed dramatically over the past three decades from agriculture and textile manufacturing to a diverse, service-oriented economy driven by its proximity to Charlotte. As of recent data, Union County's median household income exceeds $78,000, significantly higher than the North Carolina state average. Union County's population growth rate consistently ranks among the highest in the state, fueling construction, retail, healthcare, and education sectors.
Major employers include Atrium Health Union hospital system, Union County Public Schools (Union County's largest employer), various distribution and logistics facilities taking advantage of highway access along US 74 and Interstate 485, and numerous retail establishments. The logistics and warehousing sector has grown substantially with companies operating distribution centers in Monroe, Indian Trail, and along transportation corridors. Manufacturing retains a presence with companies producing industrial equipment, automotive components, and food products.
Union County's agricultural heritage continues with row crop farming, livestock operations, and agritourism, though agricultural land acreage has declined due to residential development. Professional services, finance, and technology workers comprise a growing segment, with many residents commuting to Charlotte for employment in banking, healthcare, and professional firms. Red Ventures, a major technology and marketing company, has facilities in the greater Charlotte region employing Union County residents.
Union County's unemployment rate typically tracks below state and national averages due to economic diversity and Charlotte metro integration. Recent economic development initiatives focus on attracting advanced manufacturing, technology companies, and healthcare facilities while managing growth impacts on infrastructure and schools. Downtown Monroe revitalization efforts aim to create a mixed-use urban core with restaurants, entertainment, and professional offices.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online Searchable | Property: Yes: Free Online Search & GIS | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Inmate Lookup | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/Mail Required | Business: Yes: State Online Search | Elections: Yes: Full Online Access | Overall Score: 9/10, Union County provides excellent digital access to most public records with online systems for property, court, jail, and election information, with only vital records requiring traditional in-person or mail requests.
Official Government Resources
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Cities & Towns in Union County
Explore public records for 7 cities and communities in Union County, North Carolina.