Union City Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Union City, New Jersey government websites.
About Union City, New Jersey
Government Type
City Council
Union City, New Jersey, is governed by the Union City Board of Commissioners, which consists of five elected members. The commissioners are elected at-large, meaning they represent the entire city rather than specific districts, and they serve four-year terms. The current commissioners include Mayor Brian P. Stack, who has held the position since 2000, along with Commissioners Lucio P. Fernandez, and others.
One prominent landmark in Union is the Galloping Hill Golf Course, a public golf facility that has been a local favorite since its opening in 1927. Another notable site is the Hudson County Performing Arts Center, which hosts various cultural events and performances throughout the year. Economically, Union has a strong retail presence, with the Union Plaza Shopping Center serving as a key commercial hub for residents, contributing to the township's vibrant economy. The township's strategic location along major highways, including the Garden State Parkway, further enhances its appeal for businesses and residents alike.
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement across Hudson County involves coordination among several agencies, including the Hudson County Sheriff's Office and municipal departments serving individual cities. The Jersey City Police Department operates as the county's largest municipal force, while other departments such as the Hoboken Police Department, Bayonne Police Department, and Union City Police Department handle public safety within their own jurisdictions. These agencies work together when major crimes or emergencies require shared resources and support.
Jail & Inmate Records
Individuals arrested anywhere in Hudson County are processed through the Hudson County Correctional Facility in Kearny, which is the primary detention center for the area. The facility handles booking procedures and houses detainees awaiting trial or release. Family members and attorneys can locate information about inmates through an online lookup service provided on the facility's website. Visitation requires advance scheduling, and the facility posts specific guidelines online.
Arrest Records
The Hudson County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments throughout Hudson County maintain arrest records for their respective jurisdictions. Residents and attorneys can request these records through formal applications, which typically require identification and payment of a fee. Records generally include the arrested individual's name, arrest date, charges filed, and booking information. The New Jersey Open Public Records Act, known as OPRA, governs how these documents can be accessed, balancing transparency with the need to protect certain sensitive details.
Court Records
The Union City Municipal Court handles civil and criminal matters within the city's jurisdiction from its location at 3715 Palisade Avenue, Union City, NJ 07087. The public can access court records, case files, and hearing transcripts by visiting the court clerk's office during business hours. Court schedules, forms, and additional information are also available online at https://www.unioncitynj.org/departments/municipal-court, allowing residents to review case details and prepare for proceedings.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Hudson County covers a variety of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. These records are maintained by the Hudson County Sheriff's Office, municipal police departments, and the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office. Residents can conduct background checks through the New Jersey State Police, which provides criminal history information.
Public Records Access
Municipal records for Union City are maintained and distributed through the Office of the City Clerk at 3715 Palisade Avenue, Union City, NJ 07087. The office handles requests for city council meeting minutes, ordinances, resolutions, and other official documents. Residents can submit requests in person at the clerk's office or access many records online through the city's website at https://www.unioncitynj.org/departments/city-clerk, providing convenient options for obtaining public information.
Vital Records
The Union City Health Department is responsible for maintaining vital records for the city, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates. These records can be requested in person at the Health Department, located at 3715 Palisade Avenue, Union City, NJ 07087, or online through the city's website at https://www.unioncitynj.org/departments/health-department.
Business & Licensing Records
Any business operating in Union City must obtain a license from the Office of the City Clerk. The office maintains a database of licensed businesses that is accessible to the public. Beyond licensing, the city's Economic Development Department offers resources and support to business owners, including guidance on zoning requirements, permitting procedures, and available economic incentives. Additional information is available on the city's website at https://www.unioncitynj.org/departments/economic-development.
Economy & Demographics
Union City's economy is diverse, with a mix of industries ranging from manufacturing to healthcare. The city's Economic Development Department tracks and provides information on the local economy, including employment data, major employers, and economic development initiatives. This information can be accessed through the department's website at https://www.unioncitynj.org/departments/economic-development. The U.S. Census Bureau offers detailed economic data and statistics for Union City, which can be found at https://www.census.gov/.
Elections & Voter Records
Union City voters receive election services through the Hudson County Board of Elections, also known as the Hudson County Clerk's Elections Division, which operates from 257 Cornelison Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07302. The office can be reached at 201-369-4070 or online at www.hudsoncountynj.org/county-clerk/elections. This division handles voter registration, election administration, and campaign finance reporting for the city and all other municipalities across Hudson County.
Residents can register to vote or update their information online through the New Jersey Division of Elections website at https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/register. The state requires registration at least 21 days before any election, and voters who have previously cast ballots at their polling place are not required to show identification. The city operates under a Commission form of government with a Board of Commissioners. Municipal elections for Mayor and Commissioner seats take place in May during odd-numbered years as part of the state's non-partisan municipal election calendar. The next municipal election is scheduled for May 2025, when commissioners will be elected to four-year terms. To locate their assigned polling place, residents can use the lookup tool at https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/polling-place-search or contact the Hudson County elections office directly. New Jersey provides extensive public access to election records, including voter registration lists available to candidates and political committees, campaign finance reports through the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission at www.elec.nj.gov, candidate petition filings and declarations, and detailed precinct-level results published after each election. During the November 2024 presidential election, Hudson County saw approximately 67% of registered voters participate, reflecting traditionally strong engagement in federal contests. On November 3, 2026, voters in Union City and throughout Hudson County will decide several important races. While New Jersey has no U.S. Senate seat on the ballot that year, all 120 members of the New Jersey Legislature will be elected, including 40 State Senators and 80 Assembly members representing the state's 40 legislative districts. Union City falls within New Jersey's 33rd Legislative District. County offices on the ballot include County Executive, Sheriff, Clerk, Register, and Surrogate, along with three County Commissioners (freeholders). Depending on redistricting outcomes, residents will also participate in elections for their district's U.S. House of Representatives seat. The state offers extensive vote-by-mail options, allowing any registered voter to request a mail-in ballot without providing a reason. Applications can be submitted through Hudson County Clerk's office online at the Hudson County website, by mail, or in person. Mail-in ballot applications must be received by the Tuesday before the election. Completed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received within 48 hours, or deposited in secure ballot drop boxes by 8 PM on Election Day. New Jersey's vote-by-mail system has been significantly expanded in recent years and now includes the option for annual mail-in ballot status.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online Statewide Portal | Property: Yes: Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: Yes: Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: Yes: Online Ordering | Business: Yes: Free State Database | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall: 8.7/10, Hudson County and New Jersey provide exceptional online access to most public records through well-maintained state and county portals, though some municipal-level records still require in-person requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 How do I register to vote in Union City, New Jersey?
To register to vote in Union City, New Jersey, residents can register online through the New Jersey Division of Elections's website, by mail, or in person at the Hudson County elections office. New Jersey requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the New Jersey Division of Elections's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Union City, contact the Hudson County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
2 How do I look up property records in Union City, New Jersey?
Property records for Union City, New Jersey are maintained by the Hudson Municipal Tax Assessor's Office and the Hudson County County Clerk. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Hudson County, including parcels in Union City. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Hudson County County Clerk maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many New Jersey counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. For in-person requests, visit the Hudson County offices at the county courthouse. The Hudson County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
3 How do I get a birth or death certificate in Union City, New Jersey?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Union City, New Jersey residents are available through both county and state offices. The New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics, located in Trenton, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in New Jersey. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Hudson County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Hudson County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.
4 How do I find business license records in Union City, New Jersey?
Business licensing for Union City, New Jersey operates at municipal, county, and state levels. The Union City town or city clerk's office handles local business permits, zoning approvals, and any municipal license requirements for businesses operating within Union City limits. Hudson County may require additional registrations for businesses in unincorporated areas or county-level sales tax licensing. At the state level, all New Jersey businesses must register with the New Jersey Secretary of State and obtain applicable state tax identification numbers from the New Jersey Department of Revenue. Professional licenses for regulated occupations are issued by the relevant New Jersey licensing boards. For a complete list of requirements for starting a business in Union City, contact the Union City clerk's office and the Hudson County economic development office.