Union County Public Records Access
Union County holds a large volume of public records at its offices in Elizabeth and Westfield. The county is one of the most densely populated in New Jersey, with cities like Elizabeth, Plainfield, and Union Township. The County Clerk stores property deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded documents. Online records go back to June 1977. In-person searches cover filings from 1857 to the present. This guide walks you through how to find and request public records in Union County, including contact details for each office and tips on using the online tools.
Union County Clerk Office
Joanne Rajoppi serves as the Union County Clerk. The main office is at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth, NJ 07207. Call 908-527-4787 for help. A satellite office is in Westfield at 300 North Avenue East. The Westfield phone number is 908-654-9859. Both offices handle public records requests and document filing.
The Union County Clerk website lists all services, office locations, and hours of operation.
The Elizabeth office is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. The Westfield office has different hours. It is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. On Tuesday and Thursday, it stays open late until 7:30 PM. Saturday hours are 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The Westfield location is a good option if you need evening or weekend access to Union County public records.
| Elizabeth Office |
Union County Clerk 2 Broad Street Elizabeth, NJ 07207 Phone: 908-527-4787 Hours: M-F 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Westfield Office |
300 North Avenue East Westfield, NJ Phone: 908-654-9859 Hours: M/W/F 8-4, T/Th 8-7:30, Sat 9-1 |
Note: The Westfield office is the only Union County location open on Saturdays, so plan your visit accordingly if you cannot come during the work week.
Search Union County Records Online
Union County provides online access to recorded documents. The system covers records from June 1977 to the present. You can search by name, document type, or date range. This is a free and useful tool for quick lookups of property deeds, mortgages, and other filings in Union County.
For records before 1977, you must visit the Records Room at the Elizabeth office. That room holds documents dating back to 1857. These older records are in bound books and on microfilm. Staff can help you navigate the indexes and find what you need. The records room is open during regular business hours.
The online system is a good starting point for most searches. It lets you find recording details like book and page number, date, and party names. If you need a full copy of the document, you can order it from the clerk office. Certified copies carry an official seal and are accepted by courts and other agencies.
Property Fraud Alert for Union County
Union County offers a Property Fraud Alert System. This service notifies you when a document is filed under your name with the county clerk. It is a free tool to help protect against deed fraud and identity theft. You can sign up online at the Union County Property Fraud Alert page. A call center is also available at 1-800-728-3858 for questions or help with registration.
Property fraud happens when someone forges a deed or files a fake lien. Without alerts, an owner might not know for months. The fraud alert system sends a notice right away. This gives you time to contact the authorities and take action. It does not prevent fraud from happening. But it ensures you find out quickly. Every property owner in Union County should consider signing up.
Union County Surrogate and Estate Records
Deputy Surrogate Sharda Badri handles estate matters for Union County. The Surrogate has offices in both Elizabeth and Westfield. The phone number is 908-527-4280. All visits are by appointment only. The Surrogate processes wills, appoints executors, and issues letters of administration for estates in Union County.
Visit the Union County Surrogate website for forms, instructions, and appointment scheduling.
Probate records are public. Anyone can request copies of filed wills and estate documents. These records help with genealogy, property title work, and legal matters. The Surrogate keeps records of all estates probated in Union County. Historical estate records may also be on file at the New Jersey State Archives.
Union County also offers a Daniel's Law portal. This service helps certain public officials protect personal information in government records. It is separate from the general public records process but is handled through county offices.
Filing OPRA Requests in Union County
The Open Public Records Act gives you the right to access government records. To request public records from Union County, fill out an OPRA form and submit it to the correct office. Each department has a records custodian. Be clear about what you want. Include dates, names, or document types to help the staff find your records.
The office has seven business days to respond. They will either provide the records, deny the request with a written reason, or ask for an extension. Denials can be appealed to the Government Records Council. This process works the same for all Union County departments. You can use it for any type of government record that is not specifically exempt under the law.
Note: Recorded land documents at the clerk office are already public and do not require an OPRA request to view or copy.
Court Records in Union County
The New Jersey Courts public access page is the gateway to court records. Union County case filings, docket information, and judgments are accessible through this system. Civil, criminal, and family cases are all tracked. Some records can be viewed online. For others, you need to go to the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth.
Court judgments create liens that are recorded with the county clerk. A judgment lien attaches to any real property the debtor owns in Union County. These liens appear in the land records. Title searches always check for them. This connection between court records and property records is a key reason why both types of public records matter in Union County.
Historical Public Records in Union County
Union County has records going back to 1857 at the clerk office. The New Jersey State Archives also holds historical Union County records on microfilm. These include deed books, probate records, and other filings from the 1800s. Researchers can access them in Trenton or request copies.
Elizabeth, the county seat, is one of the oldest cities in New Jersey. Its records reflect centuries of growth and change. Property records from the mid-1800s show the early development of the area. Probate records name the families who built the community. For anyone doing genealogy or local history work, Union County offers a deep well of public records to explore. Local libraries and historical societies may hold additional materials.
Union County Cities and Towns
Union County includes Elizabeth, Plainfield, and Union Township among its many municipalities. Elizabeth is the county seat and the fourth largest city in New Jersey. Each town has its own municipal clerk who maintains local public records. Building permits, zoning decisions, tax records, and meeting minutes are all kept at the local level.
County-level records are at the offices in Elizabeth and Westfield. Deeds, wills, and court filings go through the county. But for a building permit in Plainfield or a zoning variance in Union Township, you contact that town directly. Both layers of government create public records. Knowing where to look saves time when you need a specific document.