Union County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Union County in 2026
UnionCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Union County, Arkansas. Members of the public may find ownership history, assessed values, recorded deeds, tax information, and encumbrance data through official county and state resources. Available record categories include deeds and transfers, mortgage and lien filings, tax assessment records, parcel maps, and recorded plats. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the source and the age of the document.
Property records in Union County may be searched through several official channels maintained by county and state agencies. The primary resources include the Union County Assessor's office, the Union County County Clerk, the Union County Tax Collector, and the Arkansas GIS Office. Members of the public may access these records online, in person at the courthouse, by mail, or through licensed professionals such as title companies and real estate attorneys.
Multiple Access Methods:
- Online searches — The most convenient method; available through county and state portals at no cost for basic information
- In-person visits — Required for certified copies and access to older records not yet digitized
- By mail — Written requests submitted to the appropriate county office with applicable fees
- Through professionals — Title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed appraisers conduct comprehensive searches as part of transactions
Online Search Methods
1. Property Appraiser Website
The Union County Assessor serves as the primary resource for property valuation and ownership information. The Union County Arkansas official website provides public access to assessor data at no charge and without registration.
Search Options:
- By property address
- By owner name
- By parcel ID number
- By subdivision name
- By GIS map location
Information Available:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Legal description and parcel number
- Land use and zoning classification
- Property characteristics (square footage, year built, lot size, building type)
- Assessed value of land and improvements
- Taxable value and exemptions applied
- Sales history
- GIS map location
How to Search:
- Navigate to the Union County Arkansas official website
- Select the Assessor's office section
- Choose a search type (address, owner name, or parcel ID)
- Enter the search criteria
- Review the results list
- Select a property to view the full property card, map, and sales history
- Print or save the information as needed
2. County Clerk Official Records Search
The Union County County Clerk maintains recorded documents affecting real property. The County Clerk - Union County Arkansas office indexes and preserves deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and other instruments. Basic search access is available to the public.
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
How to Search:
- Visit the County Clerk - Union County Arkansas office page
- Select the appropriate search type
- Enter grantor/grantee names, document type, or date range
- Review the results and note the instrument number or book and page reference
- Request document images or copies as needed; fees may apply per document
3. Tax Collector Website
The Union County Tax Collector maintains tax billing and payment records for all parcels. The Arkansas Property Tax Center allows members of the public to locate county tax information and make online payments.
Search By:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel number
- Tax account number
Information Available:
- Current tax bill and outstanding balances
- Payment history
- Exemptions applied
- Millage rates
- Delinquency status
- Installment plan status and payment options
4. GIS / Mapping System
The Arkansas GIS Office maintains interactive parcel mapping for Union County. Tax parcel polygons for Union County have been published through a collaborative effort between the Arkansas GIS Office and the Union County Assessor, enabling visual property boundary searches.
How to Use:
- Navigate the interactive map to the property location
- Click on a parcel to view associated property information
- Access linked assessment and ownership records
- View zoning layers, flood zones, and aerial photography
- Measure distances and view multiple map layers simultaneously
In-Person Searches
Union County Assessor
101 N. Washington Ave., Suite 102
El Dorado, AR 71730
Phone: (870) 864-1920
Union County Arkansas
Services available in person include public access computers, staff assistance, property cards, maps and plats, and exemption applications.
Union County County Clerk
101 N. Washington Ave.
El Dorado, AR 71730
Phone: (870) 864-1940
County Clerk - Union County Arkansas
Services available in person include viewing official records, requesting certified copies, searching grantor/grantee indexes, accessing record books, and receiving staff assistance with document searches.
Union County Tax Collector
101 N. Washington Ave.
El Dorado, AR 71730
Phone: (870) 864-1930
Union County Arkansas
Services available in person include tax payment information, copies of tax bills, delinquency information, and tax certificate searches.
By Mail Requests
Property Appraiser (Assessor):
- Mailing address: Union County Assessor, 101 N. Washington Ave., Suite 102, El Dorado, AR 71730
- Include the property address or parcel number in the request
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped return envelope
- Standard copying fees apply
County Clerk / Recorder:
- Mailing address: Union County County Clerk, 101 N. Washington Ave., El Dorado, AR 71730
- Specify the document by book and page, instrument number, or property address and date range
- Include payment for applicable copy fees
- Certified copies are available upon request with the appropriate fee
Through Professionals
Title Companies conduct comprehensive title searches, prepare abstracts of title, and issue title insurance commitments that identify all recorded interests affecting a property. Costs vary by transaction.
Real Estate Attorneys provide legal title opinions, assist with complex ownership issues, and represent parties in property disputes. Costs vary by matter.
Real Estate Agents access MLS data for listed properties, pull property histories, and provide comparable sales data as part of their representation services.
Search Tips
By Address: Use the complete street address, including directionals (N, S, E, W). Try variations if the initial search returns no results.
By Owner Name: Enter the last name first. Try variations including middle initials, maiden names, and business entity 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 County Clerk's office can assist with retrieval from books or microfilm.
Common Search Challenges:
- Very recent transactions may not yet appear due to recording delays
- Name spelling variations may affect search results
- Very old records may not be available online
- Multiple results with common names should be verified by parcel number or legal description
What Is Union County Property Records
Property records are official documents related to real property — land and buildings — maintained by Union County government as legal records of ownership, transfers, and encumbrances. These records are essential for establishing clear title and are accessible to any member of the public under Arkansas law.
Purpose of Property Records:
- Establish and document legal ownership
- Provide an unbroken chain of title
- Record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens
- Document property transfers and sale prices
- 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
- Transfer records and ownership history
- 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
- Homeowner association documents
- Lis pendens filings
Tax and Assessment Records:
- Property tax assessments and tax bills
- Payment history and exemptions
- Special assessments and delinquency records
Legal Descriptions:
- Plat maps and subdivision plats
- Surveys and metes and bounds descriptions
- Lot and block information
Building and Permit Records:
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Code violations and zoning information
- Land use designations
Who Maintains Property Records:
The Union County County Clerk records, indexes, and maintains official instruments including deeds, mortgages, and liens pursuant to Arkansas Code § 14-15-404, which governs the recording of instruments affecting real property in Arkansas.
The Union County Assessor maintains property valuations, assessment records, property characteristics, ownership information, and exemption applications.
The Union County Tax Collector maintains tax bills, payment records, delinquent tax records, and tax certificate information.
The Union County Planning and Zoning Department maintains permits, inspections, zoning records, and code enforcement files.
Are Property Records Public Information in Union County?
Property records in Union County are public information. Under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-105, public records maintained by government agencies are open to inspection and copying by any person. No special permission, stated purpose, or residency requirement is necessary to access property records.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
- Arkansas Freedom of Information Act
- Arkansas recording statutes governing constructive notice
- 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 prevent fraudulent transfers and secret encumbrances. Commercially, public property records enable real estate transactions, title searches, property appraisals, and mortgage lending. Legally, recorded documents provide constructive notice to all subsequent purchasers and creditors, establishing the priority of interests in real property.
What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:
- Current and historical ownership
- Legal descriptions and property addresses
- Sale prices and transfer amounts
- Recorded mortgage amounts
- Liens and encumbrances
- Tax assessments and payment history
- Property characteristics
- Deeds and recorded instruments
- Plat maps and surveys
Privacy Considerations:
Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted from recorded documents under current Arkansas law. Certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, and domestic violence victims — may request address confidentiality protections under applicable state provisions. Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is not fully public; the Union County Assessor's office can provide guidance on applicable policies.
Who Can Access Property Records:
Any member of the public may access property records regardless of residency, ownership status, or stated purpose. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, lenders, appraisers, attorneys, 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 property records into subscription databases. Such aggregation is lawful, though anti-harassment laws, fair housing laws, and other applicable statutes continue to govern the use of information obtained from public records.
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 copies are requested. Under Arkansas Code § 14-15-402 and related provisions, counties are authorized to charge reasonable fees for copies of recorded instruments.
Current Standard Fee Schedule — Union County County Clerk:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Recording a document (first page) | $15.00 |
| Recording a document (each additional page) | $5.00 |
| Certified copy of a recorded instrument | $5.00 per document |
| Non-certified copy (per page) | $0.25–$1.00 per page |
| Online record viewing | Free (basic access) |
Union County Assessor:
- Online property data: Free, no registration required
- Printed property cards: Nominal copying fee (typically $0.25 per page)
- GIS parcel data: Available through the Arkansas GIS Office at no charge for public use
Arkansas Property Tax Center:
- Online tax record lookup: Free through the Property Tax Center
- Online tax payments: Available; processing fees may apply depending on payment method
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash (in-person)
- Check or money order (in-person and by mail)
- Credit/debit card (in-person; processing fees may apply)
- Online payment (for tax payments via the state portal)
Fee Waivers:
- Inspection of records without copying is free to all members of the public
- No fee is charged for viewing digital records through official online portals
- Indigent requesters or nonprofit organizations may inquire about fee waiver provisions with the applicable office
What's Included in a Union County Property Record?
A complete Union County property record draws from multiple county offices and may include the following categories of information.
Ownership Information:
Current Ownership:
- Legal owner name(s) as recorded on the deed
- Ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, trust, LLC, corporation, life estate)
- Ownership percentage where multiple owners are recorded
- Acquisition date and deed book/page or instrument number
- Mailing address for tax billing purposes
Previous Ownership:
- Chain of title with prior owner names
- Transfer dates and historical deed references
- Ownership timeline from available records
Property Identification:
- Site address and mailing address
- Legal description (lot and block, subdivision name, plat book and page, section/township/range, or metes and bounds)
- Parcel ID / folio number and tax account number
Physical Characteristics:
Land Information:
- Lot size in square feet or acres
- Lot dimensions and street frontage
- Corner lot designation
- Land use designation and zoning classification
Building Information:
- Total living area in square feet
- Year built and effective year
- Number of stories and building type
- Construction type and exterior wall material
- Roof type and foundation type
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Garage, pool, porch, fireplace, and HVAC details
- Water source and sewer system type
- Condition and quality ratings
Valuation Information:
- Assessed land value and building value
- Total assessed value and market value estimate
- Historical assessed values for prior years
- Agricultural classification where applicable
Tax Information:
- Total tax amount due and taxable value after exemptions
- Millage rate and breakdown by taxing authority (county, school district, city, special districts)
- Payment status, due dates, and discount information
- Tax payment history and delinquency history
- Exemptions applied (homestead, senior, disability, veteran, agricultural, conservation)
Sales History:
- Sale dates, sale prices, and deed document numbers
- Sale type (warranty deed, quitclaim, foreclosure, tax deed, gift, inheritance, divorce transfer)
- Grantor and grantee names for each recorded transfer
- Qualified/unqualified sale designation
Encumbrances and Liens:
- Recorded mortgages with lender names, amounts, and recording dates
- Tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, and code enforcement liens
- Easements, restrictions, covenants, and leases
- Lis pendens filings
Legal and Regulatory Information:
- Current zoning classification and permitted uses
- Land use code and future land use designation
- School district, fire district, water district, and other special taxing districts
- Deed restrictions and subdivision covenants
- FEMA flood zone designation
- Wetlands and conservation area designations
Maps and Images:
- Property exterior photograph
- Aerial photograph and GIS map with parcel boundaries
- Plat map and property sketch
- Historical aerial imagery where available
Building Permit Information (if integrated):
- Building permits issued with dates, descriptions, and permit values
- Contractor information and certificate of occupancy
- Inspection records
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 under current law)
- 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 Retention:
Arkansas law requires county clerks to maintain a permanent record of all instruments recorded in the official records. The Arkansas Records Retention Schedule, administered by the Arkansas History Commission, designates deeds, mortgages, plats, and related instruments as permanent records. Under Arkansas Code § 13-4-101 and related provisions, public records of permanent value must be preserved and made accessible.
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 lien releases
- All recorded plats, subdivision plats, re-plats, and condominium declarations
- Easements, restrictions, covenants, declarations, and powers of attorney affecting property
- Court documents affecting title
Format and Storage:
| Time Period | Format |
|---|---|
| Pre-1900s | Handwritten ledger books |
| Early–mid 1900s | Typed books and early microfilm |
| Mid–late 1900s | Microfilm and bound volumes |
| Recent decades | Digital scans and electronic document management |
Records are stored at the County Clerk's office in climate-controlled conditions, with off-site backup facilities and digital redundancy for modern records.
Online Access by Time Period:
- Recent records (last 20–40 years): Available online through the County Clerk's portal in most cases
- Moderate age (20–50 years): May be available online; microfilm available at the courthouse
- Historical (50+ years): Requires in-person visit; available in original books or on microfilm
- Very old (100+ years): Stored in archive; advance notice may be required; same public access rights apply
Property Appraiser Assessment Records:
Current and historical assessments, property cards, and assessment rolls are maintained permanently. Recent years of assessment history are available through the online portal; historical assessments are accessible at the Assessor's office.
Tax Collector Records:
Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven to ten years in most Arkansas counties. Tax deed records are permanent. Delinquency records are maintained for several years. Recent tax history is available online through the Property Tax Center; historical records are available at the Tax Collector's office.
Chain of Title:
Every transfer from the original land grant to the present is preserved in the official records. Title searches in Arkansas review a minimum of 30 to 60 years of ownership history, though a full abstract may trace ownership back to the original federal or state land grant. Gaps in the chain of title create title defects that must be resolved before a clear title can be conveyed.
Digitization Efforts:
The Arkansas GIS Office and county offices are engaged in ongoing digitization of historical records, including scanning of original books and microfilm. Union County tax parcel polygons have been published through a collaborative effort between the Arkansas GIS Office and the Union County Assessor, expanding online access to parcel-level data.
Contact for Historical Records:
Union County County Clerk
101 N. Washington Ave.
El Dorado, AR 71730
Phone: (870) 864-1940
County Clerk - Union County Arkansas
Union County Assessor
101 N. Washington Ave., Suite 102
El Dorado, AR 71730
Phone: (870) 864-1920
Union County Arkansas
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 County Clerk. Members of the public may search for liens through the official records index at the County Clerk's office or through the online records portal.
Types of Liens Recorded in Union County:
- Federal tax liens — Filed by the Internal Revenue Service against a taxpayer's property; searchable through the County Clerk's index
- State tax liens — Filed by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration for unpaid state taxes
- Judgment liens — Arise from court judgments and are recorded in the county where the debtor owns property
- Mechanic's liens — Filed by contractors, subcontractors, or material suppliers for unpaid construction work
- HOA liens — Filed by homeowner associations for unpaid assessments
- Code enforcement liens — Filed by local government for unresolved code violations
- Child support liens — Filed against property of obligors with unpaid child support obligations
Steps to Search for Liens:
- Visit the County Clerk - Union County Arkansas office page or attend in person at 101 N. Washington Ave., El Dorado, AR 71730
- Access the grantor/grantee index and search by the property owner's name
- Filter results by document type to identify lien filings
- Note the instrument number, recording date, and lien amount for each result
- Request a copy of the lien document for full details; standard copying fees apply
- For federal tax liens, cross-reference with the IRS online lien search tool at IRS.gov
- For judgment liens, search the Union County Circuit Court records for civil judgments that may have been abstracted to the property records
Additional Search Resources:
- The Union County Assessor's online portal may reflect certain liens as encumbrances on the property card
- Title companies conduct comprehensive lien searches as part of the title insurance process and identify all recorded interests
- The Arkansas Secretary of State's office maintains UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) filings, which may affect personal property associated with real estate transactions
In-Person Lien Search:
Union County County Clerk
101 N. Washington Ave.
El Dorado, AR 71730
Phone: (870) 864-1940
County Clerk - Union County Arkansas
Staff at the County Clerk's office can assist members of the public in navigating the grantor/grantee index and identifying recorded lien instruments. Requests for certified copies of lien documents are processed at the standard fee schedule.
What Is Property Owner Rule in Union County?
The property owner rule in Union County, Arkansas refers to the body of state law and local practice governing who may own real property, how ownership is established and transferred, and what rights and obligations attach to property ownership. Under Arkansas law, any individual, corporation, partnership, trust, or other legal entity may hold title to real property in Union County.
Establishment of Ownership:
Ownership of real property in Union County is established through a recorded deed. Under Arkansas Code § 18-12-103, a conveyance of real property must be in writing, signed by the grantor, and recorded with the County Clerk to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and creditors. An unrecorded deed is valid between the parties but does not protect the grantee against a subsequent bona fide purchaser who records first.
Forms of Ownership Recognized in Arkansas:
- Sole ownership — A single individual holds title in their name alone
- Joint tenancy with right of survivorship — Two or more persons hold equal shares; upon the death of one owner, the surviving owner(s) take the deceased's interest automatically
- Tenancy in common — Two or more persons hold undivided interests that may be unequal; each owner's interest passes through their estate upon death
- Tenancy by the entirety — Available to married couples in Arkansas; provides protection against individual creditors of one spouse
- Trust ownership — A trustee holds legal title for the benefit of named beneficiaries
- Entity ownership — LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and other legal entities may hold title; the entity's formation documents govern internal ownership
Property Owner Rights and Obligations:
Property owners in Union County hold the right to use, lease, sell, mortgage, and devise their property subject to applicable zoning regulations, deed restrictions, and state and local law. Owners are obligated to pay annual property taxes assessed by the Union County Assessor and collected by the Union County Tax Collector. Failure to pay property taxes may result in a tax lien and, ultimately, a tax sale under Arkansas delinquent tax statutes.
Homestead Rights:
Arkansas law provides homestead protections for owner-occupied residential property. The Arkansas Constitution, Article 9, exempts a homestead from forced sale for most debts. Property owners who occupy their residence as their primary domicile may apply for the homestead property tax credit through the Union County Assessor's office, which reduces the assessed value subject to taxation.
Non-Resident and Foreign Ownership:
Arkansas law does not restrict ownership of real property by non-residents or out-of-state entities, subject to applicable federal regulations. Foreign nationals and foreign-owned entities may hold title to real property in Union County, though certain agricultural land acquisitions by foreign persons or entities may be subject to reporting requirements under federal law.
Transfer of Ownership:
Ownership transfers in Union County are effectuated by a recorded deed. The grantor must have legal capacity and authority to convey. The deed must contain an adequate legal description of the property, identify the grantor and grantee, state the consideration, and be signed and acknowledged before a notary public. The instrument is then presented to the Union County County Clerk for recording, at which point it becomes part of the permanent public record and provides constructive notice to all parties.