This guide covers the formalities for signing a deed of Connecticut land: the acknowledgment, the two attesting witnesses, Connecticut's remote-acknowledgment statutes for notaries and attorneys, out-of-state online notarization, town-clerk recording and the statute that validates some defective recorded deeds. It addresses the execution of the instrument, not title examination, conveyance tax or the drafting of the deed's grant. The first question numbers the four statutory elements of execution, (i) through (iv), and later questions refer back to them.
What does Connecticut require for a deed of Connecticut land to be validly executed?
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-5(a) requires every conveyance of Connecticut land to satisfy four elements, and § 47-5(b) adds that the deed must state the grantee's current mailing address.
- (i) Writing. The conveyance must be in writing.
- (ii) Signature. A natural-person grantor signs with the grantor's own hand, or by mark with the grantor's name annexed to it, or through an agent under a power executed, acknowledged and witnessed as the statute requires; a corporation, limited liability company or partnership signs through a duly authorized person.
- (iii) Acknowledgment. The grantor, agent or authorized person acknowledges the deed, either as the signer's free act and deed or in any manner the Uniform Acknowledgment Act (chapter 6) or the Uniform Recognition of Acknowledgments Act (chapter 8) permits.
- (iv) Attestation. Two witnesses attest the deed with their own hands.
Elements (iii) and (iv) are independent: an acknowledgment, however it is taken, does not supply the witnesses. Conveyances made to or by a corporation, or by the trustees of a voluntary association, may be attested by interested witnesses and acknowledged before interested officers.
Execution and recording are separate steps with separate consequences. Section 47-10(a) makes recording on the land records of the town where the land lies the condition for a conveyance to hold the land against anyone other than the grantor and the grantor's heirs.
An in-person signing in Connecticut satisfies elements (i) through (iv) without relying on any route this guide identifies as unsettled when the grantor signs the paper deed, acknowledges it before a § 47-5a officer such as a Connecticut notary, and two witnesses who are neither grantor nor grantee attest it with their own hands. That is a conclusion about risk, not an additional requirement; the later questions discuss the remote and online alternatives and their uncertainties.
Sources for this answer
Section 47-5(a) requires every conveyance of land to be in writing, signed by the grantor or an authorized signer, acknowledged either as the grantor's free act and deed or in a manner chapter 6 or chapter 8 permits, and attested to by two witnesses with their own hands.
(a) All conveyances of land shall be: (1) In writing; (2) if the grantor is (A) a natural person, subscribed, with or without a seal, by the grantor with his own hand or with his mark with his name annexed to it or by his agent authorized for that purpose by a power (i) executed, acknowledged and witnessed in the manner provided for conveyances, or (ii) executed, acknowledged and witnessed in the same manner provided for in section 1-350d, and subsection (a) of section 1-350r; or (B) a corporation, limited liability company or partnership, subscribed by a duly authorized person; (3) acknowledged by the grantor, his agent or such duly authorized person (A) to be his free act and deed, or (B) in any manner permitted under chapter 6 or chapter 8; and (4) attested to by two witnesses with their own hands.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-5(a) (2026).
Section 47-5(b) requires a document conveying land to include the grantee's current mailing address.
(b) A document conveying land shall also include the current mailing address of the grantee.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-5(b) (2026).
Section 47-6 permits conveyances to or by a corporation, or by the trustees of a voluntary association, to be attested by interested witnesses and acknowledged before interested officers.
Conveyances of real estate made to or by any corporation, or the trustees of any voluntary association, may be attested by witnesses interested therein, and may be acknowledged before properly authorized persons who are so interested.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-6 (2026).
Section 47-10(a) states that an unrecorded conveyance is not effective to hold land against anyone other than the grantor and the grantor's heirs.
(a) No conveyance shall be effectual to hold any land against any other person but the grantor and his heirs, unless recorded on the records of the town in which the land lies.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-10(a) (2026).
Section 47-5a lists the officers who may take a real-estate acknowledgment in Connecticut, in another state or territory and in a foreign country, and limits each officer to the territory of the office.
If the acknowledgment in a conveyance of real estate is made in this state, it may be made before a judge of a court of record of this state or of the United States, a clerk of the Superior Court, a justice of the peace, a commissioner of the Superior Court, a notary public, either with or without his official seal, a town clerk or an assistant town clerk; and, if in any other state or territory of the United States, before a commissioner residing in such other state or territory appointed by the Governor of Connecticut, or an officer authorized to take the acknowledgment of deeds in such state or territory; and, if in a foreign country, before any ambassador, minister, charge d'affaires, consul, vice-consul, deputy-consul, consul-general, vice-consul-general, deputy-consul-general, consular-agent, vice-consular-agent, commercial agent or vice-commercial agent of the United States, representing or acting as agent of the United States in such foreign country, or before any notary public or justice of the peace, or before any other public officer, in such foreign country, before whom oaths or acknowledgments may be given; but no officer shall have power to take such acknowledgment, except within the territorial limits in which he may perform the duties of his office.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-5a (2026).
Hannaford v. Mann holds that a grantor or grantee may not serve as one of the two attesting witnesses to a Connecticut deed.
We are persuaded that the standards of title correctly reflect the state of the law in Connecticut regarding the witnessing of deeds, and we agree that a deed may not be witnessed by a grantor or a grantee of the deed. Accordingly, the court’s decision granting summary judgment on count one in favor of the defendant as to the validity of the deed cannot stand.
See Hannaford v. Mann, 134 Conn. App. 265 (2012).
Who may take the acknowledgment of a Connecticut deed, inside and outside Connecticut?
Inside Connecticut, the element (iii) acknowledgment may be taken by a judge of a Connecticut or federal court of record, Superior Court clerk, justice of the peace, commissioner of the Superior Court, notary public, town clerk or assistant town clerk, each acting within the office's territorial limits. The Uniform Acknowledgment Act also lists a judge of a court of record, a family support magistrate, a clerk or deputy clerk of a court having a seal and an attorney admitted to the Connecticut bar, and § 47-5(a)(3) accepts an acknowledgment taken in any manner that chapter permits.
Outside Connecticut but within the United States, three sets of rules recognize an acknowledgment:
- Section 47-5a. A commissioner appointed by the Governor of Connecticut, or any officer authorized to take deed acknowledgments in the place where the acknowledgment is made.
- Chapter 6. Court clerks, notaries public, commissioners of deeds, other persons that jurisdiction authorizes and Connecticut-admitted attorneys, each acting within the officer's jurisdiction.
- Chapter 8. A notarial act performed outside Connecticut by a notary public authorized where the act is performed has the same effect as a Connecticut notary's act.
A separate rule validates an out-of-state execution. A conveyance of Connecticut real estate executed and acknowledged in another state or territory is valid if it conforms either to that jurisdiction's conveyancing law or to Connecticut law, and no county clerk's or other authenticating certificate is needed when the officer states the commission expiration date, if any.
The 2023 remote-notarization act withholds three out-of-state rules from a remotely located individual in the conduct of a real estate closing:
- Section 47-7. The out-of-state execution rule does not apply to such a conveyance.
- Section 1-31a. The out-of-state acknowledgment before a Connecticut-admitted attorney does not apply to such an acknowledgment.
- Section 1-37. The rule giving an out-of-state acknowledgment made in the form of the place of execution, sealed and authenticated, the effect of a Connecticut acknowledgment does not apply to such an acknowledgment.
Outside the United States, § 47-5a recognizes United States diplomatic and consular officers and the foreign country's notaries, justices of the peace and other officers authorized to take oaths or acknowledgments. Chapter 6 adds a judge or clerk of a court of record of that country and a Connecticut-admitted attorney. Members of the armed forces and their dependents, wherever located, may also acknowledge before a commissioned officer of specified rank in active service. The out-of-state validation rule in § 47-7(a) names conveyances executed and acknowledged in another state or territory of the United States; it does not mention a foreign country.
A deed signed abroad and drafted without provision for two attesting witnesses fails element (iv), even if it follows the local execution formalities of the place of signing.
Sources for this answer
Section 47-5a lists the officers who may take a real-estate acknowledgment in Connecticut, in another state or territory and in a foreign country, and limits each officer to the territory of the office.
If the acknowledgment in a conveyance of real estate is made in this state, it may be made before a judge of a court of record of this state or of the United States, a clerk of the Superior Court, a justice of the peace, a commissioner of the Superior Court, a notary public, either with or without his official seal, a town clerk or an assistant town clerk; and, if in any other state or territory of the United States, before a commissioner residing in such other state or territory appointed by the Governor of Connecticut, or an officer authorized to take the acknowledgment of deeds in such state or territory; and, if in a foreign country, before any ambassador, minister, charge d'affaires, consul, vice-consul, deputy-consul, consul-general, vice-consul-general, deputy-consul-general, consular-agent, vice-consular-agent, commercial agent or vice-commercial agent of the United States, representing or acting as agent of the United States in such foreign country, or before any notary public or justice of the peace, or before any other public officer, in such foreign country, before whom oaths or acknowledgments may be given; but no officer shall have power to take such acknowledgment, except within the territorial limits in which he may perform the duties of his office.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-5a (2026).
Section 1-29 permits an acknowledgment in Connecticut before a judge of a court of record or a family support magistrate, a clerk or deputy clerk of a court having a seal, a town clerk, a notary public, a justice of the peace or a Connecticut-admitted attorney.
The acknowledgment of any instrument may be made in this state before: (1) A judge of a court of record or a family support magistrate; (2) a clerk or deputy clerk of a court having a seal; (3) a town clerk; (4) a notary public; (5) a justice of the peace; or (6) an attorney admitted to the bar of this state.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-29 (2026).
Section 47-5(a) accepts an acknowledgment made in any manner chapter 6 or chapter 8 permits and separately requires two witnesses.
(a) All conveyances of land shall be: (1) In writing; (2) if the grantor is (A) a natural person, subscribed, with or without a seal, by the grantor with his own hand or with his mark with his name annexed to it or by his agent authorized for that purpose by a power (i) executed, acknowledged and witnessed in the manner provided for conveyances, or (ii) executed, acknowledged and witnessed in the same manner provided for in section 1-350d, and subsection (a) of section 1-350r; or (B) a corporation, limited liability company or partnership, subscribed by a duly authorized person; (3) acknowledged by the grantor, his agent or such duly authorized person (A) to be his free act and deed, or (B) in any manner permitted under chapter 6 or chapter 8; and (4) attested to by two witnesses with their own hands.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-5(a) (2026).
Section 1-30 lists the officers before whom an acknowledgment may be made outside Connecticut but within the United States, each acting within the officer's jurisdiction.
The acknowledgment of any instrument may be made without the state but within the United States or a territory or insular possession of the United States and within the jurisdiction of the officer, before: (1) A clerk or deputy clerk of any federal court; (2) a clerk or deputy clerk of any court of record of any state or other jurisdiction; (3) a notary public; (4) a commissioner of deeds; (5) any person authorized by the laws of such other jurisdiction to take acknowledgments; (6) any attorney admitted to the bar in this state as provided in section 1-31a.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-30 (2026).
Section 1-57 defines notarial acts as acts Connecticut law authorizes its own notaries to perform and gives such an act performed outside Connecticut by a notary authorized in the place of performance the same effect as a Connecticut notary's act.
For the purposes of this chapter, “notarial acts” means acts which the laws and regulations of this state authorize notaries public of this state to perform, including the administering of oaths and affirmations, taking proof of execution and acknowledgments of instruments, and attesting documents. Notarial acts may be performed outside this state for use in this state with the same effect as if performed by a notary public of this state by the following persons authorized pursuant to the laws and regulations of other governments in addition to any other person authorized by the laws and regulations of this state: (1) A notary public authorized to perform notarial acts in the place in which the act is performed;
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-57 (2026).
Section 47-7(a) validates a conveyance of Connecticut real estate executed and acknowledged in another state or territory under that jurisdiction's conveyancing law or Connecticut law, and § 47-7(b) dispenses with an authenticating certificate when the officer states the commission expiration date, if any.
(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 1-36, any conveyance of real estate situated in this state, any mortgage or release of mortgage or lien upon any real estate situated in this state, and any power of attorney authorizing another to convey any interest in real estate situated in this state, executed and acknowledged in any other state or territory in conformity with the laws of that state or territory relating to the conveyance of real estate therein situated or of any interest therein or with the laws of this state, is valid. (b) No county clerk's certificate or other authenticating certificate is required for such conveyance, mortgage, release, lien or power of attorney to be valid, provided the officer taking the acknowledgment indicated thereon the date, if any, on which his current commission expires.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-7(a)–(b) (2026).
Section 47-7(c) makes the out-of-state execution rule inapplicable to a conveyance executed by a remotely located individual in the conduct of a real estate closing.
(c) The provisions of this section shall not apply to any conveyance of real estate situated in this state, or any mortgage or release of mortgage or lien upon any real estate situated in this state, executed by a remotely located individual, as defined in section 3-95b, in the conduct of a real estate closing, as defined in section 51-88a.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-7(c) (2026) (added by Pub. Act 23-28, § 3).
Section 1-31a permits a Connecticut-admitted attorney to take a Connecticut real-property acknowledgment outside the state, except an acknowledgment by a remotely located individual in the conduct of a real estate closing.
An acknowledgment of any instrument pertaining to real property located in this state or a power of attorney may be made outside the state before an attorney admitted to the bar in this state. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any acknowledgment made by a remotely located individual, as defined in section 3-95b, in the conduct of a real estate closing, as defined in section 51-88a.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-31a (2026).
Section 1-37(a) gives an out-of-state acknowledgment made in the manner and form of the place of execution, sealed and authenticated under § 1-36(2), the effect of a Connecticut acknowledgment, and § 1-37(b) withholds that rule from a remotely located individual in a real estate closing.
(a) Notwithstanding any provision in this chapter, the acknowledgment of any instrument without this state in compliance with the manner and form prescribed by the laws of the place of its execution, if in a state, a territory or insular possession of the United States, or in the District of Columbia, verified by the official seal of the officer before whom it is acknowledged, and authenticated in the manner provided by subsection (2) of section 1-36, shall have the same effect as an acknowledgment in the manner and form prescribed by the laws of this state for instruments executed within the state. (b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to any acknowledgment made by a remotely located individual, as defined in section 3-95b, in the conduct of a real estate closing, as defined in section 51-88a.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-37 (2026) (subsection (b) added by Pub. Act 23-28, § 4).
Section 1-31 permits an acknowledgment outside the United States before United States diplomatic and consular officers, a local notary public, a judge or clerk of a local court of record, or a Connecticut-admitted attorney under § 1-31a.
The acknowledgment of any instrument may be made without the United States before: (1) An ambassador, minister, charge d'affaires, counselor to or secretary of a legation, consul general, consul, vice-consul, commercial attache, or consular agent of the United States accredited to the country where the acknowledgment is made; (2) a notary public of the country where the acknowledgment is made; (3) a judge or clerk of a court of record of the country where the acknowledgment is made; (4) any attorney admitted to the bar in this state as provided in section 1-31a.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-31 (2026).
Section 1-38 permits persons serving in or with the armed forces and their dependents, wherever located, to acknowledge before a commissioned officer of specified rank in active service.
In addition to the acknowledgment of instruments in the manner and form and as otherwise authorized by this chapter, persons serving in or with the armed forces of the United States or their dependents, wherever located, may acknowledge the same before any commissioned officer in active service of the armed forces of the United States with the rank of second lieutenant or higher in the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps or Space Force, or ensign or higher in the Navy or Coast Guard.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-38 (2026).
What acknowledgment certificate wording does Connecticut accept on a deed?
For the acknowledgment that § 47-5(a) requires of a deed, Connecticut accepts a certificate from an officer whose authority it recognizes if the certificate meets any one of the three tests in § 1-60.
- It is in a form Connecticut law prescribes.
- It is in a form prescribed where the acknowledgment was taken.
- It contains the words acknowledged before me or their substantial equivalent.
Chapter 6 lets an instrument be acknowledged in the manner and form other Connecticut laws provide or as chapter 6 provides. The certificate is completed by the officer's signature, official seal if the officer has one, title of office and, for a notary public, the commission expiration date. Chapter 8 separately requires the certifying person to state that the signer appeared and acknowledged executing the instrument, and was known to the officer or identified by satisfactory evidence. Its statutory short forms are sufficient under any Connecticut law but are not exclusive.
A sufficient certificate satisfies element (iii) only. Element (iv) still requires the two witnesses.
Sources for this answer
Section 1-60 requires Connecticut to accept a certificate of acknowledgment from a recognized officer in Connecticut's form, the form of the place of acknowledgment, or one containing the words acknowledged before me or their substantial equivalent.
The form of a certificate of acknowledgment used by a person whose authority is recognized under section 1-57 shall be accepted in this state if: (1) The certificate is in a form prescribed by the laws or regulations of this state; (2) the certificate is in a form prescribed by the laws or regulations applicable in the place in which the acknowledgment is taken; or (3) the certificate contains the words “acknowledged before me”, or their substantial equivalent.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-60 (2026).
Section 1-28 permits any instrument to be acknowledged in the manner and form other Connecticut laws provide or as chapter 6 provides.
Any instrument may be acknowledged in the manner and form now provided by other laws of this state, or as provided by this chapter.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-28 (2026).
Section 1-35 requires the officer's certificate to bear the officer's signature, official seal if any, title and, for a notary public, the commission expiration date.
The certificate of the acknowledging officer shall be completed by his signature, his official seal if he has one, the title of his office and, if he is a notary public, the date his commission expires.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-35 (2026).
Section 1-59 requires the person taking an acknowledgment to certify that the signer appeared before that person, acknowledged executing the instrument and was known or identified by satisfactory evidence.
The person taking an acknowledgment shall certify that: (1) The person acknowledging appeared before him and acknowledged he executed the instrument; and (2) the person acknowledging was known to the person taking the acknowledgment or that the person taking the acknowledgment had satisfactory evidence that the person acknowledging was the person described in and who executed the instrument.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-59 (2026).
Section 1-62 makes its statutory short forms sufficient under any Connecticut law without precluding other forms.
The forms of acknowledgment set forth in this section may be used and are sufficient for their respective purposes under any law of this state. The forms shall be known as “Statutory Short Forms of Acknowledgment” and may be referred to by that name. The authorization of the forms in this section does not preclude the use of other forms.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-62 (2026).
Section 47-5(a) lists the acknowledgment and the attestation by two witnesses as separate requirements of every conveyance of land.
(a) All conveyances of land shall be: (1) In writing; (2) if the grantor is (A) a natural person, subscribed, with or without a seal, by the grantor with his own hand or with his mark with his name annexed to it or by his agent authorized for that purpose by a power (i) executed, acknowledged and witnessed in the manner provided for conveyances, or (ii) executed, acknowledged and witnessed in the same manner provided for in section 1-350d, and subsection (a) of section 1-350r; or (B) a corporation, limited liability company or partnership, subscribed by a duly authorized person; (3) acknowledged by the grantor, his agent or such duly authorized person (A) to be his free act and deed, or (B) in any manner permitted under chapter 6 or chapter 8; and (4) attested to by two witnesses with their own hands.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-5(a) (2026).
Can a Connecticut notary or commissioner of the Superior Court acknowledge a deed of Connecticut land remotely?
Connecticut lets a notary under § 3-95b, and a commissioner of the Superior Court under § 51-85a, take an acknowledgment from a signer who appears by live audio-video, but both statutes make a remote acknowledgment in a real estate closing ineffective for any purpose.
Under either statute, the remote procedure has three working parts:
- Live audio-video. The signer and the notary or commissioner communicate simultaneously, in real time, by sight and sound.
- Identification. The officer reasonably identifies the signer by personal knowledge, unexpired government identification bearing the signer's photograph, name and signature, at least two different types of identity proofing, or the oath or affirmation of a credible witness who meets the statute's presence and identification conditions.
- Signed original. The signer mails or delivers the signed original to the officer. A notary then completes the certificate with a commission signature and official stamp or seal, and the act's date and time are those when the notary watched the signing, not when the original arrives. For notaries, the Secretary of the State's manual adds that remote notarizations should be done on paper with the notary's wet-ink signature, because the office does not currently accept an electronically signed document.
The statutes differ for a signer outside Connecticut. Section 3-95b(c) permits a notary's remote act for such a signer only if the record is intended for a Connecticut matter, involves Connecticut property or a substantially connected transaction, or is otherwise not prohibited by Connecticut law from notarization outside the state. Section 51-85a(c) lists only the first and last of those conditions for a commissioner.
Both statutes exclude a real estate closing, which § 51-88a defines as a closing for either of two kinds of transaction:
- (1) Mortgage loan. A mortgage loan secured by Connecticut real property, other than a home equity line of credit or a loan without a lender's or mortgagee's title policy.
- (2) Consideration paid. Any transaction in which a party pays consideration to change the ownership of Connecticut real property.
Section 51-88a also requires a Connecticut-admitted attorney in good standing to conduct any closing within that definition. The consequence of a remote acknowledgment inside the exclusion is set by statute: each statute makes it ineffective for any purpose and makes its performance a violation of § 51-88. Section 51-88 makes a violation a class D felony, or a class C misdemeanor if the defendant proves by a preponderance of the evidence that, when the acts occurred, the defendant was admitted to practice before the highest court of original jurisdiction in any state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico or a U.S. territory, or before a federal district court, and was in good standing. Because both statutes attach the violation to the performance of the acknowledgment, the exposure falls most directly on the notary or commissioner who performs it; that reading is our inference from the text.
The Secretary of the State's reading of the exclusion carries practical weight for every Connecticut notary. The Secretary appoints notaries and may warn, reprimand, suspend or revoke a notary for official misconduct or any violation of the general statutes, and official misconduct includes a notary's performance of an act the statutes prohibit. A remote acknowledgment that § 3-95b(i) forbids is such an act, so it exposes the notary to discipline as well as to § 51-88. The Secretary's manual lists property sales and conveyances, together with other documents connected with a real estate closing, among the documents a notary may not remotely notarize. That list is an administrative interpretation broader than § 51-88a's text, not a statute or regulation. In our assessment it is nonetheless practically controlling for a Connecticut notary, because it is the reading of the official who appoints and disciplines notaries; the disciplinary provisions do not themselves decide whether the statutory exclusion reaches a particular deed. The same manual elsewhere says § 3-95b prohibits remote notarization for most transactions involving Connecticut property, a word that stops short of all of them.
This guide uses gift deed for a deed by which a living owner conveys land and no one pays consideration for the conveyance; transfers by will or by operation of law are outside this discussion. For a gift deed with no mortgage loan, § 51-88a's text does not reach the transaction, because its second category turns on consideration paid to change ownership. That reading is our inference from the definition; no Connecticut appellate decision addressing it was found in our review. Other states' statutes are persuasive context only, not Connecticut authority. Louisiana bars remote online execution of donations inter vivos by name, which shows that a legislature intending to keep gifts out of remote execution can say so directly. Massachusetts defines a closing for its remote real estate rules by the transfer of title to a one- to four-family dwelling, not by whether consideration is paid. North Carolina's conveyance-tax exemptions list transfers by gift and transfers for no consideration separately from transfers by will, by intestacy and by operation of law, and Virginia's recordation-tax statute recognizes a deed of gift and a quitclaim deed without consideration as recorded conveyances in which no consideration has passed. Those statutes support reading without consideration as a fact about the transaction, distinct from a transfer at death, but Connecticut's own definition still controls.
The practical answer differs by officer. A notary following the manual will decline a gift deed, and § 3-95b leaves every notary free to refuse a remote notarization in any event. The manual is the Secretary's guidance to notaries and does not address commissioners of the Superior Court, whose separate statute carries the same textual exclusion, so a commissioner's remote acknowledgment of a gift deed rests on the text of §§ 51-85a(g) and 51-88a alone. Neither statute addresses element (iv): a remote acknowledgment still leaves the two witnesses to attest with their own hands.
A nominal dollar recital inserted into an intended gift deed makes it uncertain whether a party paid consideration for the conveyance, and so whether the deed falls inside the real estate closing exclusion; no Connecticut decision found in our review resolves the point. If it does fall inside, a remote acknowledgment of the deed is ineffective for any purpose.
Sources for this answer
Section 3-95b(b) permits notarization for an individual not physically present with the notary, except as subsection (i) provides, if they communicate in real time by sight and sound and the notary identifies the individual by one of four listed methods.
(b) Except as provided in subsection (i) of this section, a document may be notarized for an individual who is not in the physical presence of the notary public at the time of the notarization if the following requirements are met: (1) The individual and the notary can communicate simultaneously, in real time, by sight and sound using communication technology; and (2) When performing a remote notarization pursuant to the provisions of this section, the notary reasonably identifies the individual at the time of notarization by one or more of the following methods: (A) Personal knowledge of the identity of the individual; (B) The individual presents a government-issued identification document or record that has not expired and includes the individual's photograph, name and signature. An acceptable form of government-issued identification document or record includes, but is not limited to, a driver's license, government-issued identification card or passport; (C) Not less than two different types of identity proofing processes or services by which a third person provides a means to verify the identity of the individual through a review of public or private data sources; or (D) Oath or affirmation by a credible witness who: (i) Is in the physical presence of either the notary or the individual; or (ii) Is able to communicate in real time with the notary and the individual by sight and sound through an electronic device or process at the time of the notarization, if the credible witness has personal knowledge of the identity of the individual and has been reasonably identified by the notary by a method provided in this section.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 3-95b(b) (2026) (Pub. Act 23-28, § 1).
Section 51-85a(b) permits a commissioner of the Superior Court to take an acknowledgment from an individual not physically present, except as subsection (g) provides, if they communicate in real time by sight and sound and the commissioner reasonably identifies the individual by personal knowledge, qualifying government identification, two identity-proofing processes or a qualifying credible witness.
(b) Except as provided in subsection (g) of this section, a record may be acknowledged by an individual who is not in the physical presence of a commissioner of the Superior Court at the time of the acknowledgment if the following requirements are met: (1) The individual and the commissioner of the Superior Court can communicate simultaneously, in real time, by sight and sound using communication technology; and (2) When performing a remote acknowledgment pursuant to the provisions of this section, the commissioner of the Superior Court reasonably identifies the individual at the time of the acknowledgment by one or more of the following methods: (A) Personal knowledge of the identity of the individual; (B) The individual presents a government-issued identification document or record that has not expired and includes the individual's photograph, name and signature. An acceptable form of government-issued identification document or record includes, but is not limited to, a driver's license, government-issued identification card or passport; (C) Not less than two different types of identity proofing processes or services by which a third person provides a means to verify the identity of the individual through a review of public or private data sources; or (D) Oath or affirmation by a credible witness who: (i) Is in the physical presence of either the commissioner of the Superior Court or the individual; or (ii) Is able to communicate in real time with the commissioner of the Superior Court and the individual by sight and sound through an electronic device or process at the time of the acknowledgment, if the credible witness has personal knowledge of the identity of the individual and has been reasonably identified by the commissioner of the Superior Court by a method provided in this section.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 51-85a(b) (Supp. 2026) (Pub. Act 24-108, § 26, as amended by Pub. Act 25-91, § 23).
Section 3-95b(d) requires the remotely located signer to deliver the signed original to the notary for certification with the notary's commission signature and official stamp or seal, and § 3-95b(e) dates the notarization when the notary witnessed the signing.
(d) Once the record notarized pursuant to subsection (b) of this section is signed by the individual in accordance with the procedures set forth in this section, the individual shall mail or otherwise cause to be delivered the signed original copy of the record to the notary public for certification and execution with the notary's commission signature and official stamp or seal. (e) The date and time of a notarization conducted pursuant to subsection (b) of this section shall be the date and time when the notary witnessed the signature being performed by means of communication technology.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 3-95b(d)–(e) (2026).
Section 51-85a(c) limits a commissioner's remote acknowledgment for a signer outside Connecticut or the United States to a record intended for a Connecticut matter or otherwise not prohibited by Connecticut law from being acknowledged outside the state, and § 51-85a(d) requires delivery of the signed original to the commissioner.
(c) When an individual who is physically located outside of the state of Connecticut or outside the United States seeks a remote acknowledgment pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, the record being acknowledged shall: (1) Be intended for filing or presentation in a matter before a court, governmental entity, public official or other entity subject to the jurisdiction of the state of Connecticut; or (2) Otherwise not be prohibited by law of the state of Connecticut to be acknowledged outside the state. (d) Once the record acknowledged pursuant to subsection (b) of this section is signed by the individual in accordance with the procedures set forth in this section, the individual shall mail or otherwise cause to be delivered the signed original copy of the record to the commissioner of the Superior Court.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 51-85a(c)–(d) (Supp. 2026).
Section 3-95b(c) limits remote notarization for a signer outside Connecticut or the United States to a record intended for a Connecticut matter, involving Connecticut property or a substantially connected transaction, or otherwise not prohibited by Connecticut law from being notarized outside the state.
(c) When an individual who is physically located outside of the state of Connecticut or outside the United States seeks a remote notarization pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, the record being notarized shall: (1) Be intended for filing or presentation in a matter before a court, governmental entity, public official or other entity subject to the jurisdiction of the state of Connecticut; (2) Involve property located in the territorial jurisdiction of the state of Connecticut or a transaction substantially connected to the state of Connecticut; or (3) Otherwise not be prohibited by law of the state of Connecticut to be notarized outside the state.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 3-95b(c) (2026).
Section 3-95b(i) bars remote acknowledgment of listed records, including a real estate closing as § 51-88a defines it, and makes such an acknowledgment ineffective for any purpose and a violation of § 51-88.
(i) No record shall be acknowledged remotely pursuant to subsection (b) of this section in (1) the making and execution of a will, codicil, trust or trust instrument, (2) the execution of health care instructions pursuant to section 19a-575a, (3) the execution of a designation of a standby guardian pursuant to section 45a-624, (4) the execution of a designation of a person for decision-making and certain rights and obligations pursuant to section 1-56r, (5) the execution of a living will, as defined in section 19a-570, (6) the execution of a power of attorney, as defined in section 1-350a, (7) the execution of a self-proving affidavit for an appointment of health care representative or for a living will under sections 1-56r and 19a-578, (8) the execution of a mutual distribution agreement under section 45a-433, (9) the execution of an agreement as to the division of an estate under section 45a-434, (10) the execution of a disclaimer under section 45a-479 or 45a-583, or (11) a real estate closing, as defined in section 51-88a. The performance of any such acknowledgment in connection with any of the acts described in this subsection shall be ineffective for any purpose and shall constitute a violation of section 51-88.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 3-95b(i) (2026) (as amended by Pub. Act 24-97, § 1).
Section 51-85a(g) bars a commissioner's remote acknowledgment in listed acts, including a real estate closing as § 51-88a defines it, and makes the performance of such an acknowledgment ineffective for any purpose and a violation of § 51-88.
(g) No record shall be acknowledged remotely pursuant to subsection (b) of this section in (1) the making and execution of a will, codicil, trust or trust instrument, (2) the execution of health care instructions pursuant to section 19a-575a, (3) the execution of a designation of a standby guardian pursuant to section 45a-624, (4) the execution of a designation of a person for decision-making and certain rights and obligations pursuant to section 1-56r, (5) the execution of a living will, as defined in section 19a-570, (6) the execution of a power of attorney, as defined in section 1-350a, (7) the execution of a self-proving affidavit for an appointment of a health care representative or for a living will under sections 1-56r and 19a-578, (8) the execution of a mutual distribution agreement under section 45a-433, (9) the execution of an agreement as to the division of an estate under section 45a-434, (10) the execution of a disclaimer under section 45a-579 or 45a-583, or (11) a real estate closing, as defined in section 51-88a. The performance of any such acknowledgment in connection with any of the acts described in this subsection shall be ineffective for any purpose and shall constitute a violation of section 51-88.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 51-85a(g) (Supp. 2026) (as amended by Pub. Act 25-91, § 23).
Section 3-95b(f) preserves a notary's authority to refuse a notarial act and does not require a notary to notarize remotely for an electronic record, an absent individual or an unselected technology.
(f) Nothing in this section shall affect the authority of a notary public to refuse to perform a notarial act or require a notary public to perform a notarization remotely: (1) With respect to an electronic record; (2) For an individual not in the physical presence of the notary; or (3) Using a technology that the notary has not selected.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 3-95b(f) (2026).
Section 51-88a(a) defines a real estate closing as a closing for a mortgage loan secured by Connecticut real property, excluding home equity lines of credit and loans without a lender's or mortgagee's title policy, or for a transaction in which a party pays consideration to change the ownership of Connecticut real property.
For the purposes of this subsection, “real estate closing” means a closing for (1) a mortgage loan transaction, other than a home equity line of credit transaction or any other loan transaction that does not involve the issuance of a lender's or mortgagee's policy of title insurance in connection with such transaction, to be secured by real property in this state, or (2) any transaction wherein consideration is paid by a party to such transaction to effectuate a change in the ownership of real property in this state.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 51-88a(a) (2026).
Section 51-88a(a) bars anyone other than a Connecticut-admitted attorney who has not been disqualified from practice from conducting a real estate closing.
(a) Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes, no person shall conduct a real estate closing unless such person has been admitted as an attorney in this state under the provisions of section 51-80 and has not been disqualified from the practice of law due to resignation, disbarment, being placed on inactive status or suspension.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 51-88a(a) (2026).
Section 51-88(b)(1) makes a violation of § 51-88 a class D felony, or a class C misdemeanor for a defendant who proves admission in good standing to practice law in another U.S. jurisdiction.
(b) (1) Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be guilty of a class D felony, except that in any prosecution under this section, if the defendant proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant committed the proscribed act or acts while admitted to practice law before the highest court of original jurisdiction in any state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or a territory of the United States or in a district court of the United States and while a member in good standing of such bar, such defendant shall be guilty of a class C misdemeanor.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 51-88(b)(1) (2026).
Section 3-94b(a) authorizes the Secretary of the State to appoint notaries public.
(a) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, the Secretary of the State may appoint as a notary public any qualified person who submits an application in accordance with this section.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 3-94b(a) (2026).
Section 3-94m(a) authorizes the Secretary of the State to warn, reprimand, suspend or revoke a notary for official misconduct or for a violation of any provision of the general statutes.
(a) The Secretary may deliver a written, official warning and reprimand to a notary, or may revoke or suspend a notary's appointment, as a result of such notary's official misconduct or on any ground for which an application for appointment as a notary may be denied, or for a violation of any provision of the general statutes.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 3-94m(a) (2026).
Section 3-94a(8) defines official misconduct to include a notary's performance of an act prohibited by the general statutes.
(8) “Official misconduct” means (A) a notary public's performance of an act prohibited by the general statutes or failure to perform an act mandated by the general statutes, or (B) a notary public's performance of a notarial act in a manner found to be negligent, illegal or against the public interest.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 3-94a(8) (2026).
The Secretary of the State's manual says the office does not currently accept an electronically signed document and that remote notarizations should be done on paper with the notary's wet-ink signature.
Answer: Our office does not currently accept a document that is executed (signed) electronically. All remote notarizations should be done on paper and that the notary sign and certify the document by hand (wet-ink signature).
See Conn. Sec'y of the State, Notary Public Manual (Rev. 2026-1), app. A.
Section 4.24 of the Secretary of the State's manual lists property sales and conveyances and other documents connected with a real estate closing among the documents for which remote notarization is not permitted.
Remote Notarization is not permitted for the following documents: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Wills or trusts; Property sales/conveyances and other documents connected with a real estate closing; Health care directives; Standby guardianship papers; and Powers of Attorney.
See Conn. Sec'y of the State, Notary Public Manual (Rev. 2026-1), § 4.24.
The Secretary of the State's manual says § 3-95b prohibits remote notarization for most transactions transferring Connecticut real property and that notarizing a Connecticut land record without a Connecticut attorney's direction may be the unauthorized practice of law.
Notaries must be cautious with documents transferring real property because (a) Section 3-95b prohibits remote notarizations for most such transactions if they involve property in Connecticut; and (b) notarizing a Connecticut land record without explicit direction of an attorney licensed in Connecticut may constitute the unauthorized practice of law.
See Conn. Sec'y of the State, Notary Public Manual (Rev. 2026-1), app. A.
Section 47-5(a)(4) requires every conveyance of land to be attested to by two witnesses with their own hands, independent of how the acknowledgment is taken.
(a) All conveyances of land shall be: (1) In writing; (2) if the grantor is (A) a natural person, subscribed, with or without a seal, by the grantor with his own hand or with his mark with his name annexed to it or by his agent authorized for that purpose by a power (i) executed, acknowledged and witnessed in the manner provided for conveyances, or (ii) executed, acknowledged and witnessed in the same manner provided for in section 1-350d, and subsection (a) of section 1-350r; or (B) a corporation, limited liability company or partnership, subscribed by a duly authorized person; (3) acknowledged by the grantor, his agent or such duly authorized person (A) to be his free act and deed, or (B) in any manner permitted under chapter 6 or chapter 8; and (4) attested to by two witnesses with their own hands.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-5(a) (2026).
Louisiana Revised Statutes § 35:623(B) bars remote online execution of listed instruments, including donations inter vivos.
B. The following instruments shall not be executed by remote online notarization: (1) Testaments or codicils thereto. (2) Trust instruments or acknowledgments thereof. (3) Donations inter vivos.
See La. Rev. Stat. § 35:623(B)(1)–(3) (2026).
Massachusetts General Laws chapter 221, § 46E(a), defines a closing for real estate closings using communication technology as a transaction granting a mortgage on or otherwise transferring title to a one- to four-family residential dwelling.
''Closing'', the consummation of a transaction between parties for the purpose of granting a mortgage or otherwise transferring title to a 1-family to 4-family residential dwelling, including the execution of documents necessary to accomplish the valid and proper transfer of title and the transfer of the consideration for the conveyance, whether done simultaneously with or subsequent to the execution of documents for the transfer of title;
See Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 221, § 46E(a) (2026).
North Carolina General Statutes § 105-228.29 lists transfers by operation of law, by will, by intestacy, by gift and for no consideration as separate exempt categories.
This Article does not apply to any of the following transfers of an interest in real property: (1) By operation of law. (2) By lease for a term of years. (3) By or pursuant to the provisions of a will. (4) By intestacy. (5) By gift. (6) If no consideration in property or money is due or paid by the transferee to the transferor.
See N.C. Gen. Stat. § 105-228.29(1)–(6) (2026).
Virginia Code § 58.1-811(D) exempts from recordation tax a deed of gift or quitclaim deed when no consideration has passed and requires the deed to identify itself as a deed of gift or quitclaim deed without consideration.
D. No recordation tax shall be required for the recordation of any deed of gift, quitclaim deed, or deed to correct a fraudulently recorded deed, including a deed of trust, between a grantor or grantors and a grantee or grantees when no consideration has passed between the parties. Such deed shall state therein that it is a deed of gift, quitclaim deed without consideration, or deed to correct a fraudulently recorded deed.
See Va. Code § 58.1-811(D) (2026).
Does Connecticut recognize an out-of-state online notarization when the signer is in Connecticut?
No Connecticut statute or appellate decision found in our review settles whether an online notary commissioned in another state may take the element (iii) acknowledgment of a Connecticut deed signed by a grantor physically in Connecticut, and the statutory text supports arguments on both sides.
Some states authorize online notarization regardless of where the signer is. Texas, for example, permits its online notaries to act whether or not the signer is physically located in Texas, and since January 1, 2024 its code has included a procedure for online notarization of a document the signer signs with a tangible symbol rather than an electronic signature.
The argument for recognition runs through chapter 8. Section 47-5(a)(3) accepts any acknowledgment chapter 8 permits. Section 1-57 gives a notarial act performed outside Connecticut by a notary authorized in the place where the act is performed the same effect as a Connecticut notary's act. The same section, however, defines notarial acts as acts Connecticut law authorizes its own notaries to perform, and a Connecticut notary may not remotely acknowledge a deed in a real estate closing. The Secretary of the State's manual treats the notary's own location as the place that governs a notarial act, saying that the law of another state governs when a Connecticut notary is physically located there.
The arguments against recognition rest on the signer's location:
- Section 47-5a. It sorts officers by where the acknowledgment is made and confines each officer to the territorial limits of the office, but it does not say whether an audio-video acknowledgment is made where the signer is or where the notary is; if it is made where a Connecticut signer is, the list for acknowledgments made in Connecticut does not include a notary commissioned elsewhere.
- Section 47-7. Its validation of out-of-state executions covers a deed executed and acknowledged in another state or territory, which a grantor signing in Connecticut does not do, and § 47-7(c) excludes a remote real estate closing in any event.
- Sections 1-37 and 1-31a. The 2023 amendments added the same exclusion to § 1-37's local-form acknowledgment rule and to § 1-31a's out-of-state acknowledgment before a Connecticut attorney, but not to chapter 8.
- Section 1-59. It requires the certificate to state that the signer appeared before the officer, and no Connecticut decision found in our review says whether an audio-video appearance before an out-of-state notary satisfies that requirement.
One online-notarization platform's published position goes further than the statute it cites. Proof states that Connecticut recognizes other states' notarial acts except for remote online notarization of documents related to transfers of real estate, citing § 1-57. Section 1-57 contains no such exception: it recognizes a notarial act performed outside Connecticut by a notary authorized where the act is performed and says nothing about remote notarization or real estate. The real-estate exclusions enacted in 2023 and 2024 appear instead in §§ 47-7(c), 1-31a, 1-37(b), 3-95b(i) and 51-85a(g).
Stewart Title's published underwriting guidance takes a firmer position than the statutes do. Stewart Title's Connecticut underwriting counsel states that Connecticut does not recognize remotely notarized deeds, even when the deed was executed in a state that allows remote notarization, citing § 47-7(c), and warns that defects may leave title uninsurable. That statement is broader than § 47-7(c), which removes only the out-of-state validation rule and only for a real estate closing. An out-of-state online acknowledgment also does nothing about element (iv): the two witnesses must still attest the deed with their own hands.
Sources for this answer
Section 1-57 defines notarial acts as acts Connecticut law authorizes its own notaries to perform and gives such an act performed outside Connecticut by a notary authorized in the place of performance the same effect as a Connecticut notary's act.
For the purposes of this chapter, “notarial acts” means acts which the laws and regulations of this state authorize notaries public of this state to perform, including the administering of oaths and affirmations, taking proof of execution and acknowledgments of instruments, and attesting documents. Notarial acts may be performed outside this state for use in this state with the same effect as if performed by a notary public of this state by the following persons authorized pursuant to the laws and regulations of other governments in addition to any other person authorized by the laws and regulations of this state: (1) A notary public authorized to perform notarial acts in the place in which the act is performed;
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-57 (2026).
Section 47-5a lists acknowledgment officers by the place where the acknowledgment is made and restricts each officer to the territorial limits in which the officer may perform official duties.
If the acknowledgment in a conveyance of real estate is made in this state, it may be made before a judge of a court of record of this state or of the United States, a clerk of the Superior Court, a justice of the peace, a commissioner of the Superior Court, a notary public, either with or without his official seal, a town clerk or an assistant town clerk; and, if in any other state or territory of the United States, before a commissioner residing in such other state or territory appointed by the Governor of Connecticut, or an officer authorized to take the acknowledgment of deeds in such state or territory; and, if in a foreign country, before any ambassador, minister, charge d'affaires, consul, vice-consul, deputy-consul, consul-general, vice-consul-general, deputy-consul-general, consular-agent, vice-consular-agent, commercial agent or vice-commercial agent of the United States, representing or acting as agent of the United States in such foreign country, or before any notary public or justice of the peace, or before any other public officer, in such foreign country, before whom oaths or acknowledgments may be given; but no officer shall have power to take such acknowledgment, except within the territorial limits in which he may perform the duties of his office.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-5a (2026).
Texas Government Code § 406.110(a) permits a Texas online notary to perform a compliant online notarization regardless of whether the principal is physically located in Texas.
(a) An online notary public may perform an online notarization authorized under Section 406.107 that meets the requirements of this subchapter and rules adopted under this subchapter regardless of whether the principal is physically located in this state at the time of the online notarization.
See Tex. Gov't Code § 406.110(a) (2026).
Texas Government Code § 406.1103(a) requires an online notary, when the principal signs with a tangible symbol rather than an electronic signature, to reasonably confirm that the document before the notary is the document the principal signed.
(a) In performing an online notarization in which the principal signs with a tangible symbol and not an electronic signature, an online notary public shall reasonably confirm that a document before the online notary public is the same document in which the principal made a statement or on which the principal executed a signature.
See Tex. Gov't Code § 406.1103(a) (2026) (Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., ch. 258 (S.B. 1780), § 6, eff. Jan. 1, 2024).
Texas Government Code § 406.1103(e) preserves other procedures for an online notarization of a tangible document, and the section was added by S.B. 1780 effective January 1, 2024.
(e) Subsection (b) does not preclude use of another procedure to satisfy Subsection (a) for an online notarization performed with respect to a tangible document. Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 258 (S.B. 1780), Sec. 6, eff. January 1, 2024.
See Tex. Gov't Code § 406.1103(e) (2026) (Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., ch. 258 (S.B. 1780), § 6, eff. Jan. 1, 2024).
The Secretary of the State's manual relies on §§ 1-57 and 1-60 to say that a Connecticut notary must be in Connecticut for a remote notarization and that another state's law governs when the notary is physically located there.
Answer: Yes, under section 1-57 of the General Statutes a notarial act performed outside of this state will be granted the same effect as a notarial act performed within the state only if notarized by “[a] notary public authorized to perform notarial acts in the place in which the act is performed.” Further, an out of state acknowledgement will only be recognized if “the certificate is in a form prescribed by the laws or regulations applicable in the place in which the acknowledgment is taken.” Section 1-60 of the General Statutes. If a Connecticut notary is physically located outside of the state, the laws of that state govern, not Connecticut.
See Conn. Sec'y of the State, Notary Public Manual (Rev. 2026-1), app. A.
Section 47-7(a) validates a conveyance of Connecticut real estate executed and acknowledged in another state or territory under that jurisdiction's conveyancing law or Connecticut law.
(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 1-36, any conveyance of real estate situated in this state, any mortgage or release of mortgage or lien upon any real estate situated in this state, and any power of attorney authorizing another to convey any interest in real estate situated in this state, executed and acknowledged in any other state or territory in conformity with the laws of that state or territory relating to the conveyance of real estate therein situated or of any interest therein or with the laws of this state, is valid.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-7(a) (2026).
Section 47-7(c) makes the out-of-state execution rule inapplicable to a conveyance executed by a remotely located individual in the conduct of a real estate closing.
(c) The provisions of this section shall not apply to any conveyance of real estate situated in this state, or any mortgage or release of mortgage or lien upon any real estate situated in this state, executed by a remotely located individual, as defined in section 3-95b, in the conduct of a real estate closing, as defined in section 51-88a.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-7(c) (2026) (added by Pub. Act 23-28, § 3).
Section 1-37(a) gives an out-of-state acknowledgment made in the manner and form of the place of execution, sealed and authenticated under § 1-36(2), the effect of a Connecticut acknowledgment, and § 1-37(b) withholds that rule from a remotely located individual in a real estate closing.
(a) Notwithstanding any provision in this chapter, the acknowledgment of any instrument without this state in compliance with the manner and form prescribed by the laws of the place of its execution, if in a state, a territory or insular possession of the United States, or in the District of Columbia, verified by the official seal of the officer before whom it is acknowledged, and authenticated in the manner provided by subsection (2) of section 1-36, shall have the same effect as an acknowledgment in the manner and form prescribed by the laws of this state for instruments executed within the state. (b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to any acknowledgment made by a remotely located individual, as defined in section 3-95b, in the conduct of a real estate closing, as defined in section 51-88a.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-37 (2026) (subsection (b) added by Pub. Act 23-28, § 4).
Section 1-31a permits a Connecticut-admitted attorney to take a Connecticut real-property acknowledgment outside the state, except an acknowledgment by a remotely located individual in the conduct of a real estate closing.
An acknowledgment of any instrument pertaining to real property located in this state or a power of attorney may be made outside the state before an attorney admitted to the bar in this state. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any acknowledgment made by a remotely located individual, as defined in section 3-95b, in the conduct of a real estate closing, as defined in section 51-88a.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-31a (2026) (as amended by Pub. Act 23-28, § 2).
Section 3-95b(i) bars a Connecticut notary's remote acknowledgment in listed acts, including a real estate closing as § 51-88a defines it, and makes such an acknowledgment ineffective for any purpose.
(i) No record shall be acknowledged remotely pursuant to subsection (b) of this section in (1) the making and execution of a will, codicil, trust or trust instrument, (2) the execution of health care instructions pursuant to section 19a-575a, (3) the execution of a designation of a standby guardian pursuant to section 45a-624, (4) the execution of a designation of a person for decision-making and certain rights and obligations pursuant to section 1-56r, (5) the execution of a living will, as defined in section 19a-570, (6) the execution of a power of attorney, as defined in section 1-350a, (7) the execution of a self-proving affidavit for an appointment of health care representative or for a living will under sections 1-56r and 19a-578, (8) the execution of a mutual distribution agreement under section 45a-433, (9) the execution of an agreement as to the division of an estate under section 45a-434, (10) the execution of a disclaimer under section 45a-479 or 45a-583, or (11) a real estate closing, as defined in section 51-88a. The performance of any such acknowledgment in connection with any of the acts described in this subsection shall be ineffective for any purpose and shall constitute a violation of section 51-88.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 3-95b(i) (2026).
Section 51-85a(g) bars a commissioner's remote acknowledgment in listed acts, including a real estate closing as § 51-88a defines it, and makes the performance of such an acknowledgment ineffective for any purpose and a violation of § 51-88.
(g) No record shall be acknowledged remotely pursuant to subsection (b) of this section in (1) the making and execution of a will, codicil, trust or trust instrument, (2) the execution of health care instructions pursuant to section 19a-575a, (3) the execution of a designation of a standby guardian pursuant to section 45a-624, (4) the execution of a designation of a person for decision-making and certain rights and obligations pursuant to section 1-56r, (5) the execution of a living will, as defined in section 19a-570, (6) the execution of a power of attorney, as defined in section 1-350a, (7) the execution of a self-proving affidavit for an appointment of a health care representative or for a living will under sections 1-56r and 19a-578, (8) the execution of a mutual distribution agreement under section 45a-433, (9) the execution of an agreement as to the division of an estate under section 45a-434, (10) the execution of a disclaimer under section 45a-579 or 45a-583, or (11) a real estate closing, as defined in section 51-88a. The performance of any such acknowledgment in connection with any of the acts described in this subsection shall be ineffective for any purpose and shall constitute a violation of section 51-88.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 51-85a(g) (Supp. 2026) (as amended by Pub. Act 25-91, § 23).
Section 1-59 requires the person taking an acknowledgment to certify that the signer appeared before that person and acknowledged executing the instrument.
The person taking an acknowledgment shall certify that: (1) The person acknowledging appeared before him and acknowledged he executed the instrument; and (2) the person acknowledging was known to the person taking the acknowledgment or that the person taking the acknowledgment had satisfactory evidence that the person acknowledging was the person described in and who executed the instrument.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-59 (2026).
Proof's Connecticut page states that Connecticut recognizes other states' notarial acts except for remote online notarization of documents related to transfers of real estate, citing § 1-57.
Connecticut recognizes notarial acts performed by notaries of other states except for RON execution of documents related to transfers of real estate. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-57.
See Proof, State Legislation: Connecticut (accessed Oct. 6, 2026).
Stewart Title's Connecticut underwriting counsel states that Connecticut does not recognize remotely notarized deeds even when executed in a remote-notarization state, citing § 47-7(c), and warns that execution defects may make title uninsurable.
Connecticut does not recognize remote notarization for the execution of deeds. Connecticut also does not recognize deeds which have been remotely notarized, even if that deed was executed in another state or jurisdiction that does allow remote notarization. See C.G.S. 47-7(c). This is important, and when reviewing the title, the execution and notarization must be examined carefully as defects and non-compliance may result in title to the land being uninsurable.
See David Veleber, Requirements for the Execution of Deeds for Connecticut Property, Stewart Title New England Mid-Week Update (Apr. 9, 2025).
Section 47-5(a)(4) requires two witnesses to attest every conveyance of land with their own hands, in addition to the acknowledgment.
(a) All conveyances of land shall be: (1) In writing; (2) if the grantor is (A) a natural person, subscribed, with or without a seal, by the grantor with his own hand or with his mark with his name annexed to it or by his agent authorized for that purpose by a power (i) executed, acknowledged and witnessed in the manner provided for conveyances, or (ii) executed, acknowledged and witnessed in the same manner provided for in section 1-350d, and subsection (a) of section 1-350r; or (B) a corporation, limited liability company or partnership, subscribed by a duly authorized person; (3) acknowledged by the grantor, his agent or such duly authorized person (A) to be his free act and deed, or (B) in any manner permitted under chapter 6 or chapter 8; and (4) attested to by two witnesses with their own hands.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-5(a) (2026).
Who may serve as one of the two witnesses to a Connecticut deed?
Neither the grantor nor the grantee may serve as one of element (iv)'s two attesting witnesses, because the Connecticut Appellate Court held in Hannaford v. Mann that a deed may not be witnessed by a grantor or a grantee.
In Hannaford, the grantee had signed as one of the two witnesses, and the court held the deed invalid as a matter of law. The court explained that subscribing witnesses serve to assure that a conveyance is genuine and not fraudulent. It adopted the Connecticut Bar Association's standards of title, which permit interested persons who are not parties to witness a deed. For conveyances to or by a corporation, § 47-6 expressly allows interested witnesses.
The notary who takes the element (iii) acknowledgment may also sign as one of the two witnesses. Section 3-94g disqualifies a notary who is a signatory of the document. The Secretary of the State's manual treats a person who only witnesses the signing as a nonsignatory who may also perform the notarial act, while urging impartiality and caution where the notary has a beneficial interest or family members are involved. Stewart Title's Connecticut underwriting counsel also states that the acknowledging party can act as a witness. No Connecticut appellate decision addressing a notary who signs as both officer and witness was found in our review; Hannaford addressed a party, not the notary.
Sources for this answer
Hannaford v. Mann holds that a grantor or grantee may not serve as one of the two attesting witnesses to a Connecticut deed.
We are persuaded that the standards of title correctly reflect the state of the law in Connecticut regarding the witnessing of deeds, and we agree that a deed may not be witnessed by a grantor or a grantee of the deed. Accordingly, the court’s decision granting summary judgment on count one in favor of the defendant as to the validity of the deed cannot stand.
See Hannaford v. Mann, 134 Conn. App. 265 (2012).
Hannaford v. Mann states that subscribing witnesses to a deed serve to assure that the conveyance is genuine and not fraudulent.
The use of subscribing witnesses to a deed serves the purpose of assuring that the conveyance is genuine and not fraudulent.
See Hannaford v. Mann, 134 Conn. App. 265 (2012).
Hannaford v. Mann relies on the Connecticut Bar Association standard of title permitting interested parties, but never the grantor or grantee, to witness a deed.
Also, the standards of title of the Connecticut Bar Association provide: “Interested parties can act as witnesses to a deed, although under no circumstances may the grantor or grantee witness the deed.”
See Hannaford v. Mann, 134 Conn. App. 265 (2012).
Section 47-6 permits conveyances to or by a corporation, or by the trustees of a voluntary association, to be attested by interested witnesses.
Conveyances of real estate made to or by any corporation, or the trustees of any voluntary association, may be attested by witnesses interested therein, and may be acknowledged before properly authorized persons who are so interested.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-6 (2026).
Section 3-94g disqualifies a notary who is a signatory of the document to be notarized.
A notary public is disqualified from performing a notarial act if the notary is a signatory of the document that is to be notarized.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 3-94g (2026).
Section 4.16 of the Secretary of the State's manual says a person who only witnesses a document is not a signatory and may also perform notarial acts on it, and urges impartiality and caution where the notary has a beneficial interest or family members are involved.
A notary is disqualified from performing a notarial act if the notary is a signatory of the document to be notarized. Persons who only witness the signing of a document are not considered to be signatories and, therefore, may also perform notarial acts in connection with documents they have witnessed. It is important for the notary to remember that all notarial acts must be performed with impartiality. The Office of the Secretary of the State strongly recommends that notaries exercise great caution when performing notarial acts in transactions where the notary has some beneficial interest, or which involve family members.
See Conn. Sec'y of the State, Notary Public Manual (Rev. 2026-1), § 4.16.
Stewart Title's Connecticut underwriting counsel states that a Connecticut deed requires two witnesses and that the acknowledging party can also act as a witness.
In addition to being executed in front of, and acknowledged by, an authorized party, the deed requires two witnesses. The acknowledging party can also act as a witness.
See David Veleber, Requirements for the Execution of Deeds for Connecticut Property, Stewart Title New England Mid-Week Update (Apr. 9, 2025).
Hannaford v. Mann identifies the defendant as the grantee who acted as one of the two attesting witnesses to the deed.
The controversy concerns compliance with the fourth requirement; specifically, whether the defendant as the grantee properly could act as one of the two attesting witnesses.
See Hannaford v. Mann, 134 Conn. App. 265, 271 (2012).
Hannaford v. Mann holds that the deed was not valid as a matter of law because the defendant acted as one of the two necessary witnesses.
In sum, because the defendant acted as one of the two witnesses necessary for the proper execution of the deed and the power of attorney he received from Goryn, neither document is valid as a matter of law, and the court improperly granted the defendant’s motion for summary judgment and denied the plaintiffs motion for summary judgment.
See Hannaford v. Mann, 134 Conn. App. 265, 278 (2012).
Can the two witnesses to a Connecticut deed attend by video or sign electronically?
No Connecticut statute or appellate decision found in our review authorizes deed witnesses to attest by watching the signing over video, although § 7-35cc(c) accepts an authorized witness's electronic signature attached to or logically associated with the document, together with all other required information.
Element (iv) requires the deed to be attested to by two witnesses with their own hands. The text does not say in terms that the witnesses must be physically present, but Hannaford grounded the requirement in assuring that a conveyance is genuine and not fraudulent.
The state has shown that it knows how to authorize remote witnessing when it means to. Executive Order 7Q allowed the witnessing of a will to be done remotely through communication technology under the supervision of a Connecticut attorney, but for deeds and every other document requiring a notarial act it suspended the witness requirement rather than letting witnesses attend remotely. That suspension ended after June 30, 2021, as the next question explains. The remote-acknowledgment statutes that followed provide for remote acknowledgment, not remote attestation: § 3-95b(b) and § 51-85a(b) let a notary or commissioner of the Superior Court take an acknowledgment from a signer who is not physically present, while § 47-5(a)(4) continues to require two witnesses who attest with their own hands.
Within the Uniform Real Property Electronic Recording Act, subsections (a) and (b) of § 7-35cc speak of requirements imposed as a condition for recording, while subsection (c) provides, without repeating that phrase, that a witnessing requirement is satisfied when the authorized person's electronic signature and all other required information are attached to or logically associated with the document or signature. The Uniform Electronic Transactions Act makes an electronic signature satisfy a law that requires a signature, but it applies only between parties that have agreed to transact electronically. These statutes address the form of a signature, not whether a witness who is not physically present can attest the grantor's signing. A Connecticut notary following the Secretary of the State's remote-notarization guidance signs on paper in wet ink, so an electronic Connecticut notarization is not available through that route. Electronically notarized recordable documents must also conform to the Secretary of the State's standards and the notary statutes.
An electronic acknowledgment or witness block that carries only an electronic signature, without the other information the statutes require, does not satisfy § 1-276 or § 7-35cc(c), because each accepts an electronic signature only together with all other required information.
Sources for this answer
Section 47-5(a)(4) requires every conveyance of land to be attested to by two witnesses with their own hands.
(a) All conveyances of land shall be: (1) In writing; (2) if the grantor is (A) a natural person, subscribed, with or without a seal, by the grantor with his own hand or with his mark with his name annexed to it or by his agent authorized for that purpose by a power (i) executed, acknowledged and witnessed in the manner provided for conveyances, or (ii) executed, acknowledged and witnessed in the same manner provided for in section 1-350d, and subsection (a) of section 1-350r; or (B) a corporation, limited liability company or partnership, subscribed by a duly authorized person; (3) acknowledged by the grantor, his agent or such duly authorized person (A) to be his free act and deed, or (B) in any manner permitted under chapter 6 or chapter 8; and (4) attested to by two witnesses with their own hands.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-5(a) (2026).
Hannaford v. Mann states that subscribing witnesses to a deed serve to assure that the conveyance is genuine and not fraudulent.
The use of subscribing witnesses to a deed serves the purpose of assuring that the conveyance is genuine and not fraudulent.
See Hannaford v. Mann, 134 Conn. App. 265 (2012).
The state's COVID-19 notary page reports that Executive Order 7Q allowed remote witnessing only for wills under attorney supervision and suspended all other witness requirements on documents requiring a notarial act.
Any witnessing requirement for a Last Will and Testament may be done remotely through the use of Communication Technology if it is completed under the supervision of a Commissioner. The supervising Commissioner shall certify that he or she supervised the remote witnessing of the Last Will and Testament. • All witness requirements on any document, other than a Last Will and Testament, requiring a notarial act are hereby suspended for the duration of this Executive Order.
See State of Connecticut, COVID-19 Knowledge Base, Notary Services (Exec. Order No. 7Q, § 3 (Mar. 30, 2020)).
Executive Order 12B extended listed executive orders, including Executive Order 7Q, Section 3, through June 30, 2021.
The following Executive Orders are extended through June 30, 2021: 7B, Sections 1, 5, 6 7T, Section 6 7XX, Sections 3, 4 10A, Section 3** 7I, Sections 2, 3, 19 7V, Sections 3-5 7YY, Sections 2, 7, 8 10A, Section 5** 7J, Section 3 7CC, Sections 4-8 7CCC, Section 3 10E, Section 2 7L, Section 4 7DD, Sections 4, 5 7III, Section 3 11B, Section 1 7N, Section 6 7HH, Section 2 9H, Section 1 11B, Section 2 a. 7O, Section 4 7JJ, Sections 2, 3 9K, Section 8 7Q, Section 3
See Conn. Exec. Order No. 12B, § 3 (May 20, 2021).
Section 3-95b(b) permits notarization for an individual not physically present with the notary, except as subsection (i) provides, if they communicate in real time by sight and sound and the notary identifies the individual by one of four listed methods.
(b) Except as provided in subsection (i) of this section, a document may be notarized for an individual who is not in the physical presence of the notary public at the time of the notarization if the following requirements are met: (1) The individual and the notary can communicate simultaneously, in real time, by sight and sound using communication technology; and (2) When performing a remote notarization pursuant to the provisions of this section, the notary reasonably identifies the individual at the time of notarization by one or more of the following methods: (A) Personal knowledge of the identity of the individual; (B) The individual presents a government-issued identification document or record that has not expired and includes the individual's photograph, name and signature. An acceptable form of government-issued identification document or record includes, but is not limited to, a driver's license, government-issued identification card or passport; (C) Not less than two different types of identity proofing processes or services by which a third person provides a means to verify the identity of the individual through a review of public or private data sources; or (D) Oath or affirmation by a credible witness who: (i) Is in the physical presence of either the notary or the individual; or (ii) Is able to communicate in real time with the notary and the individual by sight and sound through an electronic device or process at the time of the notarization, if the credible witness has personal knowledge of the identity of the individual and has been reasonably identified by the notary by a method provided in this section.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 3-95b(b) (2026) (Pub. Act 23-28, § 1).
Section 51-85a(b) permits a commissioner of the Superior Court to take an acknowledgment from an individual not physically present, except as subsection (g) provides, if they communicate in real time by sight and sound and the commissioner reasonably identifies the individual by personal knowledge, qualifying government identification, two identity-proofing processes or a qualifying credible witness.
(b) Except as provided in subsection (g) of this section, a record may be acknowledged by an individual who is not in the physical presence of a commissioner of the Superior Court at the time of the acknowledgment if the following requirements are met: (1) The individual and the commissioner of the Superior Court can communicate simultaneously, in real time, by sight and sound using communication technology; and (2) When performing a remote acknowledgment pursuant to the provisions of this section, the commissioner of the Superior Court reasonably identifies the individual at the time of the acknowledgment by one or more of the following methods: (A) Personal knowledge of the identity of the individual; (B) The individual presents a government-issued identification document or record that has not expired and includes the individual's photograph, name and signature. An acceptable form of government-issued identification document or record includes, but is not limited to, a driver's license, government-issued identification card or passport; (C) Not less than two different types of identity proofing processes or services by which a third person provides a means to verify the identity of the individual through a review of public or private data sources; or (D) Oath or affirmation by a credible witness who: (i) Is in the physical presence of either the commissioner of the Superior Court or the individual; or (ii) Is able to communicate in real time with the commissioner of the Superior Court and the individual by sight and sound through an electronic device or process at the time of the acknowledgment, if the credible witness has personal knowledge of the identity of the individual and has been reasonably identified by the commissioner of the Superior Court by a method provided in this section.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 51-85a(b) (Supp. 2026) (Pub. Act 24-108, § 26, as amended by Pub. Act 25-91, § 23).
Section 7-35cc(a)–(b) addresses requirements imposed as a condition for recording, and § 7-35cc(c) provides that a notarization, acknowledgment or witnessing requirement is satisfied when the authorized person's electronic signature and all other required information are attached to or logically associated with the document or signature.
(a) If a law requires, as a condition for recording, that a document be an original, be on paper or another tangible medium, or be in writing, the requirement is satisfied by an electronic document satisfying sections 7-35aa to 7-35gg, inclusive. (b) If a law requires, as a condition for recording, that a document be signed, the requirement is satisfied by an electronic signature. (c) A requirement that a document or a signature associated with a document be notarized, acknowledged, verified, witnessed or made under oath is satisfied if the electronic signature of the person authorized to perform that act, and all other information required to be included, is attached to or logically associated with the document or signature. A physical or electronic image of a stamp, impression or seal need not accompany an electronic signature.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 7-35cc (2026).
Section 1-272 provides that an electronic record or signature may not be denied effect solely because it is electronic and that an electronic signature satisfies a law requiring a signature.
(a) A record or signature may not be denied legal effect or enforceability solely because the record or signature is in electronic form. (b) A contract may not be denied legal effect or enforceability solely because an electronic record was used in the formation of the contract. (c) If a law requires a record to be in writing, an electronic record satisfies the law. (d) If a law requires a signature, an electronic signature satisfies the law.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-272 (2026).
Section 1-270(b) applies the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act only to transactions between parties that have each agreed to conduct transactions electronically.
(b) Sections 1-266 to 1-286, inclusive, apply only to transactions between parties each of which has agreed to conduct transactions by electronic means. Whether the parties agree to conduct a transaction by electronic means is determined from the context of the transaction and surrounding circumstances, including the parties' conduct.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-270(b) (2026).
Section 1-276 provides that a notarization or acknowledgment requirement is satisfied by the authorized officer's electronic signature, with the other required information, attached to or logically associated with the record.
If a law requires a signature or record to be notarized, acknowledged, verified or made under oath, the requirement is satisfied if the electronic signature of the person authorized to perform such acts, together with all other information required to be included by other applicable law, is attached to or logically associated with the signature or record.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-276 (2026).
The Secretary of the State's manual says the office does not currently accept a document executed electronically and that remote notarizations should be done on paper with a wet-ink notarial signature.
Answer: Our office does not currently accept a document that is executed (signed) electronically. All remote notarizations should be done on paper and that the notary sign and certify the document by hand (wet-ink signature).
See Conn. Sec'y of the State, Notary Public Manual (Rev. 2026-1), app. A.
Section 7-35ee-6 requires electronically signed or notarized recordable documents to conform to the Secretary of the State's standards and Connecticut statutes, requires a participating clerk to accept them only to the extent the clerk has the technology to support them, and relieves the clerk of authenticating them.
(a) Documents containing electronic signatures or electronic notarizations shall conform to all applicable standards established by the Secretary of the State and to all applicable sections of the Connecticut General Statutes, including, but not limited to, chapter 15 of the Connecticut General Statutes and sections 3-94a to 3-95, inclusive, of the Connecticut General Statutes. (b) A participating town clerk shall only be required to accept electronic documents containing electronic signatures or electronic notarizations that the clerk has the technology to support. (c) A participating town clerk shall not be responsible for authenticating electronic signatures or electronic notarizations.
See Conn. Agencies Regs. § 7-35ee-6 (eff. Apr. 1, 2013).
Does the COVID-era waiver of deed witnesses still apply in Connecticut?
The pandemic order that suspended witness requirements on notarized documents was extended only through June 30, 2021, so a Connecticut deed signed after that date again needs element (iv)'s two attesting witnesses.
Executive Order 7Q, issued March 30, 2020, allowed remote notarization by Connecticut notaries and commissioners for signers who represented they were physically in Connecticut, suspended all witness requirements on documents requiring a notarial act other than wills, and directed town clerks to record remotely notarized real-property documents bearing a one-page certification. For wills alone, the same order let the witnessing be done remotely under attorney supervision, so the order suspended deed witnesses rather than authorizing them to attend by video. Executive Order 12B extended Executive Order 7Q, Section 3, through June 30, 2021.
The 2023 remote-notarization statute did not revive the waiver. Section 3-95b(i) excludes a real estate closing from remote acknowledgment altogether, and § 47-5(a)(4) still requires two witnesses who attest with their own hands.
Sources for this answer
Executive Order 12B extended listed executive orders, including Executive Order 7Q, Section 3, through June 30, 2021.
The following Executive Orders are extended through June 30, 2021: 7B, Sections 1, 5, 6 7T, Section 6 7XX, Sections 3, 4 10A, Section 3** 7I, Sections 2, 3, 19 7V, Sections 3-5 7YY, Sections 2, 7, 8 10A, Section 5** 7J, Section 3 7CC, Sections 4-8 7CCC, Section 3 10E, Section 2 7L, Section 4 7DD, Sections 4, 5 7III, Section 3 11B, Section 1 7N, Section 6 7HH, Section 2 9H, Section 1 11B, Section 2 a. 7O, Section 4 7JJ, Sections 2, 3 9K, Section 8 7Q, Section 3
See Conn. Exec. Order No. 12B, § 3 (May 20, 2021).
Section 47-5(a)(4) requires every conveyance of land to be attested to by two witnesses with their own hands.
(a) All conveyances of land shall be: (1) In writing; (2) if the grantor is (A) a natural person, subscribed, with or without a seal, by the grantor with his own hand or with his mark with his name annexed to it or by his agent authorized for that purpose by a power (i) executed, acknowledged and witnessed in the manner provided for conveyances, or (ii) executed, acknowledged and witnessed in the same manner provided for in section 1-350d, and subsection (a) of section 1-350r; or (B) a corporation, limited liability company or partnership, subscribed by a duly authorized person; (3) acknowledged by the grantor, his agent or such duly authorized person (A) to be his free act and deed, or (B) in any manner permitted under chapter 6 or chapter 8; and (4) attested to by two witnesses with their own hands.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-5(a) (2026).
The state's COVID-19 notary page reports that Executive Order 7Q, dated March 30, authorized Connecticut notaries and commissioners of the Superior Court to notarize remotely by simultaneous sight-and-sound communication.
Executive Order No. 7Q, dated March 30, authorized remote notarization of documents under the following conditions: • A Notary or a Commissioner of the Superior Court (a Connecticut-licensed attorney) may use an electronic device or remote Communication Technology to notarize the document if the notary or commissioner and the person seeking the notarization can communicate with each other simultaneously by sight and sound
See State of Connecticut, COVID-19 Knowledge Base, Notary Services (Exec. Order No. 7Q, § 3 (Mar. 30, 2020)).
The state's COVID-19 notary page reports that Executive Order 7Q required the remote signer to represent physical presence in Connecticut.
The Signatory must affirmatively represent via the Communication Technology that he or she is physically situated in the State of Connecticut; • The Signatory must transmit by fax or electronic means a legible copy of the signed document directly to the Notary Public or Commissioner on the same date it was executed; • The Notary Public or Commissioner may notarize the transmitted copy of the document and transmit the same back to the Signatory by fax or electronic means; • The Notary Public or Commissioner may repeat the notarization of the original signed document as of the date of execution provided the Notary Public or Commissioner receives such original signed document, together with the electronically notarized copy, within thirty days after the date of execution;
See State of Connecticut, COVID-19 Knowledge Base, Notary Services (Exec. Order No. 7Q, § 3 (Mar. 30, 2020)).
The state's COVID-19 notary page reports that Executive Order 7Q suspended non-will witness requirements on documents requiring a notarial act and directed town clerks to record remotely notarized real-property documents with a one-page certification.
All witness requirements on any document, other than a Last Will and Testament, requiring a notarial act are hereby suspended for the duration of this Executive Order. • All Remotely Notarized documents pertaining to real property shall be accepted for recording on the land records by all Connecticut Town or City Clerks. A one-page certification confirming the use of Remote Notarization procedures shall be attached to each remotely notarized document submitted for recording on the land records in Connecticut.
See State of Connecticut, COVID-19 Knowledge Base, Notary Services (Exec. Order No. 7Q, § 3 (Mar. 30, 2020)).
The state's COVID-19 notary page reports that Executive Order 7Q allowed remote witnessing only for wills under attorney supervision and suspended all other witness requirements on documents requiring a notarial act.
Any witnessing requirement for a Last Will and Testament may be done remotely through the use of Communication Technology if it is completed under the supervision of a Commissioner. The supervising Commissioner shall certify that he or she supervised the remote witnessing of the Last Will and Testament. • All witness requirements on any document, other than a Last Will and Testament, requiring a notarial act are hereby suspended for the duration of this Executive Order.
See State of Connecticut, COVID-19 Knowledge Base, Notary Services (Exec. Order No. 7Q, § 3 (Mar. 30, 2020)).
Section 3-95b(i) bars remote acknowledgment in a real estate closing as § 51-88a defines it and makes such an acknowledgment ineffective for any purpose.
(i) No record shall be acknowledged remotely pursuant to subsection (b) of this section in (1) the making and execution of a will, codicil, trust or trust instrument, (2) the execution of health care instructions pursuant to section 19a-575a, (3) the execution of a designation of a standby guardian pursuant to section 45a-624, (4) the execution of a designation of a person for decision-making and certain rights and obligations pursuant to section 1-56r, (5) the execution of a living will, as defined in section 19a-570, (6) the execution of a power of attorney, as defined in section 1-350a, (7) the execution of a self-proving affidavit for an appointment of health care representative or for a living will under sections 1-56r and 19a-578, (8) the execution of a mutual distribution agreement under section 45a-433, (9) the execution of an agreement as to the division of an estate under section 45a-434, (10) the execution of a disclaimer under section 45a-479 or 45a-583, or (11) a real estate closing, as defined in section 51-88a. The performance of any such acknowledgment in connection with any of the acts described in this subsection shall be ineffective for any purpose and shall constitute a violation of section 51-88.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 3-95b(i) (2026).
Will a Connecticut town clerk record a remotely notarized or electronically signed deed?
Connecticut law permits but does not require a town clerk to accept electronic documents for recording, and no statute or statewide directive found in our review requires clerks to accept a deed acknowledged by remote online notarization.
A clerk who accepts electronic documents must keep accepting paper documents and index both in the same index. The State Library describes electronic recording as electronic document delivery and identifies the usual delivery agents as e-recording vendors such as Simplifile and Corporation Service Company. Electronic delivery of a scanned paper deed is therefore a separate question from whether the deed's signatures, witnesses and acknowledgment were valid when made.
For electronically signed or notarized documents, a participating clerk is required to accept them only to the extent the clerk has the technology to support them and is not responsible for authenticating the electronic signature or notarization. The only statewide acceptance mandate found in our review was Executive Order 7Q's direction that town clerks record remotely notarized real-property documents, which ran with the order through June 30, 2021. No guidance from the Connecticut Town Clerks Association was found in our review.
Town clerk websites reviewed on October 6, 2026 (Stamford, Greenwich, Hartford, New Haven, Norwalk, Bridgeport, Fairfield, West Hartford, New Britain, Branford and Bethel) publish no guidance on accepting remotely notarized or electronically signed deeds. Several publish e-recording notices instead. Greenwich accepts e-recordings for select land-record documents through three service providers, and West Hartford accepts them for all land filings through four delivery agents. Branford accepts e-recorded land records but not transactions that require an OP-236 state conveyance tax form. These notices concern how a document is delivered, not whether its execution was valid. Recording alone does not establish that a deed was properly executed: a recorded deed with a defective or missing acknowledgment or a missing witness is validated under § 47-36aa(a) unless an action challenging it is commenced and a lis pendens is recorded within two years after recording.
An acknowledgment or witness signature omitted from a recorded deed leaves the execution defect open to a timely validity challenge and recorded lis pendens under § 47-36aa(a), despite the clerk's acceptance of the deed.
Sources for this answer
Section 7-35dd(b) permits a town clerk to receive electronic documents and requires a clerk who accepts them to keep accepting paper documents in the same index.
(b) A town clerk: (1) Who implements any of the functions listed in this section shall do so in compliance with regulations adopted by the State Librarian pursuant to section 7-35ee. (2) May receive, index, store, archive and transmit electronic documents. (3) May provide for access to, and for search and retrieval of, documents and information by electronic means. (4) Who accepts electronic documents for recording shall continue to accept paper documents as authorized by state law and shall place entries for both types of documents in the same index.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 7-35dd(b)(2)–(4) (2026).
The State Library's town-clerk FAQ states that each clerk chooses whether to implement electronic recording.
No; the legislation allows each clerk to choose whether to implement eRecording in their town.
See Conn. State Library, FAQ for Town Clerks: The Regulation concerning Real Property Electronic Recording, Q3 (Apr. 1, 2013).
The State Library's town-clerk FAQ defines electronic recording as the delivery and return of an electronic document through an electronic document delivery system for recording on the land records.
It is defined as the delivery and return of an electronic document, using an electronic document delivery system, for the purpose of recording that document on the land records.
See Conn. State Library, FAQ for Town Clerks: The Regulation concerning Real Property Electronic Recording, Q1 (Apr. 1, 2013).
The State Library's town-clerk FAQ says a delivery agent is typically an e-recording vendor such as Simplifile, Corporation Service Company or eRecording Partners Network.
A “delivery agent” is typically an eRecording vendor, such as Simplifile, Corporation Service Company (CSC) or eRecording Partners Network (ePN).
See Conn. State Library, FAQ for Town Clerks: The Regulation concerning Real Property Electronic Recording, Q8 (Apr. 1, 2013).
Section 7-35ee-6 requires a participating clerk to accept electronically signed or notarized documents only to the extent the clerk has the technology to support them and relieves the clerk of authenticating them.
(b) A participating town clerk shall only be required to accept electronic documents containing electronic signatures or electronic notarizations that the clerk has the technology to support. (c) A participating town clerk shall not be responsible for authenticating electronic signatures or electronic notarizations.
See Conn. Agencies Regs. § 7-35ee-6(b)–(c) (eff. Apr. 1, 2013).
The state's COVID-19 notary page reports that Executive Order 7Q directed all town clerks to record remotely notarized real-property documents bearing a one-page certification.
All Remotely Notarized documents pertaining to real property shall be accepted for recording on the land records by all Connecticut Town or City Clerks. A one-page certification confirming the use of Remote Notarization procedures shall be attached to each remotely notarized document submitted for recording on the land records in Connecticut.
See State of Connecticut, COVID-19 Knowledge Base, Notary Services (Exec. Order No. 7Q, § 3 (Mar. 30, 2020)).
Executive Order 12B extended listed executive orders, including Executive Order 7Q, Section 3, through June 30, 2021.
The following Executive Orders are extended through June 30, 2021: 7B, Sections 1, 5, 6 7T, Section 6 7XX, Sections 3, 4 10A, Section 3** 7I, Sections 2, 3, 19 7V, Sections 3-5 7YY, Sections 2, 7, 8 10A, Section 5** 7J, Section 3 7CC, Sections 4-8 7CCC, Section 3 10E, Section 2 7L, Section 4 7DD, Sections 4, 5 7III, Section 3 11B, Section 1 7N, Section 6 7HH, Section 2 9H, Section 1 11B, Section 2 a. 7O, Section 4 7JJ, Sections 2, 3 9K, Section 8 7Q, Section 3
See Conn. Exec. Order No. 12B, § 3 (May 20, 2021).
The Greenwich Town Clerk states that it accepts e-recordings for select land-record documents through three service providers.
The Town Clerk's Office now accepts e-Recordings for select Land Record documents via 3 service providers, CSC, ePN and Simplifile.
See Town of Greenwich, Town Clerk (accessed Oct. 6, 2026).
The West Hartford Town Clerk states that it accepts e-recordings for all land filings through four delivery agents.
E-Recordings are accepted for all land filings using the following four (4) delivery agents: CSC, ePN, Indecomm, and Simplifile.
See Town of West Hartford, Town Clerk, Land Records (accessed Oct. 6, 2026).
The Branford Town Clerk states that it accepts e-recorded land records but cannot accept by e-recording transactions that require an OP-236 state conveyance tax form.
Branford Town Clerk's office accepts land record documents to be submitted electronically (eRecording) - 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year! eRecording increases service to all interested parties, improves information flow, and eliminates the packaging and delivery costs associated with recording paper documents. The ability to eRecord reduces delays, saves time, and reduces costs by eliminating the need for an express courier, or a trip to the Town Clerk's office to submit documents. We work in partnership with Cott Systems, our land records software solutions provider and the following eRecording vendors: Simplifile, CSC, INDECOMM, EPN (At this time, transactions requiring an OP-236 State Conveyance Tax Form cannot be accepted via eRecording.)
See Town of Branford, Land Records (accessed Oct. 6, 2026).
Section 47-36aa(a) validates a recorded instrument that has a defective or missing acknowledgment or fewer than two witnesses unless, within two years after recording, an action challenging it is commenced and a lis pendens is recorded.
(a) Conveyancing defects. Any recorded deed, mortgage, lease, power of attorney, release, assignment or other instrument made for the purpose of conveying, leasing, mortgaging or affecting any interest in real property in this state, which instrument contains any one or more of the following defects or omissions is as valid as if it had been executed without the defect or omission unless an action challenging the validity of that instrument is commenced and a notice of lis pendens is recorded in the land records of the town or towns where the instrument is recorded within two years after the instrument is recorded: (1) The instrument contains a defective acknowledgment or no acknowledgment; (2) The instrument is attested by one witness only or by no witnesses;
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-36aa(a)(1)–(2) (Supp. 2026) (as amended by Pub. Act 25-136, § 1).
Does a Connecticut statute cure a deed with a defective acknowledgment or missing witness?
Section 47-36aa(a) treats any recorded deed with a defective or missing acknowledgment, or with one witness or none, as valid, unless within two years after recording an action challenging it is commenced and a lis pendens is recorded.
The cure covers defects in elements (iii) and (iv) and runs from recording. The exception requires both an action challenging the deed's validity and a lis pendens recorded in the land records within two years after recording. In Hannaford, the validating act did not save a deed witnessed by its grantee because the challenger had commenced the action and filed a lis pendens within that period.
The subsection no longer depends on the recording date. Public Act 25-136, effective July 1, 2025, deleted the words limiting it to instruments recorded after January 1, 1997.
Subsection (b) cures, rather than imposes, a list of insubstantial omissions, with no challenge window. A recorded deed that misstates or omits its execution date, contains no statement of consideration, or omits the grantee's mailing address is as valid as if it had been executed without that defect. A statement of consideration is therefore not a condition of validity: it is not among elements (i) through (iv), and subsection (b) validates a recorded deed that lacks one. The grantee's mailing address is different, because § 47-5(b) requires it, but subsection (b) still validates a recorded deed that omits it. Acknowledgment and witness defects are not on subsection (b)'s list and fall under the two-year rule in subsection (a).
Whether § 47-36aa(a) reaches a remote acknowledgment that § 3-95b(i) or § 51-85a(g) declares ineffective for any purpose is not addressed by any of those statutes or by any Connecticut decision found in our review. Treating such an acknowledgment as no acknowledgment at all within § 47-36aa(a)(1) is a plausible reading, but it is our inference, and the cure would still be defeated by an action and a recorded lis pendens within two years after recording.
Sources for this answer
Section 47-36aa(a) validates a recorded instrument that has a defective or missing acknowledgment or fewer than two witnesses unless, within two years after recording, an action challenging it is commenced and a lis pendens is recorded.
(a) Conveyancing defects. Any recorded deed, mortgage, lease, power of attorney, release, assignment or other instrument made for the purpose of conveying, leasing, mortgaging or affecting any interest in real property in this state, which instrument contains any one or more of the following defects or omissions is as valid as if it had been executed without the defect or omission unless an action challenging the validity of that instrument is commenced and a notice of lis pendens is recorded in the land records of the town or towns where the instrument is recorded within two years after the instrument is recorded: (1) The instrument contains a defective acknowledgment or no acknowledgment; (2) The instrument is attested by one witness only or by no witnesses;
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-36aa(a)(1)–(2) (Supp. 2026) (as amended by Pub. Act 25-136, § 1).
Hannaford v. Mann holds that § 47-36aa(a) did not validate the deed because the challenger commenced the action and filed a lis pendens within the statutory period.
Here, all parties agree that the plaintiff commenced this action and filed a notice of lis pendens within the specified time period, so the validating act is inapplicable.
See Hannaford v. Mann, 134 Conn. App. 265, 276 n.8 (2012).
Public Act 25-136, § 1, effective July 1, 2025, extended § 47-36aa(a) to any recorded instrument by deleting the words recorded after January 1, 1997.
Section 1. Section 47-36aa of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2025): (a) Conveyancing defects. Any recorded deed, mortgage, lease, power of attorney, release, assignment or other instrument made for the purpose of conveying, leasing, mortgaging or affecting any interest in real property in this state, [recorded after January 1, 1997,] which instrument contains any one or more of the following defects or omissions is as valid as if it had been executed without the defect or omission unless an action challenging the validity of that instrument is commenced and a notice of lis pendens is recorded in the land records of the town or towns where the instrument is recorded within two years after the instrument is recorded:
See Pub. Act 25-136, § 1 (Conn. 2025).
Section 47-36aa(b) makes a recorded instrument as valid as if executed without listed insubstantial defects, including an incorrect or omitted execution date, a missing statement of consideration and a missing grantee mailing address.
(b) Insubstantial defects. Any recorded deed, mortgage, lease, power of attorney, release, assignment or other instrument made for the purpose of conveying, leasing, mortgaging or affecting any interest in real property in this state, which instrument contains any one or more of the following defects or omissions is as valid as if it had been executed without the defect or omission: (1) The instrument contains an incorrect statement of the date of execution or omits the date of execution; (2) The instrument contains an execution date or other date that is later than the date of recording; (3) The instrument transfers an interest in land by reference to a filed map or subdivision plan and the map or plan does not comply as to preparation, form, certification, approval or filing with any requirement of any special or general law, municipal ordinance or regulation; (4) The instrument conveys an interest in a lot or parcel of land in a subdivision that was not submitted for approval or that was submitted for approval but was not approved; (5) The record does not disclose the date of recording; (6) The instrument does not disclose any statutorily required signature of the town clerk; (7) The instrument does not contain a statement of consideration; (8) The instrument fails to state the town and state in which the real property described in the instrument is located; (9) The instrument fails to state the current mailing address of the grantee;
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-36aa(b) (Supp. 2026) (as amended by Pub. Act 25-136, § 1).
Section 47-5(a) requires every conveyance of land to be in writing, signed by the grantor or an authorized signer, acknowledged either as the grantor's free act and deed or in a manner chapter 6 or chapter 8 permits, and attested to by two witnesses with their own hands.
(a) All conveyances of land shall be: (1) In writing; (2) if the grantor is (A) a natural person, subscribed, with or without a seal, by the grantor with his own hand or with his mark with his name annexed to it or by his agent authorized for that purpose by a power (i) executed, acknowledged and witnessed in the manner provided for conveyances, or (ii) executed, acknowledged and witnessed in the same manner provided for in section 1-350d, and subsection (a) of section 1-350r; or (B) a corporation, limited liability company or partnership, subscribed by a duly authorized person; (3) acknowledged by the grantor, his agent or such duly authorized person (A) to be his free act and deed, or (B) in any manner permitted under chapter 6 or chapter 8; and (4) attested to by two witnesses with their own hands.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-5(a) (2026).
Section 47-5(b) requires a document conveying land to include the grantee's current mailing address.
(b) A document conveying land shall also include the current mailing address of the grantee.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-5(b) (2026).
Section 3-95b(i) makes a remote acknowledgment in the listed acts, including a real estate closing as § 51-88a defines it, ineffective for any purpose.
(i) No record shall be acknowledged remotely pursuant to subsection (b) of this section in (1) the making and execution of a will, codicil, trust or trust instrument, (2) the execution of health care instructions pursuant to section 19a-575a, (3) the execution of a designation of a standby guardian pursuant to section 45a-624, (4) the execution of a designation of a person for decision-making and certain rights and obligations pursuant to section 1-56r, (5) the execution of a living will, as defined in section 19a-570, (6) the execution of a power of attorney, as defined in section 1-350a, (7) the execution of a self-proving affidavit for an appointment of health care representative or for a living will under sections 1-56r and 19a-578, (8) the execution of a mutual distribution agreement under section 45a-433, (9) the execution of an agreement as to the division of an estate under section 45a-434, (10) the execution of a disclaimer under section 45a-479 or 45a-583, or (11) a real estate closing, as defined in section 51-88a. The performance of any such acknowledgment in connection with any of the acts described in this subsection shall be ineffective for any purpose and shall constitute a violation of section 51-88.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 3-95b(i) (2026).
Section 51-85a(g) bars a commissioner's remote acknowledgment in listed acts, including a real estate closing as § 51-88a defines it, and makes the performance of such an acknowledgment ineffective for any purpose and a violation of § 51-88.
(g) No record shall be acknowledged remotely pursuant to subsection (b) of this section in (1) the making and execution of a will, codicil, trust or trust instrument, (2) the execution of health care instructions pursuant to section 19a-575a, (3) the execution of a designation of a standby guardian pursuant to section 45a-624, (4) the execution of a designation of a person for decision-making and certain rights and obligations pursuant to section 1-56r, (5) the execution of a living will, as defined in section 19a-570, (6) the execution of a power of attorney, as defined in section 1-350a, (7) the execution of a self-proving affidavit for an appointment of a health care representative or for a living will under sections 1-56r and 19a-578, (8) the execution of a mutual distribution agreement under section 45a-433, (9) the execution of an agreement as to the division of an estate under section 45a-434, (10) the execution of a disclaimer under section 45a-579 or 45a-583, or (11) a real estate closing, as defined in section 51-88a. The performance of any such acknowledgment in connection with any of the acts described in this subsection shall be ineffective for any purpose and shall constitute a violation of section 51-88.
See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 51-85a(g) (Supp. 2026) (as amended by Pub. Act 25-91, § 23).
Hannaford v. Mann identifies the defendant as the grantee who acted as one of the two attesting witnesses to the deed.
The controversy concerns compliance with the fourth requirement; specifically, whether the defendant as the grantee properly could act as one of the two attesting witnesses.
See Hannaford v. Mann, 134 Conn. App. 265, 271 (2012).
Statutory and agency sources retrieved October 6, 2026, including the 2026 Supplement to the General Statutes for sections amended in 2025. Source-card dates identify retrieval of official text, or the publication date of dated guidance, not enactment dates.
Site-authored text: CC BY 4.0. Statutory quotations are government legal text.