{ "type": "practice-guide", "canonical": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut", "links": [ { "rel": "self", "href": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut.json", "type": "application/json" }, { "rel": "alternate", "href": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut", "type": "text/html" }, { "rel": "alternate", "href": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut/markdown", "type": "text/markdown" }, { "rel": "alternate", "href": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut/json", "type": "application/json" }, { "rel": "license", "href": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/", "type": "text/html", "external": true, "title": "CC BY 4.0" } ], "data": { "topic": "deed-execution", "state": "connecticut", "frontmatter": { "title": "Notary and Deed-Execution Requirements Under Connecticut Law", "description": "Who may take a Connecticut deed acknowledgment, when notaries and attorneys may act remotely, who may witness, how town clerks record, and which defects the validating act cures.", "state": "Connecticut", "country_code": "US", "lastReviewed": "2026-10-06", "license": "CC BY 4.0", "authors": [ "steven-obiajulu" ], "about": [ "deed execution", "acknowledgments", "attesting witnesses", "remote notarization", "remote online notarization", "electronic recording", "validating acts" ] }, "questions": [ { "slug": "execution-requirements", "label": "What does Connecticut require for a deed to be validly executed?", "heading": "What does Connecticut require for a deed of Connecticut land to be validly executed?", "answerText": "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.", "sources": [ { "id": "cgs-47-5-four-formalities", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-5(a) — Requirements re conveyances of land", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-5(a) (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_821.htm#sec_47-5", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-47-5-four-formalities" }, { "id": "cgs-47-5-grantee-address", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-5(b) — Grantee mailing address", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-5(b) (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_821.htm#sec_47-5", "proposition": "Section 47-5(b) requires a document conveying land to include the grantee's current mailing address.", "verbatimQuote": "(b) A document conveying land shall also include the current mailing address of the grantee.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-47-5-grantee-address" }, { "id": "cgs-47-6-corporate-interested-witnesses", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-6 — Witnessing and acknowledgment of deeds of corporations and voluntary associations", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-6 (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_821.htm#sec_47-6", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-47-6-corporate-interested-witnesses" }, { "id": "cgs-47-10-recording-effect", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-10(a) — Conveyance to be recorded", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-10(a) (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_821.htm#sec_47-10", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-47-10-recording-effect" }, { "id": "cgs-47-5a-execution-officers", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-5a — Persons before whom acknowledgment may be made", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-5a (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_821.htm#sec_47-5a", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-47-5a-execution-officers" }, { "id": "hannaford-execution-party-witness", "authorityType": "case-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Hannaford v. Mann", "citation": "Hannaford v. Mann, 134 Conn. App. 265 (2012).", "url": "https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/7914561/hannaford-v-mann/", "deepLink": "https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/7914561/hannaford-v-mann/#:~:text=We%20are%20persuaded%20that%20the,of%20the%20deed%20cannot%20stand.", "proposition": "Hannaford v. Mann holds that a grantor or grantee may not serve as one of the two attesting witnesses to a Connecticut deed.", "verbatimQuote": "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.", "date": "2012-03-20", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-hannaford-execution-party-witness" } ] }, { "slug": "who-takes-acknowledgment", "label": "Who may take the acknowledgment of a Connecticut deed?", "heading": "Who may take the acknowledgment of a Connecticut deed, inside and outside Connecticut?", "answerText": "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.", "sources": [ { "id": "cgs-47-5a-officers", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-5a — Persons before whom acknowledgment may be made", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-5a (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_821.htm#sec_47-5a", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-47-5a-officers" }, { "id": "cgs-1-29-in-state-officers", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-29 — Acknowledgments within state", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-29 (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_006.htm#sec_1-29", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-1-29-in-state-officers" }, { "id": "cgs-47-5-acknowledgment-routes", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-5(a) — Requirements re conveyances of land", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-5(a) (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_821.htm#sec_47-5", "proposition": "Section 47-5(a) accepts an acknowledgment made in any manner chapter 6 or chapter 8 permits and separately requires two witnesses.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-47-5-acknowledgment-routes" }, { "id": "cgs-1-30-out-of-state-officers", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-30 — Acknowledgments in other states, territories or possessions", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-30 (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_006.htm#sec_1-30", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-1-30-out-of-state-officers" }, { "id": "cgs-1-57-recognized-officers", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-57 — Uniform Recognition of Acknowledgments Act: authorized officers", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-57 (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_008.htm#sec_1-57", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "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;", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-1-57-recognized-officers" }, { "id": "cgs-47-7-out-of-state-execution", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-7(a)–(b) — Conveyances executed outside this state", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-7(a)–(b) (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_821.htm#sec_47-7", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-47-7-out-of-state-execution" }, { "id": "cgs-47-7c-remote-closing-carveout", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-7(c) — Remote real estate closing exception", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-7(c) (2026) (added by Pub. Act 23-28, § 3).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_821.htm#sec_47-7", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-47-7c-remote-closing-carveout" }, { "id": "cgs-1-31a-attorney-carveout", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-31a — Acknowledgments by attorney outside state", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-31a (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_006.htm#sec_1-31a", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-1-31a-attorney-carveout" }, { "id": "cgs-1-37-local-form-carveout", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-37 — Acknowledgment in compliance with law of other jurisdiction", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-37 (2026) (subsection (b) added by Pub. Act 23-28, § 4).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_006.htm#sec_1-37", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-1-37-local-form-carveout" }, { "id": "cgs-1-31-outside-united-states", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-31 — Acknowledgments without United States", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-31 (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_006.htm#sec_1-31", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-1-31-outside-united-states" }, { "id": "cgs-1-38-armed-forces", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-38 — Acknowledgment of person in armed forces", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-38 (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_006.htm#sec_1-38", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-1-38-armed-forces" } ] }, { "slug": "certificate-forms", "label": "What acknowledgment certificate does Connecticut accept?", "heading": "What acknowledgment certificate wording does Connecticut accept on a deed?", "answerText": "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.", "sources": [ { "id": "cgs-1-60-certificate-forms", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-60 — Form of certificate", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-60 (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_008.htm#sec_1-60", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-1-60-certificate-forms" }, { "id": "cgs-1-28-permissible-forms", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-28 — Permissible forms of acknowledgment", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-28 (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_006.htm#sec_1-28", "proposition": "Section 1-28 permits any instrument to be acknowledged in the manner and form other Connecticut laws provide or as chapter 6 provides.", "verbatimQuote": "Any instrument may be acknowledged in the manner and form now provided by other laws of this state, or as provided by this chapter.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-1-28-permissible-forms" }, { "id": "cgs-1-35-officer-identification", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-35 — Identification of acknowledging officer", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-35 (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_006.htm#sec_1-35", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-1-35-officer-identification" }, { "id": "cgs-1-59-certification-content", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-59 — Certification by person taking acknowledgment", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-59 (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_008.htm#sec_1-59", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-1-59-certification-content" }, { "id": "cgs-1-62-short-forms", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-62 — Statutory short forms of acknowledgment", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-62 (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_008.htm#sec_1-62", "proposition": "Section 1-62 makes its statutory short forms sufficient under any Connecticut law without precluding other forms.", "verbatimQuote": "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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-1-62-short-forms" }, { "id": "cgs-47-5-certificate-question", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-5(a) — Requirements re conveyances of land", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-5(a) (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_821.htm#sec_47-5", "proposition": "Section 47-5(a) lists the acknowledgment and the attestation by two witnesses as separate requirements of every conveyance of land.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-47-5-certificate-question" } ] }, { "slug": "connecticut-remote-notarization", "label": "Can a Connecticut notary or attorney acknowledge a deed remotely?", "heading": "Can a Connecticut notary or commissioner of the Superior Court acknowledge a deed of Connecticut land remotely?", "answerText": "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.", "sources": [ { "id": "cgs-3-95b-remote-permission", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 3-95b(b) — Remote notarization", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 3-95b(b) (2026) (Pub. Act 23-28, § 1).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_033.htm#sec_3-95b", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-3-95b-remote-permission" }, { "id": "cgs-51-85a-commissioner-remote", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 51-85a(b) — Remote acknowledgment by commissioner of the Superior Court", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 51-85a(b) (Supp. 2026) (Pub. Act 24-108, § 26, as amended by Pub. Act 25-91, § 23).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/sup/chap_876.htm#sec_51-85a", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-51-85a-commissioner-remote" }, { "id": "cgs-3-95b-paper-original", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 3-95b(d)–(e) — Delivery of signed original; date of notarization", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 3-95b(d)–(e) (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_033.htm#sec_3-95b", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-3-95b-paper-original" }, { "id": "cgs-51-85a-outside-and-original", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 51-85a(c)–(d) — Signers outside Connecticut; delivery of signed original", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 51-85a(c)–(d) (Supp. 2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/sup/chap_876.htm#sec_51-85a", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-51-85a-outside-and-original" }, { "id": "cgs-3-95b-outside-signer", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 3-95b(c) — Signers outside Connecticut", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 3-95b(c) (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_033.htm#sec_3-95b", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-3-95b-outside-signer" }, { "id": "cgs-3-95b-excluded-records", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 3-95b(i) — Records that may not be acknowledged remotely", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 3-95b(i) (2026) (as amended by Pub. Act 24-97, § 1).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_033.htm#sec_3-95b", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-3-95b-excluded-records" }, { "id": "cgs-51-85a-excluded-records", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 51-85a(g) — Records that may not be acknowledged remotely by a commissioner", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 51-85a(g) (Supp. 2026) (as amended by Pub. Act 25-91, § 23).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/sup/chap_876.htm#sec_51-85a", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-51-85a-excluded-records" }, { "id": "cgs-3-95b-notary-may-refuse", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 3-95b(f) — Notary's authority to refuse", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 3-95b(f) (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_033.htm#sec_3-95b", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-3-95b-notary-may-refuse" }, { "id": "cgs-51-88a-closing-definition", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 51-88a(a) — Real estate closings", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 51-88a(a) (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_876.htm#sec_51-88a", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-51-88a-closing-definition" }, { "id": "cgs-51-88a-attorney-conducts", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 51-88a(a) — Real estate closings", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 51-88a(a) (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_876.htm#sec_51-88a", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-51-88a-attorney-conducts" }, { "id": "cgs-51-88b-penalty", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 51-88(b)(1) — Penalty for unauthorized practice", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 51-88(b)(1) (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_876.htm#sec_51-88", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-51-88b-penalty" }, { "id": "cgs-3-94b-appointment", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 3-94b(a) — Appointment of notary", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 3-94b(a) (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_033.htm#sec_3-94b", "proposition": "Section 3-94b(a) authorizes the Secretary of the State to appoint notaries public.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-3-94b-appointment" }, { "id": "cgs-3-94m-discipline", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 3-94m(a) — Warning, reprimand, revocation, suspension", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 3-94m(a) (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_033.htm#sec_3-94m", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-3-94m-discipline" }, { "id": "cgs-3-94a-official-misconduct", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 3-94a(8) — Official misconduct", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 3-94a(8) (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_033.htm#sec_3-94a", "proposition": "Section 3-94a(8) defines official misconduct to include a notary's performance of an act prohibited by the general statutes.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-3-94a-official-misconduct" }, { "id": "sots-manual-paper-only", "authorityType": "agency-guidance", "tier": "official-source-backed", "title": "Connecticut Secretary of the State, Notary Public Manual (Rev. 2026-1), Questions Commonly Asked about Remote Notarizations", "citation": "Conn. Sec'y of the State, Notary Public Manual (Rev. 2026-1), app. A.", "url": "https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/sots/business-services/notary/state_of_connecticut_notary_public_manual_rev2023.pdf", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "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).", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-sots-manual-paper-only" }, { "id": "sots-manual-prohibited-documents", "authorityType": "agency-guidance", "tier": "official-source-backed", "title": "Connecticut Secretary of the State, Notary Public Manual (Rev. 2026-1), § 4.24 Prohibited Documents", "citation": "Conn. Sec'y of the State, Notary Public Manual (Rev. 2026-1), § 4.24.", "url": "https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/sots/business-services/notary/state_of_connecticut_notary_public_manual_rev2023.pdf", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-sots-manual-prohibited-documents" }, { "id": "sots-manual-most-transactions", "authorityType": "agency-guidance", "tier": "official-source-backed", "title": "Connecticut Secretary of the State, Notary Public Manual (Rev. 2026-1), out-of-state deed question", "citation": "Conn. Sec'y of the State, Notary Public Manual (Rev. 2026-1), app. A.", "url": "https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/sots/business-services/notary/state_of_connecticut_notary_public_manual_rev2023.pdf", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-sots-manual-most-transactions" }, { "id": "cgs-47-5-remote-witnesses", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-5(a) — Requirements re conveyances of land", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-5(a) (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_821.htm#sec_47-5", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-47-5-remote-witnesses" }, { "id": "la-ron-donations-excluded", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "La. Rev. Stat. § 35:623 — Remote online notarization; excluded instruments", "citation": "La. Rev. Stat. § 35:623(B)(1)–(3) (2026).", "url": "https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=1187597", "proposition": "Louisiana Revised Statutes § 35:623(B) bars remote online execution of listed instruments, including donations inter vivos.", "verbatimQuote": "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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-la-ron-donations-excluded" }, { "id": "ma-remote-closing-definition", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 221, § 46E(a) — Real estate closings involving communication technology", "citation": "Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 221, § 46E(a) (2026).", "url": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section46E", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "''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;", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-ma-remote-closing-definition" }, { "id": "nc-transfer-categories", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "N.C. Gen. Stat. § 105-228.29 — Excise tax on conveyances: exemptions", "citation": "N.C. Gen. Stat. § 105-228.29(1)–(6) (2026).", "url": "https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/ByArticle/Chapter_105/Article_8E.html", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-nc-transfer-categories" }, { "id": "va-deed-without-consideration", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Va. Code § 58.1-811(D) — Recordation tax exemptions", "citation": "Va. Code § 58.1-811(D) (2026).", "url": "https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title58.1/chapter8/section58.1-811/", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-va-deed-without-consideration" } ] }, { "slug": "out-of-state-online-notary", "label": "Does Connecticut recognize an out-of-state online notarization of a Connecticut deed signed in Connecticut?", "heading": "Does Connecticut recognize an out-of-state online notarization when the signer is in Connecticut?", "answerText": "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.", "sources": [ { "id": "cgs-1-57-online-recognition", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-57 — Uniform Recognition of Acknowledgments Act: authorized officers", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-57 (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_008.htm#sec_1-57", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "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;", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-1-57-online-recognition" }, { "id": "cgs-47-5a-online-territorial", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-5a — Persons before whom acknowledgment may be made", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-5a (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_821.htm#sec_47-5a", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-47-5a-online-territorial" }, { "id": "tex-gov-406-110-location", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Tex. Gov't Code § 406.110(a) — Online notarization procedures generally", "citation": "Tex. Gov't Code § 406.110(a) (2026).", "url": "https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/GV/htm/GV.406.htm#406.110", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-tex-gov-406-110-location" }, { "id": "tex-gov-406-1103-tangible", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Tex. Gov't Code § 406.1103 — Online notarization procedures for tangible documents", "citation": "Tex. Gov't Code § 406.1103(a) (2026) (Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., ch. 258 (S.B. 1780), § 6, eff. Jan. 1, 2024).", "url": "https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/GV/htm/GV.406.htm#406.1103", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-tex-gov-406-1103-tangible" }, { "id": "tex-gov-406-1103-effective", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Tex. Gov't Code § 406.1103 — Online notarization procedures for tangible documents", "citation": "Tex. Gov't Code § 406.1103(e) (2026) (Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., ch. 258 (S.B. 1780), § 6, eff. Jan. 1, 2024).", "url": "https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/GV/htm/GV.406.htm#406.1103", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-tex-gov-406-1103-effective" }, { "id": "sots-manual-notary-location", "authorityType": "agency-guidance", "tier": "official-source-backed", "title": "Connecticut Secretary of the State, Notary Public Manual (Rev. 2026-1), Questions Commonly Asked about Remote Notarizations", "citation": "Conn. Sec'y of the State, Notary Public Manual (Rev. 2026-1), app. A.", "url": "https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/sots/business-services/notary/state_of_connecticut_notary_public_manual_rev2023.pdf", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-sots-manual-notary-location" }, { "id": "cgs-47-7a-online-other-state", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-7(a) — Conveyances executed outside this state", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-7(a) (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_821.htm#sec_47-7", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-47-7a-online-other-state" }, { "id": "cgs-47-7c-online-carveout", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-7(c) — Remote real estate closing exception", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-7(c) (2026) (added by Pub. Act 23-28, § 3).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_821.htm#sec_47-7", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-47-7c-online-carveout" }, { "id": "cgs-1-37-online-carveout", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-37 — Acknowledgment in compliance with law of other jurisdiction", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-37 (2026) (subsection (b) added by Pub. Act 23-28, § 4).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_006.htm#sec_1-37", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-1-37-online-carveout" }, { "id": "cgs-1-31a-online-carveout", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-31a — Acknowledgments by attorney outside state", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-31a (2026) (as amended by Pub. Act 23-28, § 2).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_006.htm#sec_1-31a", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-1-31a-online-carveout" }, { "id": "cgs-3-95b-online-closing-bar", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 3-95b(i) — Records that may not be acknowledged remotely", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 3-95b(i) (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_033.htm#sec_3-95b", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-3-95b-online-closing-bar" }, { "id": "cgs-51-85a-online-closing-bar", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 51-85a(g) — Records that may not be acknowledged remotely by a commissioner", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 51-85a(g) (Supp. 2026) (as amended by Pub. Act 25-91, § 23).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/sup/chap_876.htm#sec_51-85a", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-51-85a-online-closing-bar" }, { "id": "cgs-1-59-appeared-before", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-59 — Certification by person taking acknowledgment", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-59 (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_008.htm#sec_1-59", "proposition": "Section 1-59 requires the person taking an acknowledgment to certify that the signer appeared before that person and acknowledged executing the instrument.", "verbatimQuote": "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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-1-59-appeared-before" }, { "id": "proof-ct-recognition-claim", "authorityType": "vendor-documentation", "tier": "market-benchmark-backed", "title": "Proof, State Legislation: Connecticut", "citation": "Proof, State Legislation: Connecticut (accessed Oct. 6, 2026).", "url": "https://www.proof.com/state-legislation/connecticut", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-proof-ct-recognition-claim" }, { "id": "stewart-ct-ron-not-recognized", "authorityType": "commentary", "tier": "lawyer-judgment-backed", "title": "David Veleber, Requirements for the Execution of Deeds for Connecticut Property, Stewart Title New England Mid-Week Update (Apr. 9, 2025)", "citation": "David Veleber, Requirements for the Execution of Deeds for Connecticut Property, Stewart Title New England Mid-Week Update (Apr. 9, 2025).", "url": "https://www.stewart.com/-/media/files/stewartdotcom/pdfs/states/massachusetts/ma-covid-19/2025/newenglandupdate492025.pdf", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "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.", "date": "2025-04-09", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-stewart-ct-ron-not-recognized" }, { "id": "cgs-47-5-online-witnesses", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-5(a) — Requirements re conveyances of land", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-5(a) (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_821.htm#sec_47-5", "proposition": "Section 47-5(a)(4) requires two witnesses to attest every conveyance of land with their own hands, in addition to the acknowledgment.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-47-5-online-witnesses" } ] }, { "slug": "who-may-witness", "label": "Who may serve as one of the two witnesses to a Connecticut deed?", "heading": "Who may serve as one of the two witnesses to a Connecticut deed?", "answerText": "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": [ { "id": "hannaford-party-may-not-witness", "authorityType": "case-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Hannaford v. Mann", "citation": "Hannaford v. Mann, 134 Conn. App. 265 (2012).", "url": "https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/7914561/hannaford-v-mann/", "deepLink": "https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/7914561/hannaford-v-mann/#:~:text=We%20are%20persuaded%20that%20the,of%20the%20deed%20cannot%20stand.", "proposition": "Hannaford v. Mann holds that a grantor or grantee may not serve as one of the two attesting witnesses to a Connecticut deed.", "verbatimQuote": "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.", "date": "2012-03-20", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-hannaford-party-may-not-witness" }, { "id": "hannaford-witness-purpose", "authorityType": "case-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Hannaford v. Mann", "citation": "Hannaford v. Mann, 134 Conn. App. 265 (2012).", "url": "https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/7914561/hannaford-v-mann/", "deepLink": "https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/7914561/hannaford-v-mann/#:~:text=The%20use%20of%20subscribing%20witnesses,is%20genuine%20and%20not%20fraudulent.", "proposition": "Hannaford v. Mann states that subscribing witnesses to a deed serve to assure that the conveyance is genuine and not fraudulent.", "verbatimQuote": "The use of subscribing witnesses to a deed serves the purpose of assuring that the conveyance is genuine and not fraudulent.", "date": "2012-03-20", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-hannaford-witness-purpose" }, { "id": "hannaford-standards-of-title", "authorityType": "case-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Hannaford v. Mann", "citation": "Hannaford v. Mann, 134 Conn. App. 265 (2012).", "url": "https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/7914561/hannaford-v-mann/", "deepLink": "https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/7914561/hannaford-v-mann/#:~:text=Also%2C%20the%20standards%20of%20title,or%20grantee%20witness%20the%20deed.%E2%80%9D", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "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.”", "date": "2012-03-20", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-hannaford-standards-of-title" }, { "id": "cgs-47-6-witness-question", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-6 — Witnessing and acknowledgment of deeds of corporations and voluntary associations", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-6 (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_821.htm#sec_47-6", "proposition": "Section 47-6 permits conveyances to or by a corporation, or by the trustees of a voluntary association, to be attested by interested witnesses.", "verbatimQuote": "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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-47-6-witness-question" }, { "id": "cgs-3-94g-notary-disqualification", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 3-94g — Disqualification of notary", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 3-94g (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_033.htm#sec_3-94g", "proposition": "Section 3-94g disqualifies a notary who is a signatory of the document to be notarized.", "verbatimQuote": "A notary public is disqualified from performing a notarial act if the notary is a signatory of the document that is to be notarized.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-3-94g-notary-disqualification" }, { "id": "sots-manual-notary-witness", "authorityType": "agency-guidance", "tier": "official-source-backed", "title": "Connecticut Secretary of the State, Notary Public Manual (Rev. 2026-1), § 4.16 Qualification", "citation": "Conn. Sec'y of the State, Notary Public Manual (Rev. 2026-1), § 4.16.", "url": "https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/sots/business-services/notary/state_of_connecticut_notary_public_manual_rev2023.pdf", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-sots-manual-notary-witness" }, { "id": "stewart-notary-as-witness", "authorityType": "commentary", "tier": "lawyer-judgment-backed", "title": "David Veleber, Requirements for the Execution of Deeds for Connecticut Property, Stewart Title New England Mid-Week Update (Apr. 9, 2025)", "citation": "David Veleber, Requirements for the Execution of Deeds for Connecticut Property, Stewart Title New England Mid-Week Update (Apr. 9, 2025).", "url": "https://www.stewart.com/-/media/files/stewartdotcom/pdfs/states/massachusetts/ma-covid-19/2025/newenglandupdate492025.pdf", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "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.", "date": "2025-04-09", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-stewart-notary-as-witness" }, { "id": "hannaford-facts-grantee-witness", "authorityType": "case-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Hannaford v. Mann", "citation": "Hannaford v. Mann, 134 Conn. App. 265, 271 (2012).", "url": "https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/7914561/hannaford-v-mann/", "deepLink": "https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/7914561/hannaford-v-mann/#:~:text=The%20controversy%20concerns%20compliance%20with,of%20the%20two%20attesting%20witnesses.", "proposition": "Hannaford v. Mann identifies the defendant as the grantee who acted as one of the two attesting witnesses to the deed.", "verbatimQuote": "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.", "date": "2012-03-20", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-hannaford-facts-grantee-witness" }, { "id": "hannaford-disposition-invalid", "authorityType": "case-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Hannaford v. Mann", "citation": "Hannaford v. Mann, 134 Conn. App. 265, 278 (2012).", "url": "https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/7914561/hannaford-v-mann/", "deepLink": "https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/7914561/hannaford-v-mann/#:~:text=In%20sum%2C%20because%20the%20defendant,plaintiffs%20motion%20for%20summary%20judgment.", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "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.", "date": "2012-03-20", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-hannaford-disposition-invalid" } ] }, { "slug": "remote-or-electronic-witnesses", "label": "Can the two deed witnesses attend remotely or sign electronically?", "heading": "Can the two witnesses to a Connecticut deed attend by video or sign electronically?", "answerText": "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.", "sources": [ { "id": "cgs-47-5-witness-own-hands", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-5(a) — Requirements re conveyances of land", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-5(a) (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_821.htm#sec_47-5", "proposition": "Section 47-5(a)(4) requires every conveyance of land to be attested to by two witnesses with their own hands.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-47-5-witness-own-hands" }, { "id": "hannaford-witness-purpose-remote", "authorityType": "case-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Hannaford v. Mann", "citation": "Hannaford v. Mann, 134 Conn. App. 265 (2012).", "url": "https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/7914561/hannaford-v-mann/", "deepLink": "https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/7914561/hannaford-v-mann/#:~:text=The%20use%20of%20subscribing%20witnesses,is%20genuine%20and%20not%20fraudulent.", "proposition": "Hannaford v. Mann states that subscribing witnesses to a deed serve to assure that the conveyance is genuine and not fraudulent.", "verbatimQuote": "The use of subscribing witnesses to a deed serves the purpose of assuring that the conveyance is genuine and not fraudulent.", "date": "2012-03-20", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-hannaford-witness-purpose-remote" }, { "id": "eo-7q-witness-suspension", "authorityType": "agency-guidance", "tier": "official-source-backed", "title": "State of Connecticut, COVID-19 Knowledge Base: Notary Services (summarizing Executive Order No. 7Q)", "citation": "State of Connecticut, COVID-19 Knowledge Base, Notary Services (Exec. Order No. 7Q, § 3 (Mar. 30, 2020)).", "url": "https://portal.ct.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-knowledge-base/notary-services", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-eo-7q-witness-suspension" }, { "id": "eo-12b-extension-remote-question", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Executive Order No. 12B (May 20, 2021)", "citation": "Conn. Exec. Order No. 12B, § 3 (May 20, 2021).", "url": "https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Office-of-the-Governor/Executive-Orders/Lamont-Executive-Orders/Executive-Order-No-12B.pdf", "proposition": "Executive Order 12B extended listed executive orders, including Executive Order 7Q, Section 3, through June 30, 2021.", "verbatimQuote": "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", "date": "2021-05-20", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-eo-12b-extension-remote-question" }, { "id": "cgs-3-95b-witness-silence", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 3-95b(b) — Remote notarization", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 3-95b(b) (2026) (Pub. Act 23-28, § 1).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_033.htm#sec_3-95b", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-3-95b-witness-silence" }, { "id": "cgs-51-85a-witness-silence", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 51-85a(b) — Remote acknowledgment by commissioner of the Superior Court", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 51-85a(b) (Supp. 2026) (Pub. Act 24-108, § 26, as amended by Pub. Act 25-91, § 23).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/sup/chap_876.htm#sec_51-85a", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-51-85a-witness-silence" }, { "id": "cgs-7-35cc-electronic-witnessing", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 7-35cc — Validity of electronic documents", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 7-35cc (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_092a.htm#sec_7-35cc", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-7-35cc-electronic-witnessing" }, { "id": "cgs-1-272-electronic-signature", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-272 — Legal recognition of electronic records and signatures", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-272 (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_015.htm#sec_1-272", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-1-272-electronic-signature" }, { "id": "cgs-1-270-agreement-required", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-270(b) — Use of electronic records and signatures", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-270(b) (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_015.htm#sec_1-270", "proposition": "Section 1-270(b) applies the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act only to transactions between parties that have each agreed to conduct transactions electronically.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-1-270-agreement-required" }, { "id": "cgs-1-276-electronic-notarization", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-276 — Notarization and acknowledgment", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-276 (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_015.htm#sec_1-276", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-1-276-electronic-notarization" }, { "id": "sots-manual-paper-only-witness", "authorityType": "agency-guidance", "tier": "official-source-backed", "title": "Connecticut Secretary of the State, Notary Public Manual (Rev. 2026-1), Questions Commonly Asked about Remote Notarizations", "citation": "Conn. Sec'y of the State, Notary Public Manual (Rev. 2026-1), app. A.", "url": "https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/sots/business-services/notary/state_of_connecticut_notary_public_manual_rev2023.pdf", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "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).", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-sots-manual-paper-only-witness" }, { "id": "regs-7-35ee-6-e-notarization", "authorityType": "regulation", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Agencies Regs. § 7-35ee-6 — Electronic signatures and electronic notarizations", "citation": "Conn. Agencies Regs. § 7-35ee-6 (eff. Apr. 1, 2013).", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/connecticut/Regs-Conn-State-Agencies-SS-7-35ee-6", "deepLink": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/connecticut/Regs-Conn-State-Agencies-SS-7-35ee-6#:~:text=(a)%20Documents%20containing%20electronic%20signatures,electronic%20signatures%20or%20electronic%20notarizations.", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-regs-7-35ee-6-e-notarization" } ] }, { "slug": "covid-witness-waiver", "label": "Does the COVID-era witness waiver still apply to Connecticut deeds?", "heading": "Does the COVID-era waiver of deed witnesses still apply in Connecticut?", "answerText": "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": [ { "id": "eo-12b-extension-waiver-question", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Executive Order No. 12B (May 20, 2021)", "citation": "Conn. Exec. Order No. 12B, § 3 (May 20, 2021).", "url": "https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Office-of-the-Governor/Executive-Orders/Lamont-Executive-Orders/Executive-Order-No-12B.pdf", "proposition": "Executive Order 12B extended listed executive orders, including Executive Order 7Q, Section 3, through June 30, 2021.", "verbatimQuote": "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", "date": "2021-05-20", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-eo-12b-extension-waiver-question" }, { "id": "cgs-47-5-waiver-question", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-5(a) — Requirements re conveyances of land", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-5(a) (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_821.htm#sec_47-5", "proposition": "Section 47-5(a)(4) requires every conveyance of land to be attested to by two witnesses with their own hands.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-47-5-waiver-question" }, { "id": "eo-7q-remote-authorization", "authorityType": "agency-guidance", "tier": "official-source-backed", "title": "State of Connecticut, COVID-19 Knowledge Base: Notary Services (summarizing Executive Order No. 7Q)", "citation": "State of Connecticut, COVID-19 Knowledge Base, Notary Services (Exec. Order No. 7Q, § 3 (Mar. 30, 2020)).", "url": "https://portal.ct.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-knowledge-base/notary-services", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "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", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-eo-7q-remote-authorization" }, { "id": "eo-7q-signer-in-connecticut", "authorityType": "agency-guidance", "tier": "official-source-backed", "title": "State of Connecticut, COVID-19 Knowledge Base: Notary Services (summarizing Executive Order No. 7Q)", "citation": "State of Connecticut, COVID-19 Knowledge Base, Notary Services (Exec. Order No. 7Q, § 3 (Mar. 30, 2020)).", "url": "https://portal.ct.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-knowledge-base/notary-services", "proposition": "The state's COVID-19 notary page reports that Executive Order 7Q required the remote signer to represent physical presence in Connecticut.", "verbatimQuote": "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;", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-eo-7q-signer-in-connecticut" }, { "id": "eo-7q-witnesses-and-clerks", "authorityType": "agency-guidance", "tier": "official-source-backed", "title": "State of Connecticut, COVID-19 Knowledge Base: Notary Services (summarizing Executive Order No. 7Q)", "citation": "State of Connecticut, COVID-19 Knowledge Base, Notary Services (Exec. Order No. 7Q, § 3 (Mar. 30, 2020)).", "url": "https://portal.ct.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-knowledge-base/notary-services", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-eo-7q-witnesses-and-clerks" }, { "id": "eo-7q-will-remote-witnessing", "authorityType": "agency-guidance", "tier": "official-source-backed", "title": "State of Connecticut, COVID-19 Knowledge Base: Notary Services (summarizing Executive Order No. 7Q)", "citation": "State of Connecticut, COVID-19 Knowledge Base, Notary Services (Exec. Order No. 7Q, § 3 (Mar. 30, 2020)).", "url": "https://portal.ct.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-knowledge-base/notary-services", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-eo-7q-will-remote-witnessing" }, { "id": "cgs-3-95b-no-witness-waiver", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 3-95b(i) — Records that may not be acknowledged remotely", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 3-95b(i) (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_033.htm#sec_3-95b", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-3-95b-no-witness-waiver" } ] }, { "slug": "town-clerk-recording", "label": "Will a Connecticut town clerk record a remotely notarized or electronically signed deed?", "heading": "Will a Connecticut town clerk record a remotely notarized or electronically signed deed?", "answerText": "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.", "sources": [ { "id": "cgs-7-35dd-clerk-may-receive", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 7-35dd(b) — Recording of documents", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 7-35dd(b)(2)–(4) (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_092a.htm#sec_7-35dd", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-7-35dd-clerk-may-receive" }, { "id": "csl-faq-erecording-optional", "authorityType": "agency-guidance", "tier": "official-source-backed", "title": "Connecticut State Library, Office of the Public Records Administrator, FAQ for Town Clerks: The Regulation concerning Real Property Electronic Recording (Apr. 1, 2013)", "citation": "Conn. State Library, FAQ for Town Clerks: The Regulation concerning Real Property Electronic Recording, Q3 (Apr. 1, 2013).", "url": "https://portal.ct.gov/csl/-/media/csl/departments/public-records/municipal-records/pdf/erecording-faq.pdf", "proposition": "The State Library's town-clerk FAQ states that each clerk chooses whether to implement electronic recording.", "verbatimQuote": "No; the legislation allows each clerk to choose whether to implement eRecording in their town.", "date": "2013-04-01", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-csl-faq-erecording-optional" }, { "id": "csl-faq-document-delivery", "authorityType": "agency-guidance", "tier": "official-source-backed", "title": "Connecticut State Library, Office of the Public Records Administrator, FAQ for Town Clerks: The Regulation concerning Real Property Electronic Recording (Apr. 1, 2013)", "citation": "Conn. State Library, FAQ for Town Clerks: The Regulation concerning Real Property Electronic Recording, Q1 (Apr. 1, 2013).", "url": "https://portal.ct.gov/csl/-/media/csl/departments/public-records/municipal-records/pdf/erecording-faq.pdf", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "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.", "date": "2013-04-01", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-csl-faq-document-delivery" }, { "id": "csl-faq-delivery-agents", "authorityType": "agency-guidance", "tier": "official-source-backed", "title": "Connecticut State Library, Office of the Public Records Administrator, FAQ for Town Clerks: The Regulation concerning Real Property Electronic Recording (Apr. 1, 2013)", "citation": "Conn. State Library, FAQ for Town Clerks: The Regulation concerning Real Property Electronic Recording, Q8 (Apr. 1, 2013).", "url": "https://portal.ct.gov/csl/-/media/csl/departments/public-records/municipal-records/pdf/erecording-faq.pdf", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "A “delivery agent” is typically an eRecording vendor, such as Simplifile, Corporation Service Company (CSC) or eRecording Partners Network (ePN).", "date": "2013-04-01", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-csl-faq-delivery-agents" }, { "id": "regs-7-35ee-6-clerk-acceptance", "authorityType": "regulation", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Agencies Regs. § 7-35ee-6 — Electronic signatures and electronic notarizations", "citation": "Conn. Agencies Regs. § 7-35ee-6(b)–(c) (eff. Apr. 1, 2013).", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/connecticut/Regs-Conn-State-Agencies-SS-7-35ee-6", "deepLink": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/connecticut/Regs-Conn-State-Agencies-SS-7-35ee-6#:~:text=(b)%20A%20participating%20town%20clerk,electronic%20signatures%20or%20electronic%20notarizations.", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-regs-7-35ee-6-clerk-acceptance" }, { "id": "eo-7q-clerk-acceptance", "authorityType": "agency-guidance", "tier": "official-source-backed", "title": "State of Connecticut, COVID-19 Knowledge Base: Notary Services (summarizing Executive Order No. 7Q)", "citation": "State of Connecticut, COVID-19 Knowledge Base, Notary Services (Exec. Order No. 7Q, § 3 (Mar. 30, 2020)).", "url": "https://portal.ct.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-knowledge-base/notary-services", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-eo-7q-clerk-acceptance" }, { "id": "eo-12b-extension-clerk-question", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Executive Order No. 12B (May 20, 2021)", "citation": "Conn. Exec. Order No. 12B, § 3 (May 20, 2021).", "url": "https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Office-of-the-Governor/Executive-Orders/Lamont-Executive-Orders/Executive-Order-No-12B.pdf", "proposition": "Executive Order 12B extended listed executive orders, including Executive Order 7Q, Section 3, through June 30, 2021.", "verbatimQuote": "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", "date": "2021-05-20", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-eo-12b-extension-clerk-question" }, { "id": "greenwich-town-clerk-erecording", "authorityType": "agency-guidance", "tier": "official-source-backed", "title": "Town of Greenwich, Town Clerk", "citation": "Town of Greenwich, Town Clerk (accessed Oct. 6, 2026).", "url": "https://www.greenwichct.gov/319/Town-Clerk", "proposition": "The Greenwich Town Clerk states that it accepts e-recordings for select land-record documents through three service providers.", "verbatimQuote": "The Town Clerk's Office now accepts e-Recordings for select Land Record documents via 3 service providers, CSC, ePN and Simplifile.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-greenwich-town-clerk-erecording" }, { "id": "west-hartford-erecording", "authorityType": "agency-guidance", "tier": "official-source-backed", "title": "Town of West Hartford, Town Clerk: Land Records", "citation": "Town of West Hartford, Town Clerk, Land Records (accessed Oct. 6, 2026).", "url": "https://www.westhartfordct.gov/town-departments/townl-clerk/land-records", "proposition": "The West Hartford Town Clerk states that it accepts e-recordings for all land filings through four delivery agents.", "verbatimQuote": "E-Recordings are accepted for all land filings using the following four (4) delivery agents: CSC, ePN, Indecomm, and Simplifile.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-west-hartford-erecording" }, { "id": "branford-erecording-op236", "authorityType": "agency-guidance", "tier": "official-source-backed", "title": "Town of Branford, Land Records", "citation": "Town of Branford, Land Records (accessed Oct. 6, 2026).", "url": "https://www.branford-ct.gov/333/Land-Records", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "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.)", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-branford-erecording-op236" }, { "id": "cgs-47-36aa-recording-question", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-36aa(a) — Validation of conveyancing defects", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-36aa(a)(1)–(2) (Supp. 2026) (as amended by Pub. Act 25-136, § 1).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/sup/chap_821b.htm#sec_47-36aa", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "(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;", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-47-36aa-recording-question" } ] }, { "slug": "validating-statute", "label": "Does a Connecticut statute cure a defective acknowledgment or missing witness?", "heading": "Does a Connecticut statute cure a deed with a defective acknowledgment or missing witness?", "answerText": "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": [ { "id": "cgs-47-36aa-conveyancing-defects", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-36aa(a) — Validation of conveyancing defects", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-36aa(a)(1)–(2) (Supp. 2026) (as amended by Pub. Act 25-136, § 1).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/sup/chap_821b.htm#sec_47-36aa", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "(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;", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-47-36aa-conveyancing-defects" }, { "id": "hannaford-validating-act", "authorityType": "case-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Hannaford v. Mann", "citation": "Hannaford v. Mann, 134 Conn. App. 265, 276 n.8 (2012).", "url": "https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/7914561/hannaford-v-mann/", "deepLink": "https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/7914561/hannaford-v-mann/#:~:text=Here%2C%20all%20parties%20agree%20that,the%20validating%20act%20is%20inapplicable.", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "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.", "date": "2012-03-20", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-hannaford-validating-act" }, { "id": "pa-25-136-cutoff-removed", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Public Act 25-136, § 1 — An Act Concerning Revisions to the Validating Act", "citation": "Pub. Act 25-136, § 1 (Conn. 2025).", "url": "https://cga.ct.gov/2025/ACT/PA/PDF/2025PA-00136-R00HB-07064-PA.PDF", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "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:", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-pa-25-136-cutoff-removed" }, { "id": "cgs-47-36aa-insubstantial-defects", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-36aa(b) — Insubstantial defects", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-36aa(b) (Supp. 2026) (as amended by Pub. Act 25-136, § 1).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/sup/chap_821b.htm#sec_47-36aa", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "(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;", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-47-36aa-insubstantial-defects" }, { "id": "cgs-47-5-validating-elements", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-5(a) — Requirements re conveyances of land", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-5(a) (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_821.htm#sec_47-5", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-47-5-validating-elements" }, { "id": "cgs-47-5b-validating-address", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-5(b) — Grantee mailing address", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47-5(b) (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_821.htm#sec_47-5", "proposition": "Section 47-5(b) requires a document conveying land to include the grantee's current mailing address.", "verbatimQuote": "(b) A document conveying land shall also include the current mailing address of the grantee.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-47-5b-validating-address" }, { "id": "cgs-3-95b-ineffective-cure-question", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 3-95b(i) — Records that may not be acknowledged remotely", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 3-95b(i) (2026).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_033.htm#sec_3-95b", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-3-95b-ineffective-cure-question" }, { "id": "cgs-51-85a-ineffective-cure-question", "authorityType": "primary-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 51-85a(g) — Records that may not be acknowledged remotely by a commissioner", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 51-85a(g) (Supp. 2026) (as amended by Pub. Act 25-91, § 23).", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/sup/chap_876.htm#sec_51-85a", "proposition": "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.", "verbatimQuote": "(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.", "date": "2026-10-06", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-cgs-51-85a-ineffective-cure-question" }, { "id": "hannaford-validating-grantee-witness", "authorityType": "case-law", "tier": "primary-source-backed", "title": "Hannaford v. Mann", "citation": "Hannaford v. Mann, 134 Conn. App. 265, 271 (2012).", "url": "https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/7914561/hannaford-v-mann/", "deepLink": "https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/7914561/hannaford-v-mann/#:~:text=The%20controversy%20concerns%20compliance%20with,of%20the%20two%20attesting%20witnesses.", "proposition": "Hannaford v. Mann identifies the defendant as the grantee who acted as one of the two attesting witnesses to the deed.", "verbatimQuote": "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.", "date": "2012-03-20", "anchor": "https://openagreements.org/practice-guides/deed-execution/us/connecticut#src-hannaford-validating-grantee-witness" } ] } ] } }