Title 3, The PresidentRelease 119-102
§20 Resignation or Refusal of Office
Title 3 › CHAPTER 1 — PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS AND VACANCIES › § 20
Summary
Only a signed, written note given to the Secretary of State proves that a President or Vice President refused the job or resigned.
Full Legal Text
Title 3, §20
The President, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
The only evidence of a refusal to accept, or of a resignation of the office of President or Vice President, shall be an instrument in writing, declaring the same, and subscribed by the person refusing to accept or resigning, as the case may be, and delivered into the office of the Secretary of State.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Presidential Recordings and Materials Preservation ActFor protection and preservation of tape recordings of conversations involving former President Richard M. Nixon, see sections 101 to 106 of Pub. L. 93–526, set out as a note under section 2107 of Title 44, Public Printing and Documents.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
3 U.S.C. § 20
Title 3, The President
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102