Title 3 — The PresidentRelease 119-73not60

§20 Resignation or Refusal of Office

Title 3 › Chapter 1— PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS AND VACANCIES › § 20

Last updated Apr 3, 2026|Official source

Summary

Only a signed written note from the President or Vice President, filed with the Secretary of State, proves a refusal or resignation.

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

Apr 3, 2026

Release point: 119-73not60