According to most historians, most delegates signed the United States Declaration of Independence on August 2, 1776. The document itself is dated July 4 because that was the date Congress approved its final wording.
The distinction between adoption and signing is one of the best-known details surrounding the document commemorated by America250. Congress adopted the declaration in early July, then ordered an engrossed version to be prepared on parchment. Many delegates signed that formal copy on August 2, while some delegates signed later.
The popular image of every delegate signing on July 4 comes partly from later tradition and from the date written on the parchment. Historical evidence shows that several signers were absent on July 4, and some were not yet members of Congress. The exact timing of every individual signature remains debated, but August 2 is the accepted date for the principal signing.