On what date did delegates begin signing the U.S. Declaration of Independence?

Delegates began signing the United States Declaration of Independence on August 2, 1776.

The Continental Congress adopted the final wording on July 4, but the formal engrossed parchment was not ready for most signatures until August 2. John Hancock, the Congress president, signed first, followed by delegates representing the colonies.

Some delegates signed later because they were absent on August 2. The final total is conventionally given as 56 signers, although not every signer was present when the document was first signed. The signing was therefore distinct from both the July 2 independence resolution and the July 4 adoption date.

The parchment is now held by the National Archives in Washington, D.C. Its famous opening declares that the colonies were separating from Great Britain and explains the political principles used to justify that decision.