The signed United States Declaration of Independence was presented for congressional signatures primarily on August 2, 1776.
The Continental Congress had approved the Declaration on July 4, but approval and signing were separate events. Congress ordered an engrossed parchment copy on July 19, using the title “The unanimous declaration of the thirteen United States of America.”
Most historians identify August 2 as the principal signing date. John Hancock, president of the Continental Congress, signed prominently, followed by delegates representing the thirteen states. Additional signatures were added later, including those of delegates who had not been present on August 2.
The familiar story that every signer gathered on July 4 is therefore inaccurate. The Declaration was adopted on July 4, publicly printed soon afterward, and signed mainly weeks later. Its legal and symbolic importance comes from both the congressional decision and the later authenticated parchment.