On what date were most signatures added to the engrossed Declaration of Independence?

Most signatures were added to the engrossed Declaration of Independence on August 2, 1776.

Congress adopted the Declaration's text on July 4, but the polished parchment copy was prepared afterward. On July 19, Congress ordered that the declaration be engrossed, meaning copied in a formal hand onto parchment. Most delegates signed that version on August 2 at the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia.

The distinction between adoption and signing explains a common historical misunderstanding. July 4 is the document's adoption date and the date celebrated as Independence Day. August 2 is generally regarded as the main signing date, although not every delegate was present then. Some later signers added their names after returning to Congress.

The document carries 56 signatures from delegates representing the thirteen colonies. John Hancock's prominent signature appears separately from the state-grouped names because he was president of Congress. The signing was a serious political act: delegates knew the British government could treat independence as treason.