When was the Declaration of Independence signed primarily, according to most historians?

The Declaration of Independence was signed primarily on August 2, 1776, according to most historians.

Congress adopted the Declaration on July 4, but the famous engrossed parchment copy was prepared after Congress ordered it on July 19. Most delegates signed the document in Philadelphia on August 2, although some added their names later.

The difference between adoption and signing is a common source of confusion. The Declaration’s printed broadsides circulated soon after approval, while the formal parchment copy required engrossing and signatures. The parchment is the version displayed at the National Archives.

The document itself is dated July 4, and several early accounts claimed that all delegates signed on that day. Later evidence showed that some signers were not present or had not yet been elected, leading historians to favor August 2 as the main signing date.