when was the declaration of independence signed?

The Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, but it was not signed on that day as commonly believed. Most historians agree that the actual signing took place primarily on August 2, 1776, at the Pennsylvania State House (later Independence Hall) in Philadelphia. Some delegates who were not present on August 2 signed later, and not all delegates signed the document. The July 4 date refers to when the Declaration was officially approved and announced, but the physical signing began about a month later.