How many signatures appeared on the U.S. Declaration of Independence?

Fifty six signatures appeared on the U.S. Declaration of Independence. According to the 1911 record of events by the U.S. State Department, under Secretary Philander C. Knox, the Declaration was transposed on paper, adopted by the Continental Congress, and signed by John Hancock, President of the Congress, on July 4, 1776. However, on August 2, 1776, a parchment paper copy of the Declaration was signed by 56 people. Many of these signers were not present when the original Declaration was adopted on July 4. One signer, Matthew Thornton from New Hampshire, who was seated in the Continental Congress in November, asked for and received the privilege of adding his signature at that time, and signed on November 4, 1776.

The Declaration became official when Congress voted for it on July 4; signatures of the delegates were not needed to make it official.